THEATRE ROYAL.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2565, 27 June 1878, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

PRODUCTION OF " B&OIOSN TIES."

The entertainment at the theatre last night was in every respect of a much higher class than we have been accustomed to lately. The [piece produced was Mr Palgrave Simpson's " Broken Ties," a realistic modern comedy, which was specially written for the Anglo-French actress, Mdllc, Beatrice, who played it triumphantly throughout the English provinces, its success depends iv a great measure, upon the lady and gentleman, to whom the two leading parts are entrusted. The plot deals with the fortunes of a popular prim a donna, Li* Sylvia, who many years previously to opening of the play v/iis separated from her husband Lionel Warner, and her infant son, in consequence of the former dissaproving of her remaining on the stage. She gi-o? up everything fer the s:\kc of art, and becomes the most famous singer of the day. Her husband also learns to be a great artist, and her son grows tip to be n. poet. In the first act they all meet accidentally at the house of a mutual patron, and straugc emotions are aroused by the unlooked-for although temporary renewal of broken ties. Maternal lave is aroused iv the breast of La Sylvia, and after various misunderstandings, etc., the broken ties are renewed, and all ends happily. Mrs Walter Hill's representation of La Sylvia, surpassed eveu her Iludiga. It was careful, artistic, tender, and full of subtle touches. Her entrance struck us as most effective, as also was the manner in which she fainted at the end of the fast act. Mr Stcele played the husband, Lionel Warner. Though hardly as successful as Mrs Hill no fault could he found with his acting. Mr O'Brien showed to great advantage as the son, Hector Warner, and Messrs Burford and Emmett played small parts satisfactorily. The comedy was auusually, well mounted. It will be repeated to-night, and really ought to draw a large house, as it is a good piece well played.