Mr J. L. Toole.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 6003, 20 November 1890, Page 2

Mr J. L. Toole.

Thero was a very large attendance at the Theatre Royal last night, downstairs being packed, whilo in the circle there were not half-a-dozen vacant seats. Among those present were a few Cockneys who had travelled long distanoes to renew their acquaintance with an old favorite, a number who had seen the genial comedian either iv London or the provinces, but to the great bulk of the audience Mr. Toole was a name which for years they had heard associated with many of the best roles of comedy, and here thousands of miles from his home tho veteran was to meet a strange audience. Within the last few years we havo begun to realise how near we are to the great dramatic centre, for actors of established reputation now think little or nothing of making the journey to these colonies. A piece which makes a hit in London is often produced in Melbourne or Sydney before it is even staged in the English provinces. As an instance of that an Adelphi success, a pieco not jet four months old, has been run_i_g for the last month iv Melbourne. It would be difficult to say what sort of impression Mr Toole made oil last night's audience, though probably we are not far out when we remark that those who appreciated him most were thoso who were renewing their acquaintance with tho comedian of the old school, a schoil which is fast ceasing to exist in these colonies Byron's " Chawles, or a Fool and His Money," which is not new to the colonies, served to introduce Mr Toole to us. The actor in some respects has to suffer because many of his pieces have been played iv the colonies, and whero a character is done justice to we are far too n] it to take that as a standard of excellence, and then we resent any departure from our ideal. Tho story of the play need not be told. Chawles tho confidential servant, is ler't a large property, and sets up for himself as a country gentleman, and of course

is not happy in his altered eircumsr.ances for he cannot but feel and see. that he is mi ii!tod fur tlie position, and true happines never eoires to him until he once mor a;-.uues his oid s;atiou. Mr Toole plays t'ne part with an abandon, an ease which'must charm. His every mistake is amusing, and as tho piece, like all Byron's, is full of punning and sharp repartee, tha audience, to whom apparently the play was iv-v.-, were kept iv _ simmer of laughter all the lime Mr Toole was on the stage. Tho facial V-y-play was good, thero was no sti-aiui:>_~ after effect, aud the representation was a linished one in alt respects. Mr Westland found great favor, deservedly, with the audience for the excellent repr«sentation he irave of a selfish, scheming old .speculator, who had determined to live well at tho expci>c of anyone on whom ho could fasten. Mr Lowne. as the heir, acted naturally. Miss Vaubrugh, as Kate Vandaleur, the daughter of the scheming aristocrat, filled acceptably a difficult part, which -ho played naturally and charmingly. Miss Johustoue, as a housemaid, provided much fun for the audience, while the minor parts were ia efficient hands. The screaming farce *• Ici ou Parle Francais," one oi Mr Toole's favorites, was just one long continued laugh for the audience from beginning to end, tho fun all turning on the difficulties of acquiring French without a master. Mr Toole was ably assisted in this by Miss Johnstone, who had a capital soubrette part to play. To-niirht "The P on" will be staged, and Mr Billington, a veteran actor, will make his first appearance. In connection with tho performance there will be a special train from and to Hastings.