THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5018, 24 April 1877, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

The announcement that a new piece would be played at the Theatre last evening drew a large audience, the dress circle being well filled, while the pit and stall* were crowded. Of the play little need be said, because it partakes so much of the character of other plays in which the business, peculiar to the Baker and Farron style, is introduced. There is virtue in the shape of a well-dressed young lady of the period, who is prepared to make any amount of sacrifices for a good mother, who has the misfortune to find herself in the power of a vidian of the gentlemanly order, but, properly, of the deepest die known to the class. There is villainy in the person of a youth upon whom the affections of the young lady afore-mentioned are bestowed; but she in consequence of the uncomfortable family difficulties " lets concealment like a worm," &c.; love's bower therefore is for a time made the v;ctim of a social earthquake, and looks pretty seedy after the eruption; But by the goodwill of providence, or an ingenious and reckless author's pen, there is made to appear a guardian atigeu in the person of a man, the size of whose heart is only equalled by tremendous cunning and an enormous amount ot pluck (German) ; and he, with the assistance of ' others, and after passing through sensational - times, sets matters straight. There is a happy ending. It may rightly be imagined that the piece itself consists chiefly of padding ; but of the business, or a portion thereof introduced by Messrs. Baker and Farron, it would bo impossible to speak otherwise than in terms of the greatest praise. Mr.Farron'slrish character •was inexpressibly funny, in saying which we do not exaggerate ono iota, for it simply defies description, as may well be imagined from the fact that the audience, many ?of whom had seen him a number of times in other characters, were kept in a stato of mirth bordering on convulsions whilst he was entertaining them. A number of pleasing songs, duets, and dances were also introduced during the evening, but the great attraction was found in the volunteer scene. This consisted in the parading of an army of boys dressed in uniform, with Mr. Baker at the head n 3 commander. It has fallen to the lot of few to see such extraordinary proficiency attained --Jri what may bo called stage military business. The youngsters—none of whom could have numbered over thirteen summers —were put through company drill, and acquitted themselves in a manner that would do credit to any company of adult volunteers in the colony, and considering the short time at the disposal of Mr. Baker in -which he prepared bis small army for this display, it 6eems hardly possible to imagine how he could have managed to do it. The army sang a marching chorus, and sung it very well. It is very seldom that small boy or girl shows of this kind on the stage are productive of remarkable effect, and it might be imagined therefore that what is written of this one has something of exaggeration in it. Such is not the case, however, for we have seldom seen an audience so delighted as that of last evening was at this performance. The applause was deafening, and the young army, under the command of Mr. Baker, were encored twice most enthusiastically. The same programme is announced for this evening.