THEATRE ROYAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 85, 6 April 1903, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

H4.WTREY CO'dEDf COMPANY. Considering that this favourite company opened their season at the Theatre on Saturday night the attendance was certainly good, and none but such a poplar combination could have attracted a tithe of those present. In submitting " The Lady of Ostend " as the first piece of the season the management acted wisely, and the audience showed their enjoyment right through the piece in a most satisfactory manner. The plot is good, the dialogue smart, the situations ludicrous, and laughter reigned supreme in the house. Mr W. F. Haw trey was immensely droll b)th in his quaint broken French and in his inimitable acting. His Baron de Longueville was a creation that did credit to his skill and reputation. As Dick Wortles Mr MacMaloa loa 1 ; no opportunity of raising a laugh, and he succeeded with esse, the charm of tne fun being its spontaneity and naturalness. Mr Oily Deeting also scored a greit success as Joseph Carberry. Miss Austin was particularly good as Dick's wife, while M'ss Bi-i nton is esp clady to becongra'ulued oa her puu< tmyal of the part of Mrs Carberry. Miss Maud Torrence also scored a great success as Jane, as did Miss Bancroft in the pirt of Mrs Crockitr. There was r. mat in I>l< evennpss of merit among all the m m bsrs of the compmy, which is invariably found in Mr Uawtrey'n com iinaiion of talent, and the piece being prettily stagnd met with high favour from all present. A pretty curtain-raiser, " Counsel's Opinion," gave Master Coika an opportunity of distinguishing himse'f, and i t'iia he accomplished thoroughly. Altogether the performance was immensely enjoyable.