MR GEORGE RIGNOLD IN "HENRY" THE FIFTH.”

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5586, 20 January 1879, Page 5

MR GEORGE RIGNOLD IN "HENRY" THE FIFTH.”

The production of “ Henry V. ” at the Theatre Boyal this evening will far eclipse any spectacle hitherto witnessed in Christchurch. Until the present occasion no manager in Australasia has attempted to produce the play, because of the immense expense andlaboap attending its representation. To present it with becoming regard to its matiy'intricate'requirements, there must hot only be sceijiesplendburs fur beyond anythingof the kind called for by any other historically Correct costume* There must qiso be appointments of great magnitude and a''company confessedly more talented and numerous than any other occasion demands, as there are 42 dramatic speaking characters, 30 ladies’ maids, courtiers, &0., 100 male auxiliaries, and altogether 200 splendid costumes, with the Boyal insignia, properties, implements of war, &c., all accurate to history. In the play there are about 15 grand scenes, which were painted in London and America for Mr Bignold, where he has successfully produced “ Henry V.,” all of which are masterpieces of scenic minting and spectacular contrivances. Mr Bignold has brought all of this scenery with him, and in addition thereto the original properties and costumes used in America. The principal scenes executed for this production, forming a continuous study of surpassing interest, are given in the following order, with beautiful mechanical effects; —The Throne room in the Palace of Westminster, presenting King Henry hearing the counsel of his Ministers for the invasion of France; exterior of the Boar’s Head Tavern, Eastcheap, London; the quay at Southampton, with the English fleet awaiting the embarkation of King Henry, a scene magnificently elaborate; salon in the Palace of Charles YI. of France; the English entrenchments before Harfleur; tent of the Duke of Gloucester in the English camp; the breach at Harfleur, and great spectacle of the charge; French Palace at Rouen; scene in Picardy; Dauphin’s tent in the French camp; thrilling night scene in the English camp; English position at Agincourt; battle scene, the hottest of the fray at Agincourt; the gory field after the battle; interior of the French Palace at Troyes, and interior of the Cathedral. The critiques Mr Bignold has earned for his performance of Henry V. in England, America, and Australia are both copious and flattering. Mr Bignold, it may be mentioned, is not an American, but an English actor, and his family are well known in the profession in England.