THEATRE ROYAL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 251, 29 July 1872, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

A great attraction was announced at the Royal on Saturday night in the shape of “ Formosa,” which piece was so great a favourite here when Mr Hoskins and Miss Colville were here before. The cast Was a very good one all round, the part of Compton Kerr being taken by an amateur. As Formosa, Miss Colville has already gained a name for heiself, and we will only say that on Saturday night she played it a» well as we have seen her, as indeed was to be expected, seeing the very full house who were ever ready to applaud where applause was due. Mrs Jones, as Mrs Boker, was simply immense, and kept the house convulsed, more especially in the “ portmautle’’ scence when left alone, Sain having gone in search of Jenny. Mrs Hill played “ Nelly Saunders,” as she can play such characters naturally and gracefully. Mr Hoskins as the Major was as good as ever, aud took everything as it came coolly and calmly, merely telling everyone when anything awkward took place, “such is life dear child!” Mr Joyce played Sam Boker well, and Bill Saunders was entrusted to Mr Keogh. Mr Williams had prepared some new scenery for the piece, and wornuTcongratulate liimon his success, the stage in the third aud fourth acts, but more especially in the former, beiug about the best looking we have seen for many a long day at the Royal. “ Punch and Judy ”we must not forget, as it was remarkably well done, and reminded us of our youthful days, iu the old country. There was a really full house to witness the performance, aud if we are to judge by the amount aud vigour of the applause given, “Formosa’ must be written down as a complete success.

We had nearly forgotten to mention the part of Tom Burrows, which Mr Jones * played, and the different poinLs in which he brought out well from first to lust; and the “ Bobby,” “ Be gor, we musu’t forget him.” He played tiie part up to the mark, and certaiuly brought the house down in an unmistakable manner. “ Compton Kerr” was played by Mr Perrier*, who took the part naturally, and was evidently quite at home. “Formosa” will be repeated to-night, and we have no doubt will draw a good house, as it is a very popular play.