THEATRE ROYAL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2638, 21 September 1882, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

‘•THE GUY’NOB.” Whether the whole of Mr Byron’s later comedies are constructed on the same linesas that which Mr Hall made ns acquainted with last night we are unable to say, but “The Guv’nor,” though dissimilar in plot, yet in general lines strongly reminds one of "Our Boys,” This is the more noticeable in two points, viz., the resemblance of young Butterscotch to;ialbot Ohampneys, and also the fact that the second act, as in “Our Boys,” is made tho feature of the comedy. Of course, the piece could not be Byronesque were it not that puns were scattered pretty liberally throughout the ‘ dialogue, which though here and there somewhat W'.ro drawn, is yet as a whole sparkling. The plot is simple enough, the piece mainly depending for its success on the suc:esoion of funny complications arising from misconceptions. These were admirably worked out by tho artistes having tho weight of the piece, and Mr Hall and his company may bo congratulated on a very successful debut. The lady characters are not very strongly drawn; the three principal parts being in tho hands of Messrs Hall, Hesfotd, and Boothman, Tho Misses Both and Jessie Gray played tho parts of Kate and Oiirio very nicely indeed. They were thoroughly natural, and as a consequence successful. Miss Louise Crawford made a good deal of the part of Mrs Macclesfield, and Miss Amy Nelson was good as Mrs Butterscotch, though some of the points were lost through want of clearness of utterance. Mr Hall—who received a most enthusiastic welcome was of course tho character of the piece. His utter obliviousness to what is really said to him, and the peculiar quaint way in which he interprets conversations was wonderfully comic. He entered most thoroughly into the spirit of the piece, bringing out in strong relief the absurdly humorous points of the comedy in a way which showed that he has lost none of bis old power as a comedian. The scene with Frederick in the second act was excellently played throughout, evoking roars of laughter, and throughout he preserved a stolidity which heightened the absurdity of tho situations in the highest degree. His make-up and acting throughout were worthy of all praise, and he certainly scored a decided hit on the occasion of his reappearance amongst us. Mr Boothman as Freddy also deservedly shared with Mr Hall tho honors of the evening. His conception of tho part is excellent, and he has lost that stiffnea which used to detract from the success of his performances. The scenes with the old boa • milder and his wife were played with much naturalness and ease, and as a whole his impersonation was capital. Mr Hesford, though somewhat uneven in parts, yet played the character of the retired confectioner very well indeed, His mistaken suspicions of the fidelity of his wife, on which the plot turns, were well brought out, and all the points were naturally and effectively made. The other characters were well filled, though they only as it were aid in bringing about the results without themselves occupying any very prominent position in the comedy. The piece was very nicely put on the stage, the scenery by Mr Nicholson, especially a set in the second act, with the river in the dis> taaoe, being excellent. The largo audience enjoyed the fun of the comedy to the utmost, laughter and applause being frequent and hearty, whilst all the characters were called before the curtain at the end of the acts. It may be noted that some few of the occupants of the dress circle prevented the concluding portion of the piece being heard to « great extent by leaving their seats prior to the fall of the curtain—a practice which, it is to be hoped, will not be repeated. “ The Quv’nor" will be played again this evening, and judging from the exceedingly favorable reception accorded to it, no doubt there will be a large house.