DARRELL’S HENRY V. COMBINATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5535, 23 December 1878, Page 2

DARRELL’S HENRY V. COMBINATION.

Mr. George Rignold, the bright particular star of the above-mentioned combination, has gained for himself a world-wide fame by his grand impersonation of Shakspere’s marvellous creation. Of his career in England and America it will suffice to note that he has long been recognised ns one of the foremost of the few dramatic stars now holding positions on tho London and New York stage. As a delineator of the character of tho heroic king Mr. Rignold is absolutely without a rival. Fitted by nature with every requisite for a perfect embodiment of tho part, long years of careful study and experience have enabled the actor to make a specialty of his performance. His success in Melbourne and Sydney was instantaneous and signally impressive. The historical play ran in Melbourne for six weeks, and was only withdrawn, after its unprecedentedly successful career, to make room for attractions previously engaged. To support Mr. Rignold there have been engaged by Mr. Darrell several of the leading artists from the theatres in Melbourne and Sydney, the major portion of whom were in the original oast. The company numbers in all thirty actors and actresses; of auxiliaries there will bo fifty, and in addition three genuine horses. The scenery was painted expressly by Mr. Yoeghtlin, of New York, and Mr. John Hennings, of Melbourne. Tho properties and dresses were made for the purpose historically correct, whilst the trappings, banners, and heraldic accessories are in accord. The orchestra has been greatly enlarged, and tho whole stage will be thrown open in tho entry to London scene. Mr. George Darrell deserves every encouragement from the theatre-goers of New Zealand for the spirit and enterprise he has shown in risking what must necessarily bo a heavy speculation, Past experience has proved that this gentleman has over kept faith with the public, and wo have every reason to feel assured that his present announcements are but heralds to a thoroughly legitimate and Imposing representation. We make tho following extract from tho Melbourne Argus of September 16:—Mr. Rig. nold’s version of “ King Henry V." was produced before a Melbourne audience for the first time on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal, and its completeness was remarkable, amjj its CUGoess unquestionable. Hr, Ripold’a

Henry is a worthily-sustained performance from first to last. He has a fine manly presence, a clear, open, honest, English face, a figure strong, well-knit, and dignified, without a trace of mechanically-regulated movement. In short there is a singular harmony between himself and the character. His voice is clear, firm, and evenly pitched. It has a range which gives him great advantage in the delivery of passages demanding varied emphasis ; and practice has enabled him so well to manage it, that it is as fresh and resonant at the end as at the beginning of the play.