THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1833, 7 January 1880, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

There was a good but by no means overcrowded house last night on the occasion of Miss Ada Lester's complimentary farewell benefit. The piece chosen was Tobin's great comedy "The Honeymoon," compressed into three acts, as it is now ordinarily performed, though why the racy scenes between Lampedo, the hostess, and Balthazar, are, or ever were omitted, when the company was numerous enough to cast them, must remain a mystery. The effect is to materially curtail the time occupied in the performance of the play, whioh may be an advantage when the actors are not up to the mark; but when the reverse is the case the audience are deprived of some of the funniest episodes and passages in the comedy. " The Honeymoon," as performed last night, was in many respects a treat. Mr W. Hoskins, as the Duke Aranza, favored the audience with one of those sterling and firstclass performances which have rendered him such a popular favorite in this city. His elocution, by-play, and facial expression, were equally admirable, and were keenly relished in front of the eurtain. Miss Ada Lester was a charming Juliana. Each phase of the oharaoter was nicely discriminated, and she was equally good as the high-born imperious dame who scorns to bend the knee to her tyrant, as she views her husband, and as the loving, gentle wife, subdued through her affections. 'Miss Lizzie Lawrence made a pretty, gentle Zamora, and Miss L. Dixon creditably enacted the part of Tolante, though, as Aminadab Sleek says, "It was not at all in her way." Mr J. J. Wallace was very funny as the mock duke from a Transatlantic point of view, and, as the woman-hater, Rolando, Mr Boothman appeared to advantage. Mr J. G-. Joyce was, as he indeed always is, excellent in the role of Balthazar, and Mr Bede created a deal of laughter by the humorous manner in whioh he performed the little part of Lopez. Mr Lance Lsnton completed a fairly satisfactory cast as Count Montalban. A capital farce, entitled "A- Man without a Head," in whioh Mr Wallace bustained the part of Mr Oblivious Top, Bent the audience home in high good humor. This evening " Loßt in London" will be performed.