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Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1984, 14 May 1875, Page 2

Amusements.

THEATRE EOYAL.

In spite of adverse criticism and general condemnation at the hands of sticklers for propriety, the play.of " Camille " has held possession of the stage for a number of years. One would almost think that actresses were fond'of the character of poor Camille, for there are few ladies on the stage who have arrived at the position of "start," but essay the portrayal. There is nothing Very elevating in the play, for apart from the representation of scenes of which the less known perhaps the better, a sickly sentimentality pervades "Camille." The character of Camille may be perfectly natural, and the scenes and incidents of the piece real pictures from nature ; but it is from the dark side of nature they are drawn, and therefore not altogether free from objection, espa« cially when exhibited to audiences comprising a good »prinkling of young people, of both sexe3. Camille affords ample opportunity for the display of the emotions, and in this respect suffers nothing at the hands of such an accomplished, actress as Mrs Darrell. Last night's performance was a sufficient evidence of this, and the scenes wore worked out in a most powerful manner to the end, which is miserable .enough, for the most morbidly inclined. Of the, other characters little can"be said. Armand is too weak a creature to awaken the sympathies of the intelligent; while the character of Madame Prudence—the only one which appears to have" been introduced as a relief lo the dolorous nature of the piece as a whole —is, the reverse of attractive —nay, positively repulsivo in its coarseness. With the materials afforded by the play, however, the company at the Eoyal did their best, and there are so many, people who ' profess a liking for " Camille " that that best was thoroughly appreciated. ' We suppose that in producing a round of pieces during a season, it is necessary to play such as " Camille" occasionally, but to see it once ought to be enough for. any one. To-night Mr ..and Mrs Darrell appear again in Shakesperian drama. Hamlet is chosen, with" Mr Darrell in the title role. We have been informed that this is Mr Darrell'ji best character. If we had not been told so we should have pronounced it a daring venture for a young actor; but Mr Darrell has several qualifications which ought to enable him to give an impersonation above mediocrity, even if;he; does not come;quUe up to the standard of what is expected in Hamlet. We must not forget to mention that the performance is for Mr Darren's benefit, or that to-morrow night will be the last of the season, with "The Trump. Card" from the Darrells' pack as the piece de resistance^ \ ' ." .