THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2033, 30 August 1880, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

Mr Walter Reynolds made his dehut on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal, when there was a capital house. Mr Reynolds’ first appearance wag rather in the character of an author than that of an actor, the part he played in the piece not affording much scope for the exercise of the talent ho undoubtedly possesses. Still enough was seen of him to show that he is an artist of no moan ability, and one who gives promise of becoming a great favorite here. The piece itself is well constructed, has : a healthy tone which contrasts favorably with the hash-up of pennydreadfulg we have had lately, and the interest is maintained to the close. The situations are dramatic without being too sensational, and with a little judicious pruning of the dialogue in the opening of the second and part of the third acta will go excellently. It was well put on the stage, and for the first night of a new piece went very smoothly. The weight of the piece rests on the heroine, the part being played by Mrs Walter Hill very effectively throughout. In the garden scene, in the second act, and the interview with the father of her lover, she played with much power. Miss Arethusa May deserves credit for her rendering of the part of Alice Rugg, though in parts the character was rather overdrawn. Miss Bessie Yivian was good as Mrs Eavenscroft, and the subsidiary lady characters were fairly filled. Mr Burford played Geoffrey Landfern with care and success, and Mr Musgrave mode a good deal out of the part of Mr Burton. As Lord Fitzeustace, one of the curled darlings of society, Mr Walter Reynolds evinced considerable histrionic power, though as has been said it did not afford him full scope. Ho made a decided point where he acknowledges his error as regards Helen Burton, and the sudden change in manner was admirably rendered by Mr Reynolds. The other characters met with efficient representatives. Mr Willis has painted some excellent scenery for the piece, one set in particular, the bridge over the Thames, in a snowstorm, being remarkably good. * Tried and True" will be repeated this evening and is well worth seeing.