THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2540, 12 May 1881, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

“ Robinson Crusoe,” produced for the first time in Timaru, drew a crowded house at the Theatre Royal last night. The plot of this version of the famous story is somewhat hazy, as is generally the case with extravaganzas, but what the piece lacked in coherency it made up for in lively songs, sparkling humor, pretty drosses, and tuneful music. The first act dragged slightly, certainly, but the two succeeding ones were full of life and “ went ’’ without a hitch. Miss Lydia Howarde appeared to much advantage ns “ Robinson,” and sang her incidental songs with very considerable effect, more especially “ Nancy Lee,” “ Sing Sweet Bird,” and the “ Babes on our Block,” the first-mentioned being encored. Miss Jenny Nye made another hit as "Gig,” and was encored for her song and dance in the first act, and,deservedly applauded for her singing of “Carissimo.” Mdlle. de Qlorian appeared as “Angelica” and sang “ You are so awfully naughty, you are,” with great archness, being compelled to repeat the last verse in response to a recall that would take no denial. Miss Clara Vincent as “ Ylang Ylang”bad not very much to do except look “ fetching,” and this she certainly did. Miss Andrews also had a small part as “ Polly Perkins ” and acquitted herself very creditably indeed. Mr J. P. Hydes bad in “ Jem Cocks" (a broken down actor) one of those parts which allow him to “ come out ”to his full extent. On the desert island where by some cruel fate he has seemingly been cast away with “Crusoe” he was particularly happy, and his efforts to induce the Indians to purchase a “ ticket for his benefit,” created roars of laughter. Mr J. W. Marshall made a sufficiently ferocious “ Will Atkins,” the pirate, and Mr Harry Power was extremely funny as “ Friday,” his get-up being exceptionally good, and very much like that which a Christy minstrel, might be expected to present after being cast away on a desert island for a few; years. A little scene between Hydes and Power in which the pair burlesqued tbe style of professional acrobats caused great laughter. The dresses were again both tasteful and handsome, and the pianoforte accompaniments to the songs excellent. This evehing the Company will produce Byron’s celebrated burlesque of “ Ivanhoe.”