THE HOSPITAL BENEFIT.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 3032, 9 July 1875, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL BENEFIT.

The performance of " London Assurance" by the Cricketers' \oramatic Club was in all respects a complete success, and the attendance was unexpectedly large, the Hall being crammed in every department, so that the Hospital will reap some substantial benefit from it. " London Assurance" is by no means an easy pi^ce to. play with anything approaching good effect, most of the characters beiug strongly marked, and the situations—especially at the termination of the different acts —are of such a character as to require the infusion of a considerable amount of life, and a knowledge of stage business which amateurs in ordinary do not possess. However, as, before stated .the.piece was played with success, and the aud:ence were by no means slow to testify their approval. For much of that succss— indeed, for the chief part of it—there .can be no hesitation whatever in asserting that the Clu'o were indebted to Miss Laura Wiseman, whose rendering of the dual part, Lady Gay Spanker and Pert, was such as to call for the most unqualified commendation. As Lady Spanker Miss /Wiseman played adI mirably; in saying which we do not ! accord to that young lady an iota of praise that is not merited to the ; full. Her recital of a lengthy oration descriptive of the pleasures.;; of the chase—the theme of poets and prose writers from Shakespeare down —was expressive and full of spirit, and. called forth genuine applause, as did her acting throughout. Miss Hunter also played well, giving evidence of careful rehearsal. The special treat of the evening was the duet " Sainted Mother " from the opera of by the . above mentioned ladies, Miss Wiseman playing the accompaniment^ the scene being a drawing-room, and the piano having been transferred to j the stage prior to the commencement of the piece. Misses Wiseman and Hunter have so frequently sung duets in benefit performances that their popularity has become quite established, but the cantation last night in the piece mentioned was exceptionally pleasing, both ladies being in excellent voice. A loudgncore was given—though they were supp&led to be amusing themselves in a

comfortable English mansion, sans the criticnl observation of a Thames audience —and was responded to with the utm*st good nature, " The Wind in the Harp "■ being substituted. Of Mr Bell, who played 'Sir liar_court Courtly, the least that can be said is tbat he acted admirably, though his " make up " was rather too young for the courtly old beau. Max Harkaway was personated by Mr W. W. Robinson, in whom there is a most remarkable improvement, or else that gentleman has not previously had a part which suited him so well. His dress as an old country squire was really excellent, and the choleric honesty and good natured impetuosity of old Max were faithfully pour • trayed. Mr H. S. St. Paul represented Mr Charles Courtly, fairly sustaining the character. Mr Lodge was entrusted with the part of Spanker, or the simpleminded and awkward Dolly. The part could not possibly have been placed in better hands. He played naturally, and achieved an unmistakeable success. Mr Wbitford had a part in Dazzle which suited him admirably. Meddle, the lawyer, was impersonated by Mr Burgess, whose make up was excessively comical, and whose "acting was very creditable. Mr Butler as Cool was very cool, and therefore carried out the idea of a fashionable valet very well indeed; the other serving man, Martin, was played by Mr Stewart, who looked the character. It must not be omitted that the Scottish Band lent valuable assistance, p.laying on the balcony of the Academy of Music before eight o'clock, and afterwards performing some choice selections between the acts. A dance followed the conclusion of the performance, at which a number of ladies and gentlemen remained and" enjoyed themselves very much.