THEATRICAL NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1762, 13 October 1879, Page 3

THEATRICAL NEWS.

[From the Auckland “ Free Lance.”] Signor Grey has been successful, through -the efforts of his agents, Messrs Shera, Boylan, McKenzie, &o , in getting together the best variety troupe that has ever performed in the Southern Hemisphere. The following are the names of the artistes : Grey, Sheehan, George, Wood, Tole, Wallis, Swanson, Hamlin. Speight, Moss, Colbeek, Harris, Lnndon, McDonald, and? last, but not least, Signor Hurst. The star of the troupe is, of course, Signor Grey, who is one of the school, and is said to be the best tragic player the world; has produced. His acting in that well-known piece called “ The Piako Swamp” is a treat, especially in the last act, where, in a trance, he fancies he sees 500 happy families swimming in the swamp—in fact, it’s quite overpowering, and would touch the heart of a brass monkey. We fancy this actor has seen his best days, and that he will retire from the stage at tho end of the year is pretty well a certain thing. We have no doubt he will end his days at the Whau without the Kan. Monsieur Sheehan, a woll-known singer and dancer. His dancing with tho Maori grla in the can-can is a real treat; as is also s singing of those pathetic ballads, “ The Maori Countess,” and “We will never get drunk any more.” A _ Herr George, from the Theatre Royal, Kawau, takes the part of Lord Dundreary very well indeed; he is said to put Spthern quite in the shade. This gentleman will also act as stage manager for the troupe. Signor Wood, the greatest female impersonator of the age, takes the part of an old woman splendidly ; in fact, Farron is a fool to him. Signor Tole comes from the Imperial Opera House, Howick. His acting and singing in that well-known oper.% the “ Mulligan Guards ’’ needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Messiah Wallis and Wully Swanson are the corner men, the former takes tho bones and the latter the tambourine. Their jokes are really very good indeed, both of them are so awfully funny that the audience can never tell where the laugh ought to come in. Herr Hamlin, from tho Drury Lane Theatre, Waiukn, is one of the finest comedy players of the ago ; as the old butterman in “ Our Boys ” he will make a decided hit. In reference to Messieurs Moss and Speight tho “Whan Dramatic News” says :—“Mesa and Speight are the best Shaksperian actors that has ever appeared on our stage at tho Whau ; the manner In which they acted and recited parts of plays from the great bard’s beat pieces In a performance a few nights since quite convinced Dr. Aicken that ho was in duty bound to keep them there until the full moon had passed.” Monsieur Colbeek, a very clever artiste, will not take a very prominent part in any of the performances. We have it on good anthority that ho is only going to be cheque taker for the troupe. Monsieur Harris and Herr Lundon, better known in the theatrical world by the names of the “Waiukn Major” and “Hokhnga Jack,” were formerly members of the celebrated troupe called the Howick Minstrels. These two actors, like the last mentioned artiste, will not take a leading part in the performance* at Wellington ; their business will be to go around the city and do the billsticking (about all they are good for). Signor McDonald, an athlete and gymnast ol no mean repute: in fact, it ia said that he *

can box and wrestle any man that is under nine years of age or over ninety-nine. Signor Hurst also accompanies the troupe with his celebrated educated pig. which, by. the-bye is a wonderful beast, and can do any trick-going. It is far more intelligent than his master (which is not saying much for the poor animal). Beside the the artistes already mentions, this troupe will include one or two Maori minstrels , With such an array of talent Grey ought to draw large houses in the Empire City, and the Wellington people are sure to get fun for their money ; besides, it will give our Southern friends an opportunity of seeing what talent Auckland can prodace when she likes. Young Colonial.