NELLIE STEWART AT THE PRINCESS’S.

Evening Star, Issue 11858, 11 April 1903, Page 6

NELLIE STEWART AT THE PRINCESS’S.

‘SWEET NELL.’

Is it a wonder that novelists and romannsts have in our time harked back to the hght atmosphere of the Court of the Second Charles—the most voluptuous in Europe at the tome, and certainly the most so of all tunes m our history, despite Henry VTII.’s pre-emulation? There is an air of gallantry or er it all, and as one reads some of the verses written in and descriptive of the tame their movement is often like the Polish musical composition, the polonaise. Notwithstanding that the chivalry was not rustic, wa have a delightful sketch of homely gallantry in Anthony’s Hope’s novel ‘Simon Dale,’ where Nell Gwynne figures so bravely. Hope is, perhaps, before anything, a writer of sparkling conversation, and in Nell Gwynne dialogues he is on safe, sure ground. He gives you wit and incident, dash and dazzle. Nelly he has surrounded by romance, with a leavening of truth which gives her charm. And Frankfort Moore, another writer of our time, has pictured Nelly as an audacious comedienne—her impudence only exceeded by her attractive characteristics. Both these writers are agreed that Nelly was a creature of moods of infinite variety. Her quick changing expression was such that one mood had no sooner flitted halfway o’er her animated face than another was pursuing it. The sketch that Paul Kester. the author of ‘ Sweet Nell of Old Drury,’ gives us is said to be even more picturesque than those of his clever contemporaries.

This evening Miss Nellie Stewart, supported by Mr George Mnsgrove’s New English Comedy Company, will present the piece for the first time in New Zealtnd. The widespread popularity of this play will doubtless ensure an overflowing audience. It is now over eight years since Miss Stewart appeared in Dunedin, and an enthusiastic reception awaits ben*. Mr Harconri Beatty comes to New Zealand with not only an English but also a big Australian reputation. Ho will appear as King Charles EL The other characters will be capably sustained by the remaining principals of Mr George Musgrove’s company, comprising Messrs Sydney Stirling, Alfred Tapping, Webster Lawson, Harry Hill, Vernon Steele, Claude Flemming, E. B. Russell, W. J. Bcresford, John BOuchier, John Weymsa, and Misses Minnie Sadler, Alice Farieigh, Emily Levettea, Edith Stewart, and Athena Claudius. The scenery, by Messrs Coleman and Goatcher, is said to be coin rect in every detail. The dresses are lavish, especially Miss Stewart’s costumes. Mias Nellie Stewart and company arrived yesterday aftemoonper Moeraki, in charge of Mr Charles B. Westmacott. The box plan on Monday will be mi view at the theatre.

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