THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4448, 22 June 1875, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

A crowded house was attracted to the Theatre Royal last evening by the announcement of “The Pilot.” Dress circle,stalls, and pit alike were crowded, and from the two latter named divisions of the house many were turned away. Those who were fortunate enough to get in had enough of the sensational to set them off their heads for a week or two. From beginning to end the play is one series of thrilling adventures, deeds of heroism, and miraculous escapes of brave men from perils by sea and perils by land, and romantic triumphs over unrelenting foes to love. Thunder and lightning, hail and rain,, ships in extremis, land fights and sea fights, and a host of other dreadful sights are presented with a vividness that mocks reality, till interest is lost in suspense and admiration in enthusiasm. Of the manner in which the characters were taken, if we spoke in disparaging terms, we should be opposing the opinions of the large audience who were present. Everything that was done was applauded, everything funny that was said was laughed at; everyone in the assemblage seemed well pleased, and as a natural following, it may be taken for granted every actor and actress was goodMr. Hoskins as Long Tom said tall things and performed valorous deeds, and Mr. Burford as the Pilot looked and talked in a very terrible manner. Mr. Booth was milder,, but equally determined, and with exquisite melodramatic pathos sadly wanted to die with honor and glory thick around his brow, but somehow they would not let him, and our last recollection was seeing him with his arm round his lady love’s waist, and apparently very anxious to live. Mr. Hydes as Captain Borougholiffe, was very funny, and people would laugh at him even when the “regular Yank’s” life was not a profitable investment for an insurance company, seeing that he was in the grasp of Tom Coffin, and had a rope pretty close to his neck. Mr. Hesford was very grave. Mr. Stark as Sergeant Drill resembled the proverbial “ yard of pump-water.” The ladies’ parts, which were not quite so much in the “ thunder and lightning” line, fell to Mrs. Hill, Miss Lilly May, and Miss Marion Moore, and were well received, the last mentioned lady’s song securing to her a large share of popular favor. Throughout, the scenic and mechanical effects were really well arranged, and so far as stage management was concerned, the performance of last night was a great success. The afterpiece was “ The Conjugal Lesson,” in which Miss Colville and Mr. Hydes appeared ; and this also passed off well. The same programme is announced for this evening.