THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2306, 7 August 1880, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

A double lull was presented at the Theatre Royal last evening. The first piece represented was “ Lady Audley’s Secret,” Miss Clara Stephenson assuming the leading role. In this she was tolerably successful, although in some respects she failed, in our opinion, to realise the ideal of the novelist. Her portrayal was indicative of an abnormal degree of selfconfidence rather than dissimulation, and the emotional scenes might have been improved by the introduction of a little more feminine fear and pathos than was displayed. It is probable, however, that Miss Stephenson’s interpretation of the character as delineated by Miss Braddon differs from the popular one, and that as ladies frequently do in judging of their own sex, slip has made hut little allowance for the lighter shades that relieve human nature in its darkest and most mysterious aspects. Mr R. Love, as Hubert Audlcy, played his part carefully, and gave a well finished portrait of the friend and companion of the unfortunate Talboys. The latter was reprepresented by Mr M. Alexander, while tbo elderly gentleman of the piece bad a fair exponent in Mr IL \V. Rede. Miss Lizzie Morgan appeared as Pluebc Marks, and Miss Lizzie Lawrence, who dressed and played with much as •Alice Audlcy. “His Last Legs” followed, and ibis was the best part of the evening’s performance. Mr Herbert, who, as Luke Marks in the previous piece kept everyone delighted, was in his happiest humour. Mr Herbert is a comedian of no ordinary merit, but we have never seen him to greater advantage than we did last evening as Felix O’Callaghan, the vivacious, humorous, ready-witted, and unfortunate Irishman. His rich Irish brogue was as unexceptionable as bis make-up was appropriate ; while Ids facial contortions were a study. The Theatre was convulsed with hearty laughter from the moment he appeared till he retired. One of the most amusing parts was undoubtedly the kissing scone, towards the end, iu which the lively Felix recognises for the nonce, a long-lost and very fascinating daughter. As the latter, Miss Lizzie Morgan appeared not only to appreciate but to highly relish the situation. More realistic "acting has seldom been witnessed from the footlights, and the audience testified their delight iu a way that was simply uproarious. Mr Wilkinson as Dr Banks and Rivers performed his parts very well, but the two make-ups were too nearly alike. Miss Lizzie Lawrence, as Mrs Montague, acquitted herself fairly, but the impersonator of “ John,” the servant, would have been better at the back of tlic sccnerv. This evening Loucicanlt’s o-rcat drama “ Janet Pride,” a piece, which although one of the earliest efforts of the playwright has seldom been placed on the boards, will be produced, and on Monday night Ixion ” will be placed on the boards.