THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5006, 6 March 1877, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

“ Much Ado About Nothing.” This charming play was a pleasing change from the gloom and lurid fires of Macbeth. One of the most sparkling of comedies, it rarely fails to amuse an audience, if only fairly well played. In the main, it was well acted last night, and very well pat on the stage. The house was fairly well filled, and tbe auillouco wtra Liapfc umufl"'! from beginning to end. The Beatrice of Mrs Siddons quite justified all tbat has been said in praise of it. She makes the character essentially pleasant. She is thoroughly in ber element in it, and goes through the acting as if she thoroughly enjoyed the fun. She is full of life and vivacity, and she revels in the wit and point of the dialogue. She is, as the story requires, by turns saucy and demure, reserved and playful, and she has peals of laughter whiob are contagious and fits of the most prettily perverse humour. She never looks at the audience, and throughout the part there runs the most excellent by-play. Beatrice is certainly one of her best characters —certainly the best of those in the region of comedy in which she has appeared here. The applause she received was hearty, and several times she was celled before the curtain. Mre Hill represented Hero with gentleness and quiet dignity. Mr Steele made a showy Benedick, speaking well and acting better. Mr Burford appeared to great advantage as Don Pedro, a part whiob seems to suit him very well. Mr Graham acted with care as Olaudio, and Mr Musgrave made a good Leonato. Tbe acting of tbe three last named, in tbe garden, with Benediok hidden in the arbour, was very spirited and natural. The excellence of Mr Hill’s Dogberry is well known, and it seems, judging by last night’s performance, to be getting better. He murders his meaning in the most unconsciously solemn manner. Mr Stark did well as the Friar, and Mr Gee’s Don John would be much the better for a little study. These, and some others whom we have not space to particularise, took part in the play. As we remarked before, their performance in the main was successful. Here and there little awkwardnesses occurred, which no doubt would disappear if the play was to be repeated. The constant change of bill oannot but be severe work for the players. Considering what they do, they deserve credit for getting through their work every night as well as they do. For to-night “ The Lady of Lyons ” is announced.