THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2207, 23 March 1881, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

" THE DUKE'S MOTTO."

This highly sensational drama was given loot night to a considerable house. The broad incidents of the novel on which it is founded are crammed into a comparatively short spaze, and tho consequence is that the piece is sprinkled with violent deaths to an extraordinary extent. The situations, however, are tolling, and the acting of Herr Bandmann brought out the points in the part of Lagardere in a very marked manner. The plot hangß on the fate of Blanche do Nevors, whose father, the Duke do Nevers, was murdered by the Duke Gonzaquo when he wne an infant. The infant had been entrusted by the mother to Lagadere, a gentleman more noted for his skill as a swordsman than for his Christian feelings. This Lagardere brings her np, falls in love with her, restores her to her property and her station, kills the stvon accomplices of the Duke G-jrzaque, runs that gentleman handsomely through the middle in tho last sot, nnd Anally marries the fair Blanohe. It will be seen that Lagardere has plenty on his hands, but Herr Bandmann was quite equal to the occasion, and worked off his foes in a truly busi-ness-tike fashion. His make-up and acting as .iEsop, the dwarf, whom Lagardere counterfeits for the purpose of deceiving the Duke, were excellent. Mr Cathcart did the villian of the part with elfecr, and Mr Hall made the most of the Regent. Miss Beaudet made a charming Blanohe, her impersonation of the country girl brought up by Lagnrdero being very frooh and natural. Messrs Tasman and Oostello created much amusement as Corardaase and Paaofroil. To-night, the "Merchant of Yenico " will bo repeated.