THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1353, 15 June 1878, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

The Scottish drama of “ Rob Roy” was performed last night to a moderate house. There are so many requisites—specialities—to render the performance of this play acceptable under ordinary circumstances, that it is scarcely a matter of wonder that last night’s representation fell short of previous performances in this theatre. It is at all times a matter of some difficulty to find a company of artistes who combine with experience _ and average dramatic ability the speciality of dialect acting, and this was palpably apparent last night. The title role was well rendered by Mr W. 0. Dillon, whoso make up, costume, and acting were highly commendable. He gave a hold and spirited representation of the gallant outlaw, being specially successful in the fiery denunciation which terminates the second act. His efforts were ably seconded by Miss Tilly Andrews, who was warmly applauded for the effective manner in which she delivered the fine speeches placed in the mouth of Rob’s wife. Here, with the exception of some of the music, which was fairly sung, special commendation must cease. Mr Walter Hill performed the character of the Glasgow Baillie, and it is only fair to say that he worked very conscientiously to bring out the salient points of the character. If ho was unsuccessful, it is more the fault of the management in casting him for a part quite out of his line than his own. His dialect was forced and labored, and there was an absence of the quiet dry humour and mellow raciness which formed the charm of the great Scottish actor. Mr Hill was far too boisterous and strident, and this was intensified by the evident but ill regulated pains, he took to make the part go with the audience. His introduction of the “ Kanaka” gag was quite out of place, and could scarcely have been expected from an actor who is deservedly credited with taste. Mr Graham made the most of the character of Rashleigh Osbaldistone, and Miss Daley was thoroughly out of her element as Francis. Mr Wilkinson gave an extraordinary rendering of the Dougal Creature, his dialect passing comprehension. Diversity in this particular, though displaying the versatility of the company, can scarcely bo regardedas an advantage from an ethnological point of view, and is at the same time confusing to the audience. Of the other characters no particular mention need be made. There was no special mounting done for the piece, a marine view with a bold headland doing duty for the Pass of Aberfoyle, which need scarcely have been the case with a clever scenic artiste like Mr Williams in the theatre. To-night Richard 111. will be performed.