THEATRE ROYAL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7619, 16 December 1886, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

,"' ' " His Natural Life.' 1 'The Macmahon-Leitch company last night produced " His Natural Life," a dramatisation (if the late Marcus Clarke's cejebrated'novel, to a large and appreciative audience. The piece was very well mounted, some of the sets being especially well fut upon the stage. Among these may be mentioned Hampstead Heath by ■ night, the convict ship, the island, and a ' scene at Port Arthur. Mr H. M. Douglas was /seen to great advantage as the unfortunate Rupert Dawes, Mv W. Montgomery also playing well as the scoundrelly Lieutenant Frere. Mr George Leiteh as the Rev. Joshua Meekinhad a part that suited him perfectly, and he made the most of. it. _ His appearance on the stage was the signal ' for unrestrained mirth amongtheaudience, ■who/ judging by their applause, musthave heartily enjoyed Mr Leitch's clover impersonation. Mr R. A. Vernon was . overweighted - with tho important part of Mr James North, and the impersonation, though painstakiug, might have heen , improved upon. Mr Vernou's best effort was .in the last scene. Among the minor' parts deserving men- ' tion were Mr Marshall's Dandy Jack, Mr Foley's Miles, Mr Berkely's Franklin, and Mr Harcourt's Major yickers. lAs Sylvia Miss liate Douglas was very even, and gave an enjoyable, nnd meritorious rendering of the part. Miss Flora Anstead was also good as Sarah Purfoy, • , and particularly so in her rencontre with Lien tenant Frere in the- third act. Miss Docy Mainwaring played the part of Lady Devine in a capable manner, and Miss Ada Herberte deserves mention for her impersonation of the small part of Miss .Vickers. The remaining characters were fairly filled. At intervals the audience " manifested their approval of the play in . a very pronounced manner, and Mr H. N. Douglas received an enthusiastic recall. To-night "His Natural Life" will be repeated.