THE THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4398, 24 April 1875, Page 2

THE THEATRE ROYAL.

The managerial career of Messrs. Bates and Howard may virtually be said to have concluded with the performance of last evening. So at least was it regarded by the patrons of the Theatre Royal, who assembled in considerable numbers to express, in a tangible manner, that feeling which alone accompanies honors deservedly won. Expense, experience, and every other essential element has been brought to bear with the view of placing the drama upon a footing which it never before occupied iu Wellington. Whether the effort has brought about pecuniary results satisfactory to the management is not a matter of public concern though there is scarcely an individual in the community who would not regret an opposite development of affairs. The one broad fact of which - the city may now justly feel proud is that the management of Messrs. Bates and Howard has raised it iu a theatrical sense to the status of an Australian metropolis. This matter seems to he thoroughly understood aud appreciated by the public, for better attendances and more liberal support has not hitherto been so consistently maintained. The present week has afforded ample evidence of the direction of public opinion in regard to Mr. aud Mrs. Bates. Each has received very gratifying proofs of popularity, and at last evening’s performance, which was for the joint benefit of Mr. Bates and Mr. Howard, they were greeted with a responsive farewell on the part of the audience. “All that Glitters” was the play for the occasion, and frequently as Mr. and Mrs. Bates have been extolled in these columns, it is no exaggeration to say that they never appeared to greater advantage. The,cast was made with nice discrimination, and it may well he imagined therefore that the piece went with perfect smoothness and completeness. Mr. Bates made an excellent Stephen Plum. Mrs. Bates captivated her audience by her charming rendering of Martha Gibbs. Mr. Howard was irrestibly droll as Toby Twinkle, Miss Raymond, who, by the way, has made great advances lately, played Lady Valeria with a great deal of point aud piquancy. Mr. Burford, in regard to whom it is always impossible to urge the smallest complaint, did the polished but rascally Sir Arthur Lassel to perfection, and the remaining characters evidently kept in view the paramount consideration that they were playing to make the piece a success. The piece,* under these circumstances, went capitally, and gave every satisfaction. At its conclusion, the principal performers were called before the curtain. The “Conjugal Lesson” brought the hill to a conclusion.