"THE HEIR AT LAW."

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2143, 16 November 1875, Page 2

"THE HEIR AT LAW."

The Cricketers' Amateur Dramatic Club played this piece at the Theatre Royal last night, in aid of tke funds of the Thames Mechanics' Institute. It was rather a high flight for amateurs, as the piece, is^ one.in which even veteran actors have failed to realise the author's conception. It embraces a wide range of characters, all of which are important, and no matter how well played one or two of these characters might be, they would fail in sustaining the interest of the piece, or carrying it through even passably, were they not supported by the others. " The Heir at Law " is not a piece which has been familiarised on the colonial stage, much less here. It is, true Mr Hoskins once put it up, and as Dp Pangloss he was more than good : he is perhaps as good as any living actor iv that part—a very difficult one in every respect. Some of those gentlemen who appeared in "The Heir at Law" last night probably never saw it played, and therefore -whatever- eu«<»e««H-4li©y-~Aol*i«v«<l_-iiiay--l>e-fairly conceded to them. For one thing they were nearly all well acquainted with the text; and iv their costumes of a past age they walked and talked without making themselves ridiculous. This may be considered faint praiseit is not intended for censure ; but at the same time it may be taken as a hint to theiclub to confine their future efforts to modern comedy, in which they have before acquitted themselves well. Considering the difficulties attendant upon the production of such a piece as "The Heir at Law," the wonder is that any amateurs would attempt it; but having attempted it, the Cricketers were evidenily on their mettle and did their best. The principal character is undoubtedly that of Dr Pangloss, which was entrusted to Mr P. J. Burgess. This gentleman labors under a disadvantage in. that his voice is not as good as it might be for a large building like the Royal; However he managed to give a very fair interpretation of the character, bringing into prominence the pedantry, egregious vanity and innate selfishnesss of the' original, and, . excepting a rather hurried^ delivery (peculiar to amateurs),. enunciated the text of a most difficult part in a way that redeemed it from mediocrity. Mr W. W. Robinson was carefully correct in his rendition of the part of Daniel Dowlas, otherwise Lord JJuberly, and Mr S.Paul as his son j answered expectations raised by previous appearances. Mr T. A. Bell had a part which suited him admirably, and he avoided a fault which has been noticed in some of his previous efforts —that of overdoing the business. Though essentially a low comedy part, as that of Zekiel Homespun is, it was not burlesqued, and at times there were not wanting evidences of Mr Bell's being able to pourtray feelings other than those peculiar to the low comedy man of a piece. , Mr Donovan as a faithful Irish servant was exceedingly good throughout. The other characters by the gentlemen amateurs were fairly sustained, a pardonable gaucherie notwithstanding. The part of a waiter, by Master Willie Souter, was conspicuous for a certain amount of confidence on the part of a young gentleman quite new to the stage. The ladies—Misses Hunter, Brookes and White, (the two latter being borrowed for the occasion from the Thames Dramatic Club), very creditably sustained their parts, their efforts possessing the merit of naturalness, Miss Hunter -in particular showing to very great advantage as Lady Duberly. It cannot, in justice to all concerned, be said that the success of the piece was so pronounced as that of " Caste," the comedy produced on the last appearance of the club, but, as before mentioned, this was due to the latter being more model n in every respect. But it must be mentioned that the piece was well dressed, the costumes being new and appropriate, and the production displayed evidences of careful study and attention to details. The vaudience was large and indulgent; and while the former is a guarantee that the first object of the performance has been gained, the latter, together with the applause bestowed, may be taken as a very good indication that some amusement was elicited, thus answering the secondary object of amateur performances. A very good string baud performed musical

selections during the intervals between the acts, and the Thames Scottish Band played outside on the balcony before the performance commenced. Mr Severn, as one of the of the Mechanics' Institute, returned thanks at _the close, of tlie performance;both. to the performers innd to the public, for ~ their attendance ■ and the impression left on the minds of most person* present seemed to be thai the club have in their member-. j ship the requisite material for furnishing genuine amusement, and the attraction to draw large audiences in promoting the interests of local institutions. There was anhour's agreeable dancing after the performance terminated, in which a numerous company joined.