THEATRICAL MATTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5005, 9 April 1877, Page 4

THEATRICAL MATTERS.

By my penny of observation.—Shakspeeb. Mr. Byron’s admirable comedy “ Our Boys” was put upon the stage of the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, the attendance in dress* circle, pit, and stalls being much larger than the state of the weather would have warranted the most enthusiastic in expecting it would be. It is not long since this play was produced under different, and, I may add, more favorable circumstances. No doubt, therefore, the performance of Saturday evening was looked forward to with considerable interest and curiosity by patrons of the drama. There can be no doubt “Our Boys” was better played during the Lingard season ; and this may be very easily understood. The comedy was one of which Mr. and Mrs. Lingard had made a speciality, in which they had appeared almost times out of number prior to making their debut on the Wellington stage, and thus attained proficiency, or at least a power to please, that left those who had the pleasure of witnessing their acting very little indeed, if anything, to desire. On the other hand Mrs. ScottSiddons on Saturday evening appeared for the first time in the part of Mary Melrose, and Mr. Power, who played Middlewiok, stood at a like disadvantage, never having appeared as the butterman before. The circumstances I have mentioned being taken into consideration, it is no wonder that the performance of Saturday night suffered by comparison; attheaametimeitwasveryfarfrom being unsuccessful. Mrs. Scott-Siddons was attractive —that lady always is; but there were evidences of the fact that she suffered by having been unable to devote sufficient study to the part. Perfectly natural in parte, her acting was occasionally strained ; her action was too rapid; her bearing too restless. Admitting these defects, however, the impersonation was very pleasing, and the approval of the audience, to judge from the liberal share of applause bestowed upon that lady during the evening, was secured. Of Mr. Power it may with truth be said he did wonders as the butterman. He had no mean task to perform. The Middlewick of Mr. Lingard will be fresh in the memories of all who saw it; and it will be admitted that to follow in the wake of such an actor required some courage and gome ability, more especially whilst laboring under the difficulty of attempting the performance forthefirsttime. Nevertheless he succeeded well indeed, and created an impression decidedly favorable. After the interval following the last act of the comedy, Mrs. Scott-Siddons gave a reading, “ Father . Phil’s Collection,” which met with flattering expressions of opinion from the audience. Her reading was unquestionably good', giving additional evidence of her talent and superior education. For some days a discussion has been going, on outside the columns of the New Zealand Times between certain critics, as to the merits of" Mrs Scott-Siddons. It is questionable whether the discussion on either side has shown more folly or more ignorance. I am. not disinclined to think myself that the greater folly has been exhibited by the indiscreetwriter who put on his praise of Mrs. ScottSiddons “with a trowel,” and the greater ignorance by his critic, who had a good case against him, but spoiled it by incompetence to ■ discuss matters dramatic, and the possession of very fine powers of introducing personalities. I have heard one criticism on the critic which, is worth repeating. Alluding to his assumed signature, it was said that he should have played the original character of the samename and had his career terminated in the somewhat summary manner which that character experienced.

Mr. J. B. Steele will take a benefit this evening. It should be unnecessary to saj anything as to this gentleman's claims to public patronage. He is well known to be an actor of great experience and ability, and to have obtained a high reputation in various parts of the world. As an actor lie is generally admired, and in private life his gentlemanly bearing and kindly disposition have won for him a large cixcle of friends. For Mr. Steele’s benefit the performance will consist of Eoucicault’s “ Colleen Hawn,” in which Mrs. Scott-Siddous, wiio has in the kindest manner consented to study and play the part of Eily O’Connor, will appear for the first time. Myles-na-Coppalcen will he played by Mr. Steele, who is known to be exccptionally good in that part- 'I he farce of “ Poor Pillicoddy” will follow, and I may mention that Mr. J. E. Coker has kindly consented to appear as Captain O'Seuttle, and there good reason for believing that the part will receive ample justice at that gentleman s hands. No doubt there will be a good house, as I trust there may be. On Tu sday night the Lydia Howarde Troupe open at the Theatre Koyal, and, as advertised, will play for live nights only. They open in Mr. Arthur Sullivan's operatta “Trial by Jury,” concluding with the extravaganza of “ Ivanhoe.” Notwithstanding the very unfavorable state of the weather on Saturday evening, there was a very fair attendance at St. George’s Hall, when the Davenport Brothers, assisted by Mr. Davies, the ventriloquist, and Professor Fay, repeated their unique and attractive entertainment. At the close of the performance, Mr. Davies thanked the audience for their attendance, saying it was quite unexpected on such a wet and stormy night. He informed them that there would be one more performance this evening, and it would be under the patronage and in the presence of his Excellency the Governor and Lady Normanby. On the following day the troupe will proceed to Napier, where I have no doubt they will be well received. Moth.