THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2376, 28 October 1880, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

A crammed house, both upstairs and down, assembled at the Theatre Royal last evening to witness the performance of the capital little comedy of “ Doing for the Best,” and the burlesque of “ 11.M.5. Pinbehind.” In the comedy Mr G. W. Herbert sustained the lending male character, that of Dick Stubbs, a carpenter, who from comparative poverty rises to the position, for a time at least, of considerable wealth. While following his humble calling the worthy carpenter and his wife, Betsy (Miss Lizzie Lawrence), determine that their daughter (Miss Amy Johns) shall wed the man of her choice, Bill ’Awkins (Mr Wilkinson), a plasterer, but upon succeeding to wealth and influence Mr Stubbs changes his mind, and thinks that “ Bill 'Awkins is wulgar,” and therefore unfit to marry his Jane. But he also has another daughter (Miss Lizzie Morgan) who is what he calls “ a fondling,” an adopted child, and this girl is beloved by his son, Harry Stubbs (Mr Mack Alexander), a young sailor. Just when the worthy carpenter is beginning to iind that it is not all gold that glitters, and that the possession of his wealth is becoming a little irksome to him, it transpires that he is not the heir to “ Primrose 'All ” after all, but that the heiress is his adopted daughter, “ the fondling.” Thereupon Stubbs relinquishes the property in her favor and everybody seems satisfied. As Dick Stubbs, the carpenter, Mr Herbert again proved what a thorough artiste he is. He is indeed possessed of wonderful versatility, no two characters perhaps being more opposite than that of the rough working man, and his impersonation of the previous evening, of Tibbie Howieson, the old Scotchwoman. Miss Lawrence appeared to advantage as Betsj r Stubbs, and Miss Lizzie Morgan, as the “ fondling ” was most successful. Miss Amy Johns acted with much sprightlmess as the carpenter’s daughter. Mr Wilkinson created some amusement

as “ Bill ’Awkins,” and Mr E. W. Bede as Mr Parchment, the man of law, both acted and looked the part well. A word of praise is also due to Mr Warren,who managed to extract some fun out of the small part of the footman at Primrose Hall. The burlesque “ Piubchiud,” went as merrily as before aud was improved if anything by being somewhat shoitened. For this evening an entire change of programme is announced, consisting of the favourite nautical drama of “ Jenny Foster” and the funny burlesque “La Sonnambula.” Such a bill should draw another crowded house.