THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2618, 11 August 1881, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

“ Narcissc” was produced last evening to a good house. Although played for something like a thousand nights by Herr Bandmann, for whom it is said to have been written, the drama is new to Timaru, and a brief sketch of the plot will therefore be necessary. The scene is laid in France, the time being that of Louis XV., and the stor}' is founded on the amours of the King with the celebrated courtesan,Madame delFompndour who, it will be remembered, was the wife of a butcher, but who left her husband in the flower of her youth and beauty to become the mistress of the Sovereign. Narcissc is {lie name bestowed by the author of the piece upon the husband of the Pompadour,and as that deeply-wronged ami injured man Herr Bandmann scored one of the greatest successes he has made in Timaru. The story of the drama opens after the faithless wife has quitted her husband’s humble roof for the splendour of the Court. Nareisse has now but one object in life—to find and reclaim the wife who had deserted him, and of whose whereabouts be is entirely ignorant. Thus Narcissc drifts into the Bohemian, the vagabond, the wanderer, “ the arch fool of France,” “ the*laughing philosopher one minute, and the erying philosopher the next.” In the course of time his wanderings bring him into the society of courtiers. By the whim of Doris Quinauit (Miss Louise Beaudet) “ the tatterdemalion,” is introduced to the Court and makes the acquaintance of the Due de CUoi.senl (Mr J. F. Cathcart), the Count chi Barri (Mr J. Stark) and others. Doris Quinault takes a strange interest in the vagrant, and presently ho tells her the story of his life. How his wife left him 15 years before and how he still seeks her, although he hears she has become a lino lady and would gladly give him ten thousand louis to leave France. The young courtier is deeply touched aud becomes the ally of “Nareisse,” who as he says, has lost a wife but found a sister. Meantime intrigue is busy at the court. Designing courtiers anxious only to serve their own ends, are plotting the marriage of the King with the Pompadour while others are doing all in their power to prevent it. The third act introduces us to the palace whore are assembled a distinguished company, amongst whom are the Pompadour herself (Mrs Walter Hill), Doris Quinauit, the Due de Choiseul, Baron Holbach (Mr Musgrave) and many others. The occasion is an interesting one. Do Choiseul, a llrra ally of the Queen, is determined to put an end to the reign of the Pompadour. He tells the company that he has a new piece which he wishes them to rehearse for their amusement. It is called “ Zobedee ; or, The Fall of a Favorite.” The plot the intriguing Due adds, is very simple. “Zobedee" had been the favorite of the Sultan, but her power is now on the wane. The Pompadour starts at this. Her suspicions are half aroused ; she looks uneasily around and sees Nareisse standing at the door. The recognition is simultaneous. Another moment and husband and wife have met' after an interval of many years. But now De Choiseul plays the card he has been keeping in bis hand for such a fitting opportunity. He reads a decree of the the King’s banishing the Pompadour from the kingdom. The, unhappy woman expreses her willingness to go, but first sues at her husband’s feet for forgiveness for the past. Nareisse tells Ids wife that he cun forgive his enemy, but for “ A royal wanton there is no forgiveness,” . The Pompadour overcome by excitement and emotion, dies at the feet of the husband she lias wronged. The courtiers ran forward to raise her when in a voice of thunder, Nareisse bids them stand back. His wife is pure now, the old sweetness is in her face. The poor husband is avenged but heartbroken. The play is ended. Of Herr Bandminn’s Narcissc we have already spoken. His acting was indeed splendid. Mr Cathcart’s Ue Choiseul was excellent and again proved what a sterling actor this artiste is. The Count du Barry of Mr Stark was also good, and the Baron Holbach of Mr Musgrave also deserves a word of commendation, Miss Louise Beaudet as Doris Quinauit, gave another charming-pour trayal,and added fresh laurels to her already extensive collection. Last but not least comes Mrs Hill, who as the Pompadour, we do not remember to have seen to such advantage for years past. Altogether “ Nareisse” is very well worth seeing, and were it to bo produced a second time, it would probably draw another big audience.

The performance concluded with a very funny trifle from the pen of Herr Bandmann entitled “ A Radical Cure,” in which Miss Beaudet gave fresh proofs of her humour and versatility. Mr Musgrave was exceedingly funny, and was well supported by Messrs Nunn and Bigby r . For to-night (Miss Bcaudet’s benefit) “ Much Ado About Nothing,” and “David Garrick,” are announced. The excellence of the bill, to say nothing about the popularity of the henejkiere should ensure a good house. The orchestral music was so good last night as to merit a word of special mention. Miss Kimbcr presided at the piano, Mr lumber junr. was the violinist, and Mr Jas. Rogers did excallent service with his silver cornet.