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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 173, 19 July 1878, Page 2

[Les derniers couplets etaient ecrit par Neville Thornton, decoratcur pour les toile3, pour le premier nuit dv Theatre Koyale, Nelson ] At the conclusion Mr Thornton was loudly cheered, those present taking this opportunity of showing their appreciation of the manner in which he hai performed his share in completing the how theatre, in painting the scenery. One of the ladies of the amateur company then came on lo the sta»e aud sung the National Anthem, the crowded audience risiDg mid joining iv the chorus. After some delay, which was probably owing to everything being new and not yet in perfect working order, the curtain rose upon the first scene of Maddisoii Morton's melo - drama "The Midnight Watch." From beginning to end, those who took part in this showed signs of having devoted much attention to their respective parts, all of which were carefully got up, while the acting was highly creditable. The selection, however, was not a fortunate one, for the piece is sadly wanting in interest, and, in spite of the sprightly acting of " Ninette," the careful pourtrayal of the chaaacter of " Pauline," the earnest enthusiasm displayed by Paul Delarocbe, aud the rollicking fun of that extremely illdisciplined volunteer, but remarkably jolly boon companion " Coco," it went somewhat heavily throughout. Iv the iuterval that followed some capital songs were sung by lady and gentlemen members of the Company, all of which wereioudly and repeatedly encored. Tbe closing piece was the amusing farce entitled " State Secrets," and if "' Gre- [ gory Thimblewell " was not satisfied with | tbe peals of laughter he evoked from his deiighted audience he must indeed be hard ! to please. He has a fund of rich racy humor which displays itself ia every look and actionas well as in words, and the company are to be congratulated on having been the means of|introi)ucing so much taleufc as he undoubtedly possesses to the Nelson public. There was an excellent little orchestra under the leadership of Mr Oakey, aud that the evening passed off very agreeably and satisfactorily was proved by the surprise that was expressed by many of the audience as they left the Hall on finding that it was past j eleven o'clock. There was one regret very generally expressed, to which itmay be well to call the attention of the Oddfellows with a view to their removing the cause if possible,' namely, that the acous tic properties of the Hall are very faulty, the words uttered on the stage, although delivered in a loud voice, being only heard with the greatest difficulty. It ia to be hoped that some remedy may be found for this serious fault. In other respects the building is an admirable one, and we trust that the speculation will prove a successful one to the enterprising proprietors.