THEATRE—ODDFELLOWS' HALL.

Colonist, Issue 60, 18 May 1858, Page 2

THEATRE—ODDFELLOWS' HALL.

On Tuesday last, this building was asrain cJe/otec( to dramatic pleasures, the admirers being fewer than on the previous occasion, although.the prices of admission were less excessive than hitherto; The playbill announced a repetition of Rob Royy the original Billy Barlow, and Cherry Bounce. Considering the absence of a theatrical costumier in Nelson, a great" deal of credit may be justly ascribed to the manager, Mr. Bruton, for the exertions he has made to procure suitable costumes and place the piece before us in the attractive way we have twice seen it. . By the way, we must'except Hob Roy's sons who approached his mother with an Eastern salaam, attired in a plaid jumper, and full blown black unmentionables, the sight of which in the period which the play treats, was a rank abomination to a Highlander. The character of Rob Roy was entrusted to Mr. Brutbri; we say entrusted, because in the first representation he sometimes lost it, especially in' two scenes, but on this occasion he softened the asperities. In his dialogue with Francis Odbaldistone' his manner was temperate, and dignified, and all that ocfaldbe d:sired,-,and poor Rasleigh Osbaldistone was not overwhelmed with an avalanche of fury, as on the former representation. Mr. Divize, as Rasleigh Osballistone, does not improve; however, as it is not a character that wins an audience they had little to regret or admire.

Baillie Nicol Jarvie was capitally delineated, with:true* native humour, and s:ilf-coinplacency. His moral reflections were perfectly, charming, and his carte and tierce, with the rea-hot poker, was terrific and rapturous in the extreme. ' Francis Osbaldistone (an- amateur)* again conducted himself with the most cool and provoking equanimity, in both grave and hilarious moments. In his interviews with Diarii Vernon, he,was the' most impassionsd lover the world eVer saw! As,' in the finale lie became her affianced husband,, we presume he made an unresisting conquest; Mr. Owen, Major Galbraith, and MeStusrfc fly well known amateurs), acted with their accustomed humour and spirit, and sustained their several characters creditably.

Of Dougal (an amateur) we can hardly speak too high ; he had little to say, but said that little well, it was is part to act, rather than speah> and as an actor he made his character, although a subordinate, yet a prominent one. His nervousf twitching desire to escape from captivity, was drolly yet naturally ponrtrayed, and would have pleased" Sir Walter Scott himself. Ilia quiet gesture, and furtive glances, will not be easily forgotten by the audience. . In Captain Thornton, we must compliment a new amateur recruit for his smart dressing, and for the martial air with which lie enacted his part. As he acquires confidence we feel sure ho will improve still more. Of Miss Julia Clifford we must, refer to .our former remarks, and think the pufclic will endorse them. - . - -a: '.-< . Diana was well played'by-an improved and improving lady amateur. The. song of Billy Barlow followed. On the bill it was truly styled the -original song, for there was nothing new in it, but notwithstanding it elicited an encore.

Cherry Bounce, a farce unexceptionably ridiculous, extravagant, preposterous, and laughable, concluded the performance. It produced roars of laughter and was eminently successful. :