THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2187, 22 March 1880, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

On Saturday evening the Arethusa Premier Star Dramatic Company opened for a brief season of live nights at the above place of amusement. The piece selected for the opening night was the “ Two Orphans,” the famous London drama, and, as might have been expected, with a company which includes so many well-known artistes, the performance was a decided success. The story of the “ Two Orphans ” is too well known by this time to require any reference here. Sullice it to say that Mrs Hill and Miss Arethusa May effectively represented the two sisters, Miss May’s delineation of the blind girl, with her pitiful vacant look, being especially worthy of notice. Mr Purford, as the tattered, crippled knifegrinder, Pierre, was also excellent. Mr I). Clinton, as Jacques, betrayed a slight tendency to exaggerate, but was otherwise good. Mr J. A. Hooper made a capital Marquis do Presles, and his duel with the Chevalier de Vandray (Mr J. P. Tyrrell, a promising young actor) was very effective. Miss Pcssie Vivian in the dual role of the Countess do Linicre, and Genevieve (Superior of the Saltpetricre), acted with her usual force and judgment. Miss Jennie Aye, as Marianne, was also yery good, more especially in the opening scene. Miss Hetlie Lambrette made a charming Floretto, and may he congratulated on the rapid progress she has made in her profession since wc last had the pleasure of seeing her. Aor must wc forget to give a word of praise to Miss Cora Mclau for her pourtrayal of the hideous hag LaFrochard. The piece was very lengthy, occupying nearly four hours in the representation, and would be greatly improved by a little judicious cutting down. This evening the sensational drama of “Formosa” will be produced, and, from its great popularity elsewhere, will doubtless succeed iu attracting a crowded house.