GAIETY THEATRE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1728, 3 September 1879, Page 3

GAIETY THEATRE.

Last night Lord Lytton’s fine historical play of “Richelieu” was produced at the Gaiety Theatre, The character of the great Cardinal, in its various aspects of warrior, statesman, and priest was admirably sustained by Mr George Chaplin. All the best qualities of this excellent actor were displayed to the best advantage, and he presented a finished and admirable portrait of the great Minister who swayed the destinies of France. Miss Rose Osborne was winning and graceful as Julie de Mortemar, her performance being distinguished by refinement and taste. Mr Lawrence played De Mauprat, and Mr Charles Burford was highly effective in his old part of Baradas. Mr Bland Holt as Dr. Beringhen, Mr McGowan as Joseph, and Mies Lena Edwin as Francois, all played carefully and well, contributing to the success of the piece. As far as the very limited resources of the theatre permitted, the piece was fairly put on the stage, but it is a groat pity that Mr Chaplin should have had no choice between appearing at the Gaiety or of omitting Christchurch in his tour. The audience were far below what the merit of tho performance deserved, hut like Da Mauprat they exhibited their judgment by applauding in the proper places, and Mr Chaplin was twice called before the curtain. The performance termined in the laughable farce of “Mrand Mrs Peter White.” Mr Bland Holt’s performance of Mr Peter White was alone worth the price of admission. For genuine, irresistible, infectious humor he distanced all low comedians who have visited Christchurch, and by his clever acting, assisted by Miss Lena Edwin as Mrs Peter White, brought the farce to a triumphant termination. In tho course of the farce ho sang a buffo song on “ Hamlet,” with immense effect, and, in conjunction with Miss Edwin, the popular duet “When a little farm we keep.” Mr Lachlan McGowan was thoroughly at home as tho fiery Major Pepper, and the characters of Widow White, Kitty Clover, and Frank Brown, found efficient representatives in the Misses Marsh and Mr Lawrence. This evening, Gilbert’s burlesque comedy “ Engaged ” will be produced, with Mr Chaplin as Cheviot Hill, and Miss Rose Osborne as Belinda. Mr Bland Holt will also appear in the screaming farce entitled “Tittum’s First Race.”