THEATRE ROYAL

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1437, 24 September 1878, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL

Mr Chaplin as Hamlet,

Tho performance of “ Hamlet” last night at tho Theatre Eoyal was in many respects a great improvement on those that have taken taken place during the past few months. In tho first place, in Mr Q-. H. Chaplin the management may be congratulated on having engaged an actor of high intelligence and ability, and who, judging from hia performance last night, is likely to become a great favorite in Christchurch. From tho eulogistic notices of Mr Cbaplin that have from time to time appeared in tho Australian papers, tho theatrical public of New Zealand were prepared to expect an actor of more than ordinary merit, nor have they been disappointed. Ho possesses a fine figure and an expressive face, with a rich powerful voice, which he knows how to use effectively, without degenerating into rant, so that when lie delivers a declamatory speech the effect is not marred by the vocal extravagances that actors of less discretion and judgment bo frequently indulge in. His conception of tho philosophic Prince in no essential way differs from tho accepted interpretation of tho most eminent modern tragedians, while at the same time certain little deviations from tho orthodox text of Shakspearc servo to show that Mr Chaplin is capable of thinking for himself, and independent enough to give expression to those thoughts without servilely re-stcreotyping phrases which, although time-honored to others, do not meet with his approval. Amongst those deviations may be noticed, for illustration, tho phrase “a siege of troubles” in place of a “ sea of troubles.” The substituted word per sc being, if not generally adopted, at least not inappropriate when taken in connection witli tho following words, “ and by opposing end them.” Mr Chaplin gave tho soliloquies with admirable taste, particularly tho one commencing “ Oh! what a rogue and peasant slave am I.” The closet scene was also particularly effective, especially in the point Mr Chaplin makes with the two portraits ; the business is novel, but strikingly dramatic. Tho player scene was equally good, and, cn passant, Mr Chaplin gave the audience one of the greatest elocutionary treats that has boon for a long time heard in Christchurch. The fifth act confirmed tho good impression already created by Mr Chaplin’s previous efforts, and stamped him as a scholarly artist, whoso efforts arc directed by ripe experience and excellent judgment. Miss Florence Colville gave excellent support to the leading character, as tho Queen, looking superbly and acting with her usual force and ability. Miss Tilly Andrews was also very successful, especially in tho mad scene, as Ophelia. Messrs Burford and Dcering are great acquisitions to the theatre, and the former gentleman as the Ghost, and tho latter as Polonius, played with great ability and contributed to the success of the play. The remainder of tho cast was the same as on its last representation. It may bo worth while to point out to Mr T. Burton that while new readings are not in themselves objectionable if adopted with discretion, and with an obvious reason for their substitution for tho old and orthodox phrase, still it is a little confusing to hear the King exclaim “ There is a -gentleman come from ‘ Normanby,’ ” instead of “Normandy,” the former name being suggestive of a sojourn with His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, which of course Shakapero could not have intended. This evening, Lord Lytton’s fine play of “ .Richelieu, or tho Conspiracy,” will be presented, with Mr Chaplin os tho great Cardinal, and Mias Florence Colville as Julio de Mortemar,