THE QUEEN’S THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 4222, 7 September 1876, Page 2

THE QUEEN’S THEATRE.

It is pretty plain, whatever opinion critics or those playgceis who consider their judgment entitled to a certain amount of respect may have of the merits of the piece which serves to illustrate Little Nell’s specialities, _ that she has decidedly “struck” that portion of our theatre-going community, whom it is to the interest of managers to study. There was last evening a capital downstairs audience, and a larger circle attendance than the nighfbefore. Throughout Little Nell was heartily received, her songs and dances meeting with enthusiastic encores. A t the end of the first act she came before the curtain and made the following remarks ; Ladies and gentlemen,—l trust yon will pardon the liberty I take in thus addressing yon, bat the unjust, malicious, premeditated attack made on me I>y this morning's * Guardian ’ compels me. In the cause of justice, to defend myself, and knowing that British audiences are noted for their lore of fair play, I determined to speak to yon. Before I appeared here theie hod been several derogatory notices about me in this paper; and I can prove by witnesses that the man who wrote this morning's report has been heard to say that he was only waiting for me to appear to give me the full benefit of his scathing pen. Why he should be so embittered against me I cannot tell, unless he has been prejudiced by my enemies, who are jealous and envieus that my success has always exceeded theirs.— (Applause.) I have been on the stage since I was five years old, and claim to know something about my profession. During my starring career I have played before some of the oldest and most able critics of America—learned gentlemen who have been justly critising artists for more years than this man has lived, and who have always encoar iged ine on in my arduous duties. This man's report is not a criticism; It is simply a slanderous, abusive attack, and, as if he were not satisfied with his own work, he copied some indifferent notices which I received in Melbourne, bat he felled to tell tbe public that these copied notices were written by men whose Acquaintance and social attentions I declined—[applause)—and be also failed to publish any of the favorable ones I received in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland': in fact all over the Australian Colonies, and to state that my engagement In Sydney was the longest and most profitable one ever played by Any dramatic .star in thht city. In fact, all over the Colonies 1 have been received most cordially by my numerous audiences, the best proof of which is the fact that I have been iu these Colonies over thirteen months, p.ayiug constantly, and in the presence of the most distinguished ladies and gentlemen.—(Applause.) My benei.t in Sydney was under the immediate patronage and presence of the Governor (Sir Hercules Bobinsou) and family, and I think I am snfe in saying that he would not honor any performance that was vulgar Or npn-meritorlous with his family’s presence. If I had been a man, this penny-a-liner reporter would not have dared to thus attack me; but as I am only a weak, defenceless girl, he felt safe from harm. —(Applause.) But I ht.ve no hesitation in saying that he is a cur and a coward, and I only hope he is present to hear my opinion of him. Ido not wish to bore you, with a long, tedious speech, but in conclusion will say that here [pointing to the audience] are my critics, and to please them is my only aim. If I can win your patronage and applause, my humble efforts are more than repaid.—(Applause.) Led by the well-known M'Laren, the audience gave three unmistakeable groans for the offending journal, and these sighs of disapprobation were twice repeated.