THE THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4268, 24 November 1874, Page 2

THE THEATRE ROYAL.

“ BETTERED.” Despite the unpleasant weather which prevailed in the early part of the evening, there was a good attendance at the Theatre Royal last night. The sensational three-act drama of “Fettered” was presented, and proved to be the happiest hit the company has made during the season. Miss Clara Stephenson enacted the role of Lady Fortescue, a character requiring great study, which it appeared to have received at her hands. But the most popular character was that of Tom Tit, which found a fitting representative in Mr. Hydes, whose very appearance was sufficient to excite the risible faculties of everyone present ; indeed, he kept the audience in one continuous roar of laughter. Miss Jessie Raymond played as she always does, and although the character of Lottie Warrener is not one which calls forth much talent, it did not suffer at her hands. Mr. Glover and Mr. Thorpe, as Sir Gilbert Heron and Jasper Blythe, respectively, rendered their parts well, and the other members of the company supported their parts satisfactorily. Mr. Massey's work is unmistakably evident, several scenes having been painted by him expressly for this drama. One especially called forth the applause of the audience—the bird fancier’s shop—the performance for a time being interrupted by the plaudits of the auditory. The company repeat the drama to-night, when there should be a bumper house to reward the perseverance and praiseworthy efforts of the company.