The Juno Combination Troupe.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4464, 26 April 1883, Page 2

The Juno Combination Troupe.

The Academy of Music was well filled last evening to witness the first performance of the abore company, and those who were present had every reason to be welt satisfied with what was placed before them. The programme was " Jeannie Deans, or a Sister's Devotion." The plot is taken from " The Heart of Midlothian," and, as usual with plays adapted from such works, much that is in the book is omitted in the drama. The leading character, viz., that of "Jeannie," was taken by Miss Juno, and it is a small meed of praise to say that she did it full justice. Her tender portrayal of the emotional portions of tbe character moistened the eyes of many of her audience. Her con* ception of the loving sister was a very faithful one, and the Scotch, dialect was] naturally delivered by her without the least effort. Miss Nellie Grreenless appeared as Effie. and sustained tbe part very creditably but the accent seemed a little difficult to her; Madge Wildfire found a" really good exponent; in Mrs L. MoQowan; her realistic impersonation of the character was true To the life. The part of Queen Caroline was played with fitting dignity by Miss Featherstone, and that of Margery Murdoohson by Miss Leonard. With the exception of Messrs McGowan, Russell, and J. J. Welsh* none- of the male members of the company oall for special mention. As the Laird of Dumbiedykes, the former gentleman was

excellent, his make-up, gesture, and dialect being in perfect accord with what one would expect the canny Laird to be. As counsel for the defence, and afterwards the Duke of Argyle, Mr Russell played well. Mr Walsh undertook the part of the Puritan farmer, David Deans, very carefully- The characters of Batcliffe, Beuben Butler, and Georgie Robertson were respectively sustained by Messrs Modus, Apinall, and Marshall. The pleasure of the evening was marred to some extent by the unmannerly conduct of-some of the " pittites," who" insntwhm*smoking during the evening. Such disgraceful behaviour should not be permitted, and we would suggest to the management to secure the services of a constable in the hall, and instruct him to put a stop to such conduct. It is extremely unpleasant to many, peoplemore particularly to ladies—to be sufftfcated by tobacco fumes in a hall crowded with people. The same programme it announced for this evening. .