Local News.

Colonist, Issue 17, 18 December 1857, Page 2

Local News.

THEATRE.—ODDFELLOWS' HALL,

This spacious and truly useful edifice—the arena of convivial, musical, dramatical, and political triumphs—was, on Tuesday night,'a point of attraction to all classes: nor was it for mere amusement'they went thither—for the principal piece happily blends instruction with delight; and we were pleased to see so many take advantage of this opportunity. The rendering of the Lady op Lyons in Nelson is an event so calculated to awaken reminiscences of past pleasures to veteran pla3rgoers^ that even they could not withstand the temptation of witnessing this representation, though with but few accessories—at a short pseparation—and in insufficient space. On tin's occasion we had the pleasure of listening to a Dramatic Company of more pretension than they who have previously catered for the amusement of our town in histrionic matters. Thorough professionals being a perfectly new feature here, they were welcomed by an audience prepared for either pleasure or criticism, who throughout the performance evinced ample signs of both—the former being unmistakably apparent in hearty .bursts of irrepressible laughter, and the latter in judicious remarks, restrained by kindly feeling and a determination to be pleased if possible. The first piece was Lytton Bulwer's famous play of the Lady op Lyons, a superior production that has earned as much popularity as perhaps any ever written, hot only possessing many points strikingly adapted for representation, but also having the somewhat rare merit of beißg most readable even when divested of the powerful adjuncts of stage business and dress. : The part of Claude was sustained with credit by Mr. Cox, and no doubt must have completely satisfied those of the audience who have never had the good fortune to see it played at Drurylane or the Haymarket. The lady p"ortion of the audience of course had their tender sympathies enlisted in one so unfortunate, yet who loved so deeply; indeed, the simple and totichingly natural situations of the piece are its great charm, and we think we discovered a greater flutter of white cambric among the fair portion of listeners than was required in the afterpiece. We could have wished that many of the most pathetic passages had been given with less strength, and the intensity' of remorseful love pourtrayed with more subdued tenderness. The intonations also were 'not sufficiently varied. But these are things that may not have^ been generally observed; and it is certain that if they were, the well known cordiality of a Nelson audience operated to subdue strong criticism, and prepare them to be—as they were— well pleased. Mrs. Cox deserves our thanks in the character of Pauline, and with a little closer study will be able no doubt to improve upon one or two points that we observed might be better rendered, more particularly in the earlier part of the playMr. Bertram was cast for Beauseant; he has a distinct useful voice for his profession, and with a little care might remedy a defect that is observable on the termination of his sentences, which, not being sufficiently pronounced they sound improperly.

We had the pleasure of seeing some of our old friends, the Amateurs, among the " Corps Theatrique," sustaining some of the lighter characters, not forgetting a new proselyte who rendered essential service in his delineation of ColonelDamas, and in a Avay very creditable to his conception of character: we hope to see him again with more time for his role.

Miss Seymour had to contend with the hard task of representing two characters, and considering how difficult it is to preserve individuality under such circumstances, we must pronounce her a valuable auxiliary to this Company. With regard to the songs, in our humble opinion, it would be better for her not to sing those of a serious nature, as instanced on this occasion-r-the first song requiring some harshness, elicited a recall, —the second—disapprobation, so that in future this hint may be serdcable. . .

s ./.The performance concluded at a late hour, with the Eton Boy, of which we will say little, except that on future occasions we should like to see more attention paid to render farces as they are written, lest in dressing them for the stage propriety should verge upon vulgarity. We are not so far removed from the great centres of civilisation as to become careless ofthe influence around us, and we court dramatic representations not only to please the youth of our settlement, but to inculcate through this medium a desire to pursue those paths in life which are just and honourable, and teaching them through imaginary characters the heavy penalty incurred by departing from them. We have now the moral lessons of the stage before us, and must at' once and emphatically protest against that which is unfortunately but too common even in London—a vulgarly played farce that will eradicate all the good effect of really well written and unexceptionable first pieces. We love a joke, and a hearty laugh, but though we would be merry we would also be wise with it; therefore we recommend an improvement upon Tuesday night's masculine vagaries in feminine habiliments.

It is to be deplored that as we progress in theatrical matters there seems to be a proportionate decrease in the practice of music: the orchestral department was never before so thinly mustered, nor were our ears indemnified by the introduction of any new music, though perhaps the paucity of performers (particularly the bass) precluded this. However, we hope that steps will be taken to resuscitate the energy that once, gave us a musical society, and again put us in possession of such a necessary addition to our amusements; for we are persuaded that there is no lack of talent, if only judiciously organised and properly conducted. Last evening's performance terminated too late for our reporter's notice in the present issue.