THE LINGARDS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4947, 30 January 1877, Page 3

THE LINGARDS.

The attendance at the Theatre Koyal last evening was tolerably full, but not bo large as might have been expected on the presentation of a new programme in which Mlbs Lingard was. to appear. It maybe confidently said, however, that had it been known what a real treat was to be offered there would have been a much larger gathering there of those who can - thoroughly appreciate high-class acting. "The New Magdalen" is a play which has been-placed on the "Wellington stage before, but . under snch entirely different circumjtances that it seemed almost impossible to recognise it as the same production. In instituting a comparison between the performance of last night and that witnessed on- a former occasions there is no intention to .reflect upon the lady; who, as Mercy Merrick, preceded Miss' Lingard in that character, because we have never seen any actress who could have rivalled Miss Lingard in her performance of last; night. This lady not only betrays a thorough acquaintance with the business of her profession (rind here that word is meant to apply more particularly in its practical sense), but evinces high intellectual superiority, and a power of eloquence that charms all who hear the words fall from hor lips, which literally breathe forth music, and the expression is so admirable that the full force' of every utterance is felt. In the scene where the rightful owner to the name which Mercy Merrick bears enters and confronts her Miss Lingard'a acting was magnificent, and totally different from what most of us have beea accustomed to, • and the applause with which she was greeted on concluding a passionate torrent of speech addressed to her companion fully testified to the effect which the magnificence of theeffort had upon the audience. We repeat it would be hard to conceive of anything more comx>letely attractive than the performance of at least one of those engaged in the

s representation of " The New Magdalen" last 1 night. Of the other players Miss Morgan was as, t usual ladylike and pleasing in the character 3 of Grace Koseberry ; but the part is naturally subordinate to that of Mercy Merrick, whose 1 charms of person and mind are (alas for huP manity—the male portion at least) perhaps s heightened by the shade of impropriety resting on the sad history of a past life, and the more - fortunate life she ultimately enjoys. But not--3 withstanding this natural drawback Miss 2 Morgan succeeded in giving,prominence to her 3 part, and shared in the plaudits liberally dis- , tributed during the evening. Speaking of the . sentiments of the audience as respects the representation of this piece, it was significant • of their general satisfaction that they showed the most wonderful patience on the occasion of a painful pause (the only one), during ■ which nobody seemed to know whose business it was next to speak. Mr. Metcalf ) was a rational and consequently pleasing Julian i Gray, that being one of the parts in which he always appears to advantage; and Mr. St. Lawrence gave further testimony last night, by his acting in the character of Horace, that the company now playing at the Theatre Royal have gained in him really valuable assistance. With the exception of Lady Janet Gray, a character which Mrs. Stoneham sustained with characteristic ability, the other parts were not at all important, and call for no special mention. Regarding the piece, which many who take, the trouble to read theatre notices are pretty well acquainted with, it is unnecessary to say much. The story is decidedly not more probable than many upon which modern plays are founded, and" while the ultra "goodie" ones might call it slightly immoral, they could not, to be honest, fail to find in it a good wholesome • moral; and when the common feelings of our nature are directly appealed to, the brighter side of the picture, is that which attracts the most.. It may be questioned whether all young ladies similarly situated to Mercy' Merrick would end their career as she did, and find a young clergyman to see in her all that he, could desire for a partner in, life ; but if it. is to be supposed, on the other hand, that this young lady's life should set a bad example to the young, why, in that case, let us condemn many of the plays of the /world's great' dramatist and poet, and regard as one of the vices, the practice of novel-reading. It'is better, however, that the public should go and judge for themselves of The New Magdalen,"'which will be repeated to-night, and will no doubt be witnessed by a full house.