MISS ALICE DUNNING’S BENEFIT.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 718, 7 October 1876, Page 2

MISS ALICE DUNNING’S BENEFIT.

The crowded house and warm reception accorded last evening on the occasion of Miss Alice Dunning’s benefit amply )' proved how high that lady is held in the estimation of playgoers here. The firot piece was a new comedy by Mr H. J. Byron, “ Not such a Pool as he looks.” It is an excellently written comedy, and was played throughout in a manner reflecting the highest credit upon those taking part in it. Christchurch audiences have reason to thank Mr Hoskins for having made the acquaintance in “ Our Boys," and the comedy of last night of two of the best pieces yet produced here. Miss Alice Dunning, in the part of Felicia Craven, has, it is true, not a great deal to do, nor is the part one calculated to display to the best advantage her undoubted talent as an actress. Nevertheless, she gave us a very charming and natural performance; so much so as to make us regret that there was not more of it. Her best scene is with Sir Simon in the first act, where she throws herself upon his generosity, and asks his assistance. This was very nicely played, and her bye-play in the scene was very good. To say that Miss Florence Colville astonished the audience as Mrs Mould is but stating bare fact. So completely did she divest herself of her identity, and that, too, in a part which is about as opposite to the parts in which she is so well known amongst us, and in which she has achieved so much success, that we could scarcely believe it was the same lady. In make up, accent, and acting, she was excellent, and the scene with Mould over the tea table was as good a piece of acting as we have seen her do. We cannot pay her a greater compliment, and at the same time one thoroughly well deserved, when we say that the hypocritical, vulgar, domineering old laundress stood before us personified to the life. Her success in the part is the more to be praised because, as we have already said, it is an entirely new line, and one which those who have seen her only in the dashing heroines of high comedy, would hardly expect her to make a hit. In adding this character to her repertoire, Miss Colville evinced a versatility which is deserving of high praise. Miss Howard played the small part of Mrs Merton creditably. In the part of Sir Simon Simple Mr Lingard appeared to great advantage. Indeed, though of course of a different class, it is worthy of being placed side by side with his butterman. The two great features in the character, viz—that whether in prosperity or adversity he is still a gentleman, and that under a somewhat foolish exterior he yet possesses a good heart and a fund of common sense, were admirably brought out by Mr Lingard. It was a really capital performance, and we only regret that the piece has been played so near the termination of the season. Mr Hoskins made a great hit in the part of Mould. His make up and acting of the part was excellent to a degree, and he received loud plaudits for his really capital impersonation. Indeed, as a character part it is worthy to stand on a level with some of his best characters. Mr Burford, as Murgatroyd, and Mr Douglas, as Frederick Grantley, were both good. At the end of the piece there was an enthusiastic recall, and Mr Lingard, in a few well chosen words, expressed his gratitude for the liberal support met with during the time Miss Dunning and himself had been in Christchurch. He also intimated a possibility of their returning here after the race week. In the comedietta that followed, Miss Dunning sang two ballads, “Is my darling true to me ” and “ Star upon star,” very nicely indeed. The piece as a whole went capitally,