Theatre Royal.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7805, 25 April 1905, Page 3

Theatre Royal.

• "THE SLNNY SOUTH." The Theatre Koyul was well filled a Monday right, when the Maclahon Dramatic, Company opened heir three night*' season here with The Sunny South." The interest of he large audience was aroused allost as Soon as the curtain was aiscd,' and grew by leaps ami lounds till the clinmx was reached. With the clever author of the pteco a the principal role, the interest n its presentation was naturally ncreasod. The company workod tofebher, and obtained an artistic suciess of a not 100 common order. Pheir acting was always natural ind within bounds, even the more neladrooiiutic phases of the drama >eing presented without undue e.\iggeration. As a consequence an svenly-felanded, performance was witnessed, completely justifying the tppluuso that a very large house >estowed upon the company at freluent opportunities. Excellent nounting also hud not a little to lo with the very favourable impression that was undoubtedly made. A feature of "The Sunny South" is its Australian 'background, a feature that is made use of in such a way n-s to give it a peculiar fascination for colonial audiences. The curtain had to be raised two or three times after tho acts on Monday night, the climaxes of the third act (the attempted' bank robbery) and fourth act (tho fight in the bush) creating particularly marked 'enthusiasm. Mr Barrell played with rare tact as Mat Moi le\ -Miss Ada Lawrence's Habs wtuUd wm just admiration if for her V ~ ,?"" , &" 3 s tene alone, but aJ. ' » her sinking the true n o »\. l " e d< -tiess gave other ev--I<)'"- «%£, ■»'»»■'}• Miss Hilda Meade XSi extremely good in the role of Clarice, revealing real emo-. lional powers-, as well as a gift for light comedy. Mr Frank Hawthorne was a delightful masher (Ivo)„ thoroughly at home in a role that suited his talents- admirably. He played with all his eld breeziness and sens-e of hunmir. Mr Henry Hudson made a dignificl Mr Cr.ester, acting with artistio tipal)ili'ty and reserve. Mr Oily Leeriug's Eli OJrup was an emphatically clever character-study of a l'ecksnifiau villain. This exjiei'iimced actor made no mistakes, and was thoroughly and couiislenUv goud. Mr Alfred Uootiuunn was an impresshely rough j-xcnndrel as Dick J.tuggan. Mr L. Vane was unusually comical in the minor rolo of a bailiff. The Molly of Mrs- Harry Lane was an excellent study in Irish comudy, and Miss May Hcnno as malid-servant. The initial production should be suflicienl recommendation for tho all-round ability M|f the company, who should have a successful season in store for them. "THE KOAI) TO Kl'IN.". To-night "The Hoad to Ruin,' wilt 1» presented—a play of intense interest, and abounding in the most uiu'tque situations. It gives great scope for magnificent Fccnery, and has been brought in its 'entirety from Auckland. To-morrow evening will be produced for the Jirst time here Marie Corelli'a fascinating story "Tho Sorrows of Satan," I which will bring the season to a |close.