THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4804, 15 August 1876, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

At the Theatre Royal last evening there wa3 a large attendance, each part of the house being well filled. The piece of the evening was *' The Merchant of Venice," in which Mr. Bates appeared as Shylock. Generally the representation was wanting in nothing to make it a success. Mr. Bates acted as he always does act—well. There was a total absence of that exceeding demonstrativeness peculiar in many actors who attempt the representation of this character, and none of the effect of the beautiful language which runs through the part was lost in consequence. It was rendered as it should be rendered ; every point made apparent, and the " business" attended to with a care which to an audience totally unacquainted with the actor's reputation would have shown that he was fully acquainted with and talented in his profession. Mr. C. Holloway played Antonio with care ; Mr. Metcalfe Bassanio. As Portia Mrs. Bates was effective ; howbeit, there are parts in which that lady appears to more advantage. Miss Morgan's impersonation of Nerissa appeared to give entire satisfaction. Mr. Stoneham appeared as Gratiano, and his acting was such that it could not well be found fault with. Mr. Oily Deering, a good actor and old favorite, was entrusted with the dual part of the Duke of Venice and Old Gobbo ; Launcelot Gobbo, the old gentleman's son, being represented by Mr. Sam Howard, whose acting was capital, and caused considerable amusement. The remaining characters were well sustained; and on the whole, as stated before, the play was performed in good style. The entertainment concluded with the farce " A Kia3 in the Dark." We notice- that the fairy extravaganza "The King of _ the Peacocks" is to be produced to-night, and a rare treat may be expected by lover* of burlesque. The Bates Company is now a really powerful one, having been strengthened by the arrival of Miss Follande, who will appear this evening. The management have gone to considerable expense in providing scenery for the piece, and the dresses have been prepared with the greatest care and liberality. "