THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4422, 22 May 1875, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

miss may Howard’s benefit. It must have been peculiarly gratifying to Miss May Howard last evening, to find that the announcement of her benefit had drawn so large and fashionable an audience • and at the same time the theatrical public of Wellington must be congratulated upon the taste it has exhibited in affording such a practical demonstration of esteem for Miss Howard, and recognition of histrionic

ability of a high order. It was a well merited compliment, gracefully tendered. The piece selected for the occasion—“ East Lynne”— was happily chosen, for'few dramas are more popular. .Pretty well every one has read the story from which it is dramatised, and feels an interest in seeing the characters developed by the dramatic art. Miss Howard’s reputation as an exponent of the leading characters had preceded her, but it is doubtful whether any who were pi'esent last evening had anticipated .the treat in store. From' first to last she held the audience as it were in a spell by her truly artistic acting, and the vivid,.truthful manner in which she represented the varying emotions that wracked the mind of the unhappy Lady Isabel through her chequered career; and frequent were the rounds of applause which greeted the efforts of the talented heneficiave. Mr. Collier, as Archibald Carlyle, appeared to great advantage, evidently having well studied the character. The success of the piece was also made the more complete by the very satisfactory support afforded by the ladies and gentlemen taking the subsidiary parts. Miss Jessie Raymond’s Barbara Hare, Miss Hettie Howard’s Cornelia, Mr. Burford’s Sir Francis Levison, and Mr. Hesford’s Lord Mount Severn are particularly worthy of commendation. The dresses and appointments were a special feature, the magnificence of Miss Howard’s having never been previously equalled on the Wellington stage. At the conclusion of the piece Miss Howard, in response to a call, came forward and received a perfect ovation. She took the opportunity of returning her most sincere thanks to the people of Wellington for the many kindnesses and liberal support she had received at their hands during the season. To-night the “ Colleen Bawn ” will be produced.