THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10268, 10 February 1899, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE LADY OF LYONS. The Lady of Lyons loved a prince, and found him to be a gardener's son, yet loved him still. Years have not disenchanted Englishmen with the story so skilfully woven by Bulwer Lytton, nor dimmed its interest. Its sentiment, although perhaps conveyed in languasjo that is more than usually embellished with tbe flowers of rhetoric, appeals to the people of to-day as easily and sincerely as it did three generations ago. There are, it is said, not many Paulines and few Claudes in modern life; but perhaps this is but a libel on the age,' and hearts ring as true as they did in more romantic days. The story is old, but like wine, it has no disadvantage on that account, and the test of its acceptability was surely the applause of the audience which filled every part of the Theatre when it was played by Messrs Williamson and Musgrove's dramatic company last night. Miss Ferrar, in the part of Pauline, played with such art, and managed to convey the many expressivei moods of the heroine so cleverly", that her singular peculiarities of voice, which become almost trying when heard frequently,'were nearly forgotten. In the scejie in the gardens, when she cries "We are like the insects, caught by the glitter of the garish play," she was particularly fine, and, indeed, was a pretty picture. She made love, too, scorn oh thaft iier prmce was a gardener was an excellent piece of acting also. ' Mr Knight made an ardent, manly, and natural Claude, acting with fire and grace. The many speeches, declamatory, loving, romantic, warlike, scornful, and sad, which Claude Melnotte lias to say, were delivered with an elocutionary effect that was at times splendid. Mr Cecil Ward filled the part of Beauseant—a part which suited him —and he played it with grace and lightness, giving a finished and praiseworthy pourtrayal. Mr Hawtrey was the cynical but * soldier to the life. Mr Hill was successful as Glavis, Mr Glassford was a good M. Deschappelles, and Mr Lissant a careful' Gaspard. Miss Ireland acted capably the part of Widow Melnotte, and Mis 3 Merton was fairly good as Madame Deschappelles. The scenery was very fine, especially the garden scene, and the dresses were all that could be desired. To-night the company play "Pygmalion and Galatea," to be followed toy the charming comedietta "A White Stocking." ——————— "'>' -