THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2930, 16 August 1882, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

“OUR GIRLS.” Mr J. L. Hall'a benefit last night was well patronised, the Theatre being well filled, “ Our Girls ” was presented, the cast being the same as on the previous occasion ; except that for Buttons (then personated by Master Harry Hall), an admit actor appeared{ this change being

necessitated, we believe, by an accident to the lad’s band. Mr Ball’s rendering of bis part was as masterly as ever, and ever individual of the company went through his or her part with customary ease and effectiveness. The ladies and gentlemen of this company are exceedingly capable actors, and their enunciation and demeanour give evidence of first training. Mr Boothman, as Fanshawe, of course, made up and played extremely well, and with a grace of his own. Mr Hesford excelled himself as Dr Fleming, and looked the character completely. Miss Euth Gray, as Lillian, looked ebarming. Her sister, Miss Jessie Gray, as Helen, presented a superb picture of female loveliness, and her acting (especially in the interview with the doctor, in which she learns that the property has been left to Frederick Fanshawo, was spleadid. Miss Crawford, as Mrs Gunn, showed the most consumate skill in mimicry of the whole company. Her part of the elderly widow, was wonderfully gone through. All the effect this can produce in these characters she owes solely to art, and her art is certainly excellent. She will always be able to count upon, a warm reception in Timarn. All the other performers acquitted themselves well, and the audience was universally delighted with the performance. It is with much regret that we feel in daty boand to again refer to the disgraceful conduct of some rowdies (middle-aged ones this time) in the pit. Are we never to have decent behaviour in a Timaru theatre ? At the fall of the curtain there was tremendous applause, and the beneficiare was called before the footlights. Mr Hall, coming forward, said : “ I thank you all very sincerely, ladies and gentlemen, for your attendance here this evening. I have a great fondness for this district, as it is the hope of my life to come and settle down in Canterbury, where I used at one time to live and carry on business. Since then I have been all over the world, and I have now organised a Company that would do credit to any stage in the world. I love Timaru. It is delightful to breathe the ozone that comes off the sea. But Timaru is very badly off for a theatre. It is impossible to play with ease in so small an area. I am informed that Mr Jonas intends building a new theatre shortly, and he has kindly offered it to me to open, which 1 shall have pleasure in doing, bringing a first-class Company with me. Till then, ladies and gentlemen. I wish you all health and prosperity.” The Company open in Oamaru this evening, proceeding after two nights in that town, to Dunedin, where they will open on Saturday. We wish them all the success that their merits deserve.