THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1791, 17 November 1879, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

On Saturday night Mr J. J. Wallace made his first appearance in Christchurch as Gerald Fitzgerald in a drama entitled " The Irish Exile." It would, • perhaps, be unfair to estimate Mr Wallace's ability as an interpreter of Irish charaoter by his performance of the part in question, as ' both it and the piece are almost outside the pale of criticism. The story deals with the rebellion of '9B, but the incidents are farfetched, if not altogether improbable, and lack the merit of skilful treatment. With an unusually fertile theme and a rich store of - incident to draw upon, the author of this play has only succeeded in showing of what I little advantage they have been to him. Tho 'Usual stereotyped characters are introduced, only more feebly drawn than usual, and the language was not more commonplace than the • situations barren of novelty. Mr Wallaoe has a good voice and an expressive face, and appears to be wjbll acquainted with the business of the stage. Against these advantages must be placed a most unpleasant jerkiness • and angularity in his action, and a strong tendency to exaggeration in his delivery. At times he is deeply, almost sepulchrally, tragic where there is no apparent necessity for it, and his comedy lacks the raciness and spontaneity necessary to carry the audience with him. His acting would bo more effective were it less laborious and demonstrative. 1 Possibly Mr Wallace may appear to greater advantage in other characters and this judgment on his first essay be susceptible of • modification in a happier selection than his opening piece. Mr Wallace was well supported by Miss Lester, Mr Joyce, Mr Boothman, and the other ladies and gentlemen of the company, but it was impossible for them to invest with any strong degree of interest the creations of the author of the drama. The " Irish Exile " will be repeated this evening. ______^_^__