THE THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4395, 21 April 1875, Page 2

THE THEATRE ROYAL.

MES. BATES'S BENEFIT. If any proof were needed of the popularity of Mrs. Bates, the attendance at her benefit performance last evening supplied it in abundance. Dress circle, stalls, and pit were crowded, the former division of the house containing a large number of leading citizens, who availed themselves of this last opportunity to pay a tribute to Mrs. Bates,, who is, without doubt, the most talented actress who has ever appeared in this city.. The most convincing argument that can be advanced in favor of this latter statement is that she has played a season of unprecedented duration in the annals of Wellington theatricals, .and last evening gave a specimen of high, comedy acting which fully sustained the favorable opinion created by previous efforts. The play produced was " The Honeymoon," one of the finest of comedies. Mr. ■ Bates was the Duke Aranza, and, in addition to being an intelligent and attentive representation, the humors _of the J 0 part were well expressed.' Mrs. Bates's Juliana was also a capital rendering ; and, indeed, the comedy was put on the stage in an exceptionally complete manner) especial pains evidently having been bestowed to secure this end. Mr. Burford was quite at home as Rolande, " the voman-hater," and how Mr. Burford can hate a woman, theatrically speaking, is only equalled by his passionate love of her. At any rate this was the impression raised by his acting,.and if it be art to assimilate fiction to reality, Mr. Burford succeeded admirably. ' Miss Raymond and Miss Francis played Volante and Zamara capitally; and contributed greatly to the success of the piece, which was rendered infinitely amusing by Mr. Howard, "the k mock Duke." The "Married Rake" was played as an afterpiece, with. Mr. and Mrs. Bates in the leading character's. More genuine acting has not been seen in 'Wellington* The performance, as a.whole, was eminently satisfactory, both to the~bcnejiciare and the audience, who expressed their kindly feeling toward Mrs. Bates by repeated plaudits during the performance.