THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2619, 12 August 1881, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

“Mndi Ado About Nothing,” am] lloit Bandmann’s adaptation of “David Garrk-.k” wore produced for the benefit of Miss Beaudet last evening. There was a fair house. Herr Bandmann’s Bom-dick was a remarkably good one, and lie was frerpjently'applauded for his excellent reading of the part. Miss Beaudet’s Beatrice also calls for warm commendation, for she kept the audience constantly amused by her sprigbtliness and vivacity, and proved that she is as much at home in comedy as in tragedy. Mrs Walter Hill made a satisfactory Hero, Mr Musgrave was in his element as Dogberry, and invested the character with all its humour, his “Oh that he were here to write me down an ass ” being delivered in a way that caused

I roars of laughter. The remainder of the ( east was satisfactorily filled. “ David Garrick ; or, Only An Actor,” which brought the performance to a close, was very well worth seeing. It is, however, a one part piece, that pari, the character of David Garrick himself, bring performed by Herr Bandmann, to whom it certainly afforded some excellent op. portunities of exhibiting his versatility’. The story is, briefly, that a daughter of a Mr Jackson (Miss Beaudet) is stricken with “ Garrick fever ” and although engaged to be married to Sir Arthur Linden (Mr J, Stark) is yet so full of admiiation for the great actor, that she cannot be brought to “ name the day.” In despair, the father of tire lovt-sick maiden writes to Garrick to visit him in onb-r to obtain his advice on so delicate a matter. Garrick interviews the young iady in the disguise of an old doctor, but is so much struck with the beautiful, girl’s infatuation for himself (to whom, - of course, she lias no idea she is speaking) tiiat lie throws aside wig and gown and discovers himself to the astonished Lyulia in lu'njina persona. Anxious not to interfere, however, with the course of true love and the suit of Sir Arthur Linden, the actor hits upon a novel expedient to disgust the young lady with himself. He feigns drunkenness, and so effectually that he gains his object. The cure is complete, and Sir Arthur is thus made happy. Herr Bandmann, in his rapid transitions from the handsome young artiste to the old and infirm doctor, and from the doctor again to the ardent lover, was very' good indeed, while his impersonation of a drunken man was decidedly clever. Miss Beaudet was very amusing, and seemed herself to enjoy the fun of tbe piece. Miss Jessie Baymond, Mr Stark, and Mr Nuun rendered good assistance, and the piece, which was very well received passed off without a hitch. 'Phis evening “ llicheliou ; or, the Conspiracy,” will he produced, Herr Bandmann appearing in the title role.