OPENING OF THE NEW THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 743, 6 November 1876, Page 2

OPENING OF THE NEW THEATRE ROYAL.

Despite the prognostications of a few who prophesied the impossibility of it being done, the opening of the new theatre is an accomplished fact. That it is so is due to the zeal of those concerned in the erection and finishing of the building, who have worked with great good will to have the building opened on the day fixed. The opening on Saturday evening was, considering all things, a complete success. Of course there are one or two little things which now suggest themselves which will have to be altered, but generally there could but be one opinion on Saturday evening, viz, that Christchurch at last possesses one of the prettiest and most comfortable theatres in New Zealand, and one reflecting great credit on the architect, Mr A. W. Simpson. Where an alteration is necessary is in the back tiers of seats in the dress circle, which require raising slightly. This it is intended we believe to do to-day, so that the objection will be removed. Apart from this the seats are exceedingly comfortable, and the color in which they are covered gives the circle a very pretty appearance. The stage appointments are exceedingly elegant, the carpet and furniture showing very good taste in selection, they being of a color which does not neutralise the appearance of the dresses, though at the same time being very rich. The scenery reflects the utmost credit upon Mr Williams, being moat artistically finished. It was all excellent, but one scene in particular, a drawing room, was one of the best we have seen. The perspective was so good, that the room looked some sixty feet long. Mr Williams received a well'deserved call for it. The other arrangements on the stage worked excellently, there not being a hitch, although everything being new, it might have been excusable had there been any. The acoustic properties of the theatre, we may say, are excellent, the actors only needing to speak in their ordinary tone of voice to be heard distinctly in every part. The lighting arrangements are also very good, and by an ingenious arrangement it is impossible, when the exigencies of stage business demand semi-darkness, that the lights can be wholly extinguished. There was a very good attendance, all parts of the house being well filled, presenting a very pretty appearance. The programme opened with the “National Anthem,” the solos being taken by Miss Ness and Mr Winter. An alteration in the generally received manner of rendering the anthem was made in the tenor part, whereby some remarkable variations were introduced, but it may be questioned whether it was an improvement. Mr Hoskins, who was warmly greeted, then came forward and delivered the following address written by Mr Walter Hill. “ To-night no triumph do we celebrate, Of glorious arms, of rank, or purpl’d state ; Our theme is nobler, leaving meaner things, ‘ To low ambition, and the pride of kings.’ Enfranchised nations grant the warrior’s claim, Ynd list’ning senates ’plaud the patriots name; Still through the ages rolls the mighty sound Vibrating from ‘ one touch of nature,’ found Within the actors’ art (true Nature’s guage) In mimic scene upon the 4 well trod stage.’ We, who have loved this art, essayed to rear A worthy home for our kind patrons here : And, on this plain, where but few years ago, A wilderness was all the isle could show ; Where the thick flax in wild luxuriance grew, And wasted wealth that commerce little knew, Where tattooed savages in ambush fell, Startling gigantic birds with hideous yell; Here have we raised a dome that well may stand Comparison with any in our land ; To give assent to this you* hearts must move, For ee’n detraction dies if you approve 1 Then help us friends, and cheer us while we try To hold the mirror up to every eye, While these new walls re-echo true applause, And champion still the grand old drama’s cause. Our art’s great master spirit lived and died Where England’s Avon rolls its silver tide ; And may the name of that Adnian stream Upon our Avon’s banks inspire the theme ! Then shall our stage in future years present Amusement with instruction featly blent; For though intolerance may arch her brow And, wrapt in self-spun virtue, can’t allow Aught that is good in player or in plays Man’s universal craving loudly says, That noble art a Shakspere glorified, John Milton smil’d on, rare Ben Jonson’s

pride, And in our modern day, with strain that

warms Victoria’s laureate’s graceful verse adorns, Shall proudly soar and flourish in its prime, Not for a little ‘ age, but for all time.’ Bid us go on and prosper on our parts, 1 Give us your gentle hands , and take our hearts. ’ ”

“ The School for Scandal ” followed, and each old favorite and new face as they made their entrance received a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Miss Colville played Lady Teazle with her usual dash and spirit, being excellent in the two quarrel scenes and the screen scene. Mrs Walter Hill, whom we are glad once more to welcome to Christchurch, played Mrs Candour carefully and well. Miss Lilly May was Maria, and Miss Howard Lady Sneerwell, Mr Hoskins, as Charles Surface, was very good indeed, and received the compliment of a recall for his capital acting at the end of the screen scene. Mr Musgrave played Sir Peter excellently throughout, making all the points in a very happy maimer, Messrs Douglass and Hill,

as Sir Benjamin Backbite and Crabtree, were good, as also was Mr Burford as the hypocritical Joseph. Mr Ward, a new addition to the company, doubled the part of Moses and Snake. He has a very good voice, and acts with care. The other parts were well filled, and the comedy went capitally. To-night “ Much Ado about Nothing ’’ will be played, and Mr Hoskins, at the end of the first act, will take the audience into his managerial confidence and tell us what novelties he intends to produce during the eason.