AMUSEMENTS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4356, 1 August 1871, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

Theatbk Royal, — The performance at the above theatre last night consisted of the historical drama of "Mary, Queen of Scots," and the burlesque of "Little Don Giovanni." Both pieces were successfully performed and well received. In the former piece Mrs. Steele as Queen Mary, and Mr. Steele as George Douglas, were even more than usually effective, and were much applauded. The other characters were creditably represented, and altogether the piece gave great satisfaction. The burlesque, which was performed on Saturday night, is one which cannot fail to amuse ; and Mrs. Walter Hill as Don Giovanni, Mrs. Howard as Maretto, Mr. Howard as Leporello, and Mr. South as Elvira were all most successful in producing bursts of laughter and rounds of applause. The incidental dancing and singing were not the least attractive features in the piece. — The same programme will be repeated to-night.

Piunce of Wales Theatre. — The above theatre was largely attended last night, when Shakespeare's comedy of " Much Ado About Nothiug " formed the chief attraction. Mr. Hoskins played Benedick, and his impersonation of this difficult character was in every way a success. The part is one which, to be successfully represented, requires to be played by an actor possessing very high qualities. That it received full justice at the hands of Mr. Hoskins was evinced by the success which attended his delineatiou of it ; and his acting last night proved that he possessed greater talents than even the most successful of his previous impersonations have displayed. The same may be said of Miss Colville as Beatrice. It is the first time this lady has appeared in Auckland iv a Shakespearian character, and the manner in which she acquitted herself proved that she was fully competent to delineate with success one of the great author's best characters. Mr, Bo&th impersonated Claudio in a careful and really clever manner, and in the marriage scene he displayed some very fine acting. Mr. Ryan made a very good Don Pedro ; and Mr. Jones as Leonato, was most effective. Mr. Hydes, it is almost needless to say, did full justice to the character of Dogberry ; and Mr. Thorpe as Don John played very creditably. Miss Anstead as Hero acted with the requisite grace and feeling. The minor characteis were ably represented. The farce of "The Sea Gulls" was the concluding piece. — The same pieces will be produced to-night. The' Lancashire Bell-ringers, who have been here now for some considerable time, purpose proceeding to San Francisco by the next mail steamer. Their entertainment is particularly pleasing to the lovers of harmonious sounds, and has been tolerably patronised during their visit. Nevertheless the pecuniary results have not answered their expectations, and they are about to give a positively-final farewell benefit, at the City Hall, on the Bth instant, previous to their departure, in the hope that it may materially assist them to defray the expenses of the voyage. We have no doubt as to the probability of there being a good attendance, as any appeal of this description made to the people of Auckland— apathetic as they are sometimes designated — never fails of meetiag with a ready response. We anticipate an enjoyable evening's amusement. A* soiree and concept, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the execution of repairs to the Church of England parsonage, at OUhuhu, will take place in §» fublia