PERFORMANCE OF THE BIJOU COMPANY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 223, 20 September 1871, Page 4

PERFORMANCE OF THE BIJOU COMPANY.

[As our notice of the first performance of the Bijou Company gave rise to some dissatisfaction, we are desirous of giving jiublicity to^ all that is to be saia on the ptherv side* and with this view, we copy, withoat comment, the follbwr ing letter from yes-terday's Colonist:~y~ '-':', Saif^Xmat fiiYcrofie report of "Jocxiai^m

Juggler "on the first representation last week, and the damning report in the Evening^ Mail led me, an old London play goer, to visit the theatre, in order to judge of the second appearance of M. Jocrisse, and as I stayed through the performance, which the Mail reporter did not, he having left half-an-hour after the commencement, causes me to address you on the subject. No . doubt, as the reporter for the Mail has resided in Nelson all his life, thereby seeing all the celebrities of Provinces, he is I presume from Ins great experience in these matters, a dramatic oracle, judging from the general flaming reports he gives us on Music given by the amateurs of Nelson. I, as well as a large body of play goers . ■were surprised at the remarks, not a critique, on the melodramatic representation, more a damning notice. Now sir, was it because the Upper Ten were giving theatricals, at the time ? Was it considered inf. adig, to put anything on the stage by a body of amateurs, limited in number, vet possessing a large amount of Histrionic talent ? If the reports on these matters as well as on others were really true, the uncalled for, as ■well as uncharitable remarks, not critique, might be considered in a serious light, but knowing well as the public do, the partial spirit in which these matters appear, the actors in " Jocrisse " need not fear a lew more "appearances." The style of "Jocrisse," is a purely melo-dramatic sensational Drama . The scene is laid in France. The basis of the plot is taken from possible events in life, it may seem highly colored, but not more than the plot of the "Lady of Lyons." The character of Jocrisse was well played and well sustained, Mr. Leech showed to advantage in a difficult part, a domestic character is at all times a difficult one, no play goer can say, that this character was over done, the struggle and the leap through the window was true to Hfe. ; The acting of Mr Maclaren as the villata Count, was well up to the mark. He took the part, and acted it to the life, Mr. M'Cabe left nothing wanting as the Juggler's attendant, well up, ready, active, and not overdone, within the bounds of such a character. Mr. Stewart acted the part of the Count de Lespierre with gentlemanly tact. Having no ladies, the parts were taken by males. That Julie, daughter of the Juggler (Mr. H. Graham) was well taken, no one can say otherwise. Had no names been given, the identity would have been doubtful. The character is difficult in the extreme for a man to attempt. The Countess was played by a lad, this being his first appearance. The other two characters were not of much importance, but still were respectably done. The manner in which the piece was put on the stage — the scenery, dresses, the grouping of ihe various characters was excellent; no breakdown, no confusion, all ran smoothly and well. In the afier piece, "The Mummy," .Leech, Maclaren, the Blacks, Bradly, and Adams, performed capitally, showing that these gentlemen possess a wide raDge of ability, for Ginger Blue and Venery, the Conspirator or Jocrisse the Juggler, and Dr. Galen can bear no analogy, Having seen, nightly, all the celebrated actors London could produce, from C. Kean, Macready, as far down as " Barry " the noted clown, I must say I was entertained, and as I always admire talent, wherever, or from whatever source it springs, I take the liberty of intruding. I am, &c, A Londoner. Nelson, September 9, 1871.