THEATRE ROYAL.

Southland Times, Issue 966, 10 June 1868, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

On Monday evening the Theatre Boyal was even better attended, if possible, than on any previous occasion. The house was crowded in every part. The success that has attended the Nathan Troupe has been most signal; indeed skne the occasion of the Lyster Opera Company performing in. Invercargill, nothing has equalled the attendance of the public at the Theatre. The evening's entertainment consisted of an Irish comedy, in two acts, by Dion Boueicault, entitled " Andy Blake, or the Irish Drummer," the farce of the " Two Smiths," and the ballet of "True Blue." The acting in the first piece was by far the best since the Nathan Troupe made their appearance. The chief part — Andy Blake — was sustained by " Little Marion." This character is well adapted for the display of varied emotions — tenderness, grief, and naivete. In what terms can we speak of a young girl whose acting is capable of moving the audience from grief to joy — who at one moment elicits peals of laughter by her bewitching drollery, and the next excites the tenderest chords of sympathy by the indignant recital of wrongs. "Words cannot paint the pathos of the orphan boy whilst reading the letter in the first act, and again in the subsequent appeal to General Daly. So much were the feelings of the audience interested by the admirable rendering of these portions of the play, that a good many could scarcely control their emotions, and fairly wept. Not a word or gesture was omitted that could contribute to the perfect rendering of the part allotted to this wonderful little child. Indeed it was simply astonishing to witness her truly marvellous powers, and more especially so, when it is taken into consideration that she studied and played the part within a week. Mr Small may well be proud of his pupil. The success and admiration which she has everywhere commanded, proves that her tuition has been most able and judicious. Master Nathan was quite at home in rendering the quaint peculiarities of the hedge schoolmaster, and Mr Small as the testy gouty old General, showed to great advantage. Mrs ' Nathan first as Mrs Blake, and afterwards as Lady Mount joy ; proved that she possessed both experience and versatility of talent. Throughout, the greatest enjoyment appeared to be manifested by all present. The same programme was repeated lastevening to a well filled house. We perceive that " Little Marion's" benefit is to take place this evening, when she will appear in one of her greatest characters — Felix O'GallagTian in the celebrated Irish farce of " His Last Legs."