MR WALTER BENTLEY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9647, 12 February 1892, Page 5

MR WALTER BENTLEY.

“THE MEECHANT OP VENICE.” The succession of characters which Mr Walter Bentley has in his list is apparently as far from its close as ever. Last night he appeared as Shy lock, a role perfectly unlike any of those he has yet performed. As ia the case with all his impersonations, be brought into prominence the distinctive characteristics of the Jew with wonderful power. Avarice was perhaps the most telling feature in a number of traits, each sufficiently marked to satisfy an ordinary conception of the role. But as the play went on there were revenge, cringing servility, exultation, nnappeaseable hatred, utter discomfiture and infinite despair; the one bright flash which for a moment only illumined the general sombreness being the fond remembrance of the dead wife, Leah. The Shylook of Mr Bentley is worthy to take rank with his Eichard HI., if not quite equal to his Hamlet. Mr Anderson was a rather heavy Basaanio, but showed to advantage in the casket scene, and in the excellent comedy business of the ring in the last act. Mr Charles Holloway played Antonio with much carefulness. Mr A. E. Greenaway was an excellent Gratiano, playing the part with airy lightness, withontlevity. Mr L. M'Gowau was in his element as the Duke of Venice, speaking his lines with much emphasis and dignity. Mr Bussell Craufurd was a most amusing LaunCelot, and kept the house in a roar as long as he was on the stage. Messrs Harry Hill, Andrew Money, P. P, Stevens and Lovejoy were competent representatives of Solarnio, Salarino, Lorenzo and Tubal. Mr Carlton made a capital Gobbo. Miss Alice Daorwyn threw her accustomed spirit into her role, which was that of Nerissa. Throughout she sustained the part with great and appropriate vivacity. Miss May Thorne was a nice Jessica. Mias Laura Hausen, of course played the important role of Portia, and did so with great success. She has studied the part very conscientiously, and is at home in it from first to last. In the casket scene she was charmingly natural; in the trial scene she gave the " Quality of Mercy’’speech with good taste and not too elaborate elocution; in the scene at the close where Portia affects to be angry at her husband’s having given away her ring she was amusingly petulant and teasing. The piece was well put upon the stage, and the crowded audience was most enthusiastic in recognition of the merit of the performance. To-night there is to be yet another change, and Mr Bentley will appear as Mr Miidmay, ia Tom Taylor’s comedy Still Waters Run Deep. Owing to the great success of Mr Bentley and the dramatic combination supporting him, the management has decided to continue the season for an extra night. A special train has been engaged to convey the company and scenery after the performance to join the steamer at Lyttelton, and will take passengers who visit the Theatre on Saturday evening, Febn'l3, stopping at all stations.