THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5584, 16 January 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

MB J. P. QBAUAM’s BENEFIT. Last evening a special performance was given at the Theatre Royal, on the occasion of the farewell benefit ox Mr J. P. Graham. The attendance was in keeping with the popularity which Mr Graham has always maintained in Christchurch —the stalls and pit being well filled and the dress-circle fairly occupied. The programme included the closet scene from " Hamlet,” the third act of the “ Lady of Lyons,” and an original twoact comedy entitled “ Love’s Young Dream." In the closet scene both Mr Gruliam and Miss Tilly Andrews—who during the evening rendered such material aid —might have been seen to better advantage, as neither were so perfect with the text as is their wont. This was succeeded by a pianoforte solo, one of Beethoven’s sonatas, played by Mrs W. A. Toke with that finish for which she has gained a high reputation. Owing, however to the scandalous behaviour of some of the occupants of the pit, the music could not possibly be enjoyed by any one. “ Love’s Young Dream * must have been intended by Mr Graham as an amusing trifle, to bo laughed at for on evening and then hoard of no more. Viewed in this light, it was highly successful, the amusing episodes in the courtship of two schoolchildren affording plenty of fun. Miss Tilly Andrews sang “ Can Ho Forgot," written and composed for tier by Mr Granam, very pleasingly, and had to repeat the simple melody. Mr Graham introduced several imitations of actors who aro familiar to Christchurch audiences, and in each instance ho was loudly applauded. His host portraitures wore those of Signor Majoroni in “The Old Corporal,” and Mr P. M. Bates as the Earl of Essex, in “ Queen Elisabeth. The third act of the “ Lady of Lyons" formed the closing item. _ semea tiooitfH • -__