ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 818, 4 June 1853, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. - Wellington, May 31st, 1853. "AH the worlds' a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their entrances and their exits, and one man in his time plays many parts." Sir, — Having been highly gratified by witnessing the late performance by Her Majesty's subjects, at the new Theatre, Aglionby, 1 feel a desire to afford those of your readers who were not present on that occasion on opportunity of judging of the merits of the piece by a brief critique. The star of the evening, as you are well aware, was Mr. E. G. Wakefield, from the London boards. This gentleman's portly figure fits him well for the character he has -chosen, and his dress it well adapted, — two auxiliaries which* he' •vidently< Bets a proper value upon. Buty unlike some great performers whom I have seen, he wants the. power of feeling himself the real herb, • certain' mannerism of action and intonation betray ing the' mere actor. 'This is a defect more likely, to be cured by his itinerant expedition bere than anything I know. He was very well •upporled by the rest of the company, and if he is not too proud to take a lesson, a little experience ou the Colonial stage will give that improvement which it is calculated -to do even to a Metropolitan -player. -His character was that of an' elderly gentleman, who tries to gainhis ends by pleading indisposition to his friends and the public, and thus winning their* sympathies. We hope he will be induced to remain among us, as he is calculated to stir op the energies of the old hands, who are becoming rather apathetic in their duties. - On the other band, should be find it more congenial to return to the Adelpbi boards, if may be hoped he will make his re-appearance there a wiser and a better man. Mr. Fitzherbert's character, although a secondary one, candour requires me to say was much better performed. It was evident that the fact of E. G. W's. superseding him in his line bad the, effect, of giving vigour to his efforts, the feeling of: jealousy being proverbial among the fraternity -of the sock tnd buskin. Our old friend', Fitz, cannot be blamed for wishing to play first Fiddle, and it is but fair to encourage him by expressing a conviction that' it is possible he may yet bear the palm. - Be this as it may, the manner in wbjch he played the game of ninepins with E. G. W., was highly creditable to his abilities in that way, wbfle the scene where he patriotically, btroically, denounces the hum-

bog of his adversary, who, a mere stranger from a far country, attempts to tell the people their wants, was brought oat with tremendous effect ; the unma Iced Charlatan completely crushed and chapfallen, exciting the pity of the audieDce, in the eyes of some of whom I could almost detect the starting tear. Fortunately, none of Mr. W's particular patrons — the ladies — were present in the boxes, else umbrellas would hays been required in the pit. I must do justice to the talents of Mr. Ludlam, whom some of the connossieurs "of the pit. and other parts of the house are in the habit of. ranking among the supernumeraries; in my opinion he played bis part with considerable judgment, and in that common-sense manner which is always appreciated by the lovers of the legitimate drama. Mr. Revans had little to do in the piece. I hope this gentleman's services will be secured ; ht can play Logic well, if Tom and Jerry support him. Last, not least, Dr. Evans played his part with unusual truth. The scene of the Dutch auction was admirable, full aa it is of a sound moral. The drollery of bis completing the series of descending piece*, by telling the purchasers that the article was their own, and that they might Uke it if they pleased, was inimitable. The various minor characters were well sustained by the supernumeraries. Mr. Harding, for instance, tore a passion to tatters in the most I approved manner. Mr. Renall facetiously pacified the gods, who complained of some of the nobs being allowed free boxes, by telling them that he quite agreed with them, and advised them to pass the door-keepers without paying in future — if they could. Mr. Scott very properly endeavoured to check the passion for approbation so conspicuous in actors, by telling them that men who were conscious of playing their parts well, ought to require no applause or thaaks, a wholesome truth which all would do well to remember. Considerable regret was expressed at Dr. Featherston's character being left out, in consequence of that gentleman's alleged indisposition. Many people, nevertheless, think that this was not the real cause of his absence, but a wish to hold himself aloof foom his fellow performers, under the pending negotiations for his becoming proprietor of the house. la conclusion, I will only say that the performance was not only entertaining, but instructive. Your obedient servant, ENCORE.