THEATRE ROYAL.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2150, 24 November 1875, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

There was a fair attendance last night, especially in the pit, to witness the opening performance of Mr DeLias' Theatrical Company^ '■ The pieces chosen were V Aline " and the burlesque of " Lurlirie." The first of these is not a very taking piece; it does not admit of a very great scope for dramatic actien, and fell somewhat tamely on the audience generally. Not, much interest was felt in the progress of the play, and with a few exceptions the acting was tame and lifeless. Conspicuous among these exceptions, however, was the acting of Miss Patty Holt, who, though not mentioned in the; programme, made a great deal of the accessory part of Lily Lover. The applause which greeted Miss Clara Stephenson spoke well of her established popularity, and Mr Collier, particularly in parts of the play, deserves more than a passing notice. We do not wish to be unnecessarily severe, but we cannot help saying that it is just as well that Mr Barton and Mr Alexander were dignified by the names of General, and Curate, as from their make up no one could possibly have guessed that the one was a soldier or the other a clergyman. Mr Burton with a shapeless dab of hair stuck anyhow under his nose, something like a Scotch shepherd's bonnet on his head,' and a coat which refused to meet in front did not look much like, a warrior of any age or country, and the clerical part of Mr Alexander's dress was conspicuous by its absence. It would certainly add to the pleasure of the audience, and we should think to the zeal of the actors, if some little attention was bestowed on the not unimportant features of dress. The burlesque of " Lurline" went exceedingly well, though the saffl#*pmarks as regards dress may in a minor degree be made to apply to at least one of the characters. Miss Stephenson threw herself well into the piece, and was very successful. -Mr Poole was excessively droll, painstaking, and eminently comical, and well deserved all the applause which now as an established favorite he receives. Miss Lizzie ■ Morgan was much applauded on her re-appearance, and there can be no question of her popularity here. Her songs were again and. again applauded. Mr Searle acted and made up well as Count Galimanco, and Miss Rogers and Miss Lizzie Busche were each very good in their parts. Tonight the play of " Lady Audley's Secret" and the excellent burlesque of '* La Somnanbula " will be performed.