THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5007, 7 March 1877, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

The Ladv or Lvovs. Bulwer Lytton’s favourite play drew a good house last night. The part of Panline was, of course, well acted by Mrs Siddons. It is one that does not call for any greatness of conception, nor does it make any extraordinary demands upon an artitte who is at home in the Shakespearian rdles in which we have had the pleasure of seeing Mrs Siddons. The part is full of opportunities for the display of emotions of various kinds. These, as they occurred, were fully taken advantage of by Mrs Siddons. In the scene after the marriage her behaviour was specially artistic. Incredulous at first, then terribly oast down, then proud for a time, and, at last, forgiving and plunged in grief. In the last scene, her resignation bordering on despair, was well depicted. Her manner of giving the message to Melnotte was exceedingly well conceived in its tenderness, and the well-aoted joy of the timely reconciliation brought down the house. The character is a favourite one with play-goers, though there cannot be said to be a great deal in it. Mrs Siddons made it very effective by her fine acting, and pleasing to her audience, which applauded her frequently throughout, and called her several times before the curtain. The other characters have been so often played by the company, that it is unnecessary to say much of them here. Mr Steele played Claude Melnotte carefully, and got through the many long speeches allotted to him with fair elocution, and was also much applauded. Mr Musgrave made a capital Colonel Dumas, and Mr Barford represented that somewhat preposterous scoundrel Beauseant with good effect. Miss Bose Vernon did not seem to have a very exalted idea of Madame Desobappellee, and Miss Kate Vernon as the widow Melnotte, might hare thrown a little more warmth into her acting. To night,“ Maobeth ”is announced.