Theatre Royal.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7829, 23 May 1905, Page 2

Theatre Royal.

NELLIE STEWART DRAMATIC COMPANY.

A brilliant success was achieved at the Theatre Royal on Monday evene ihg, when Musgrove's New English ic Dramatic Company, headed by the io public i'dol, Miss Nellie Stewart, opened a two-nights' season in New. Plymouth with' the favourite "Sweet d Nell of Old Urury." The theatre was filled to overflowing in every part, and it is safe to assert that a more enthusiastic, reception could 1 1 scarcely have been accorded the talented company. The play was excellently mounted, and went with a delightful vim throughout. The story which is superficially based on history, tells of the hatred of Lord Jeffreys for the Fairfax faiojjry, and vi his efforts to compass the death of Sir Roger Fairfax, who is secretly j betrothed to Lady Olivia Vernon, the Chief Justice's ward. Nell Qwynne, '_ one of the most charming figures in ' the history of the atnijti, has been befriended; by Sir Roger, and in turn n she bqfriends Lady Olivia and Sir Roger, TUo orange girl of Drury j Lane attracts the attention nf i Charles 11,, and. under his patronage goes from the lane to the stage, and! | t on to Court.. That Miss Nellie Stewr art retains her histrionic powers un- - abated, was manifested in a marked degree. Her graceful and fascinating, , pourtrayal of the' kaltfidoscopoc char- i ; acter oj Sweet Nell, with which her ( | name is indelibly associated, was nnl | artistic success in every respect. Her \ acting in the scene in which her cleverness and beauty win the attention t of the Susceptible Sovereign; her vivacious rasd uncouventionul manner, though putting the haughty i | Court ladios to flight in verbal' warfare ; her paying on the heart-

strongs of the King „„ sn e executes a pretty harpsichord election ; her ■ triumph over her enemies, and her , restoring or the nmn she sweetly ■ loves tof the .maid he loves were rcaiily admirable pieces of work. As • Charles 11., Mr Harcourt Dually had the rqqjussite courtliness, also correctly showing the vacillating nature of the Sovereign where the fair sox was concerned; and being especially effective in the scene where Neil discloses Lord Jeffrey's treachery. Mr Hfcrry H,Ujjavu a powerful presentation of the repugnant character ol the cruel and unscrupulous Chief Justice Jeffreys. Mrs Macaroons' Morris as Lady Olivia Vernon, gave a winsome and natural \ s bir Jloger Fairfax, Mr Malcolm Dunli was ronnly and convincing.- Miss Nan, Miss Evelyn Davenport (Duchess of Portsmouth played the role * S haughty court .ladies with g„ Qt , £ lect. Ihe amusmg character of' Percivol, the vainglorious' provincial acintFPvetp<l : H The company give their final 1 per. I foriqanoe tonight, when ;'OW Hoict-' cjberg"- wJH Iji? et a 8«l.,;. <