THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4302, 5 January 1875, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

“School,”,a comedy, in four acts, by the late T. W. Robertson, was performed at the Theatre last night for the first time. The speciality of the comedy is that there is no speciality in it, if we except the wit that sparkles in every line and the epigrammatic turn of many sentences. The first act opens with a wood scene, discovering the scholars engaged in listening to ■ the story of Cinderella, read from a book by Bella (Miss Adelaide Stoneham), an orphan of unknown parents. The principals, Doctor Sutcliffe (Mr. Hesford), and Mrs. Sutcliffe (Mrs. Stoneham), enter during a discussion as to what is love, of which the Doctor vainly endeavors to give a definition of the tender passion. ' Then enters Krux (Mr. J. P. Hydes), a hypocritical teacher. He encounters Bella, proposes marriage, and is indignantly rejected ; shortly after, Lord Beaufoy (Mr. C. Burford) and Jack Poyntz (Mr. F. M. Bates), appear upon the scene. They are joined by Farintosh (Mr. H. Stoneham) a superannuated beau, who urges upon Beaufoy, who is likewise his heir, the propriety of marrying Naomi Tighe (Mrs. F. M. Bates), an orphan, but also an heiress ; which proposal is refused by Beaufoy. Bella, flying from a bull chasing her and Naomi, drops a shoe, which is picked up by his lordship ; the bull is shot by Poyntz, who thereby makes the acquaintance of Naomi at the same time that Beaufoy falls in love with Bella. The next Act admits us to a school examination, which is excessively funny. The third act in devoted to the accidental meeting of the lovers, who of course indulge in a moonlight ramble, in the course of 'which Beaufoy gives Bella a ring. The walk and interview is watched by who reports it to the Doctor, and the charity pupil, Bella,. is banished from the school. In the fourth act explanations ensue, resulting in the discovery that Bella is the grandchild of Beau Farintosh, and everybody is made happy according to the most approved fashion. The acting throughout reflected the highest credit on all concerned. Mrs. Bates played with a spirit and vivacity that seemed to be a part of her very self, and she was ably supported by Mrs. Stoneham, Miss Stoneham, and Miss Jessie Raymond. Mr. Bates and Mr. O. Burford fairly divided the honors in their respective parts, and Mr. J., P. Hydes, Mr. Stoneham and Mr. Hesford came in for.no small share of applause. Altogether the play was a most deserved success. The new scenery by Mr. Charles Massey contributed not a little to that end. The performance will be repeated this evening.