THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1913, 12 April 1880, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

Boucicault's sensation drama " After Dark," was produced on Saturday night. Any description of the plot ifl unnecessary, the piece having been 'played a considerable number of times in Christchurch. As on former occasions, under the present management the chief character, " Old Tom," was performed by Mr Hoskins, in whoße experienced hands it was rendered powerfully effective. Mr J. P. Hydes got a great deal of fun out of the role of Dicey Morris, hiß conception being characterised by tho breadth and unction deemed necessary in the representation of the stage Jew. Mr Boothman was a very gentlemanly Gordon Chomley, playing easily and naturally. In parts of this kind Mr Boothman, always conscientious and zealous, is at his best. Mr Alexander was a good Bellingham, his villainy being less demonstrative than is generally considered essential to successful stage rascality. The larrikin element, who roost at night beneath the dark arches of the bridge, was cleverly represented by Messrs Rede and Stsrk and Mies Maude Vincent. Mr Rede is an unapproachable artiste in the delineation of the cockney Arab. Miss Lizzie Morgan and Miss Lizzie Laurence are entitled to the greatest praise for their escollent impersonations of Eliza, and Rose Egerton. Mi*a Morgan's acting was forcible, yet freo from exajrg^ra'ion, and full of womanly fooling As R J»e Egerton, Mies Laurence was simply delightful, her acting in the scene where she shelters Eliza and gives her a home, boingfull of winning tenderness and sweetness. Both ladies wore specially recognised by the audience for their natural acting in this, the prettiest situation in tho play. Mr Barry O'Weil, who was specially engaged, gave completeness to tho scene of the Elysium Concert Hall by his singing of " Tommy Dodd," and his clevor lightning changes. The piece was carefully put on the stage, Mr Williams being honored with a call tor his realistic scone of Blackfriars Bridge by moonlight. The underground railway scene and the rescue of Gordon Chomley wero also very well managed. " After Dark " will be repeated to-night.