THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4322, 27 January 1875, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

The repetition of " Caste" was witnessed last evening by a very fair auditory, composed mainly of a section of the public who have-consistently supported the present - managejnent in their endeavor to provide Wellington with acting of ;a very high order.' Perhap3'4here; is no very, "great reason for complaint ; in other words, ■ the season may riot so far have been attended with any pecuniary loss: but it is due' to any management, which spares neither pains nor expense in producing standard plays in first-class style, .that such endea-. vora, should meet with suitable recognition at the hands of the public. That the present management are deserving of liberal patronage is admitted on all hands, and it is to be hoped that before Mr. and Mrs. Bates leave Wellington they will receive a fitting testimony, to their ability. Reverting to " Oaste," it is satisfactory to be able to observe that the hint thrown out to Mr. Bates did not " fall upon sterile ground.- All the frenzy perceptible in Old Eccles upon the first representation was abstracted from the character, which was more temperate, in a double sense, and more real. It was just what Mr. Bates would wish it to be had he a spectator's opportunity of judging. Without being too prominently forced upon the notice of tho audience, iti. was a splendid satire upon the j - pit-valiant demagogue who carries the working , • man's banner, and sponges upon- his children's'.... earnings. The subdued force was brought but in an apparently effortless maimer, but there was nothing omitted and nothing lost from the character. The altered . demeanor had this effect, that the piece was better balanced and more enjoyable. Of Mrs. Bates it is impos- * * sible to speak too highly. Throughout the '„ , piece she gave it life, and, together with Mr. Hydes, kept the audience in the best of humor and spirits. The other parts were capitally played. "Leah,", and the " Quiet Family," will be given to-night. . . Mrs. Bates takes a complimentary benefit on Friday night, when " Queen Elizabeth " will be played. A list of influential patrons have been securod, and the benefit promises to be a flattering compliment to Mrs. Bates.