THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10310, 31 March 1894, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

HAZEL. . There was a very good house at the Theatre Royal last evening, when the Howe-Spong Company gave its farewell performance. The piece selected was the domestic drama Hazel, an adaptation or “ Hazel Kirke,” by Mr Johnson Cleveland. The tale oa which tho piece is founded is a pretty one, and gives scope for some capital acting and splendid scenic effects, of which advantage was fully taken. The courtyard of the Marsham Mill-houaa was a beautiful scene, which reflected the highest credit on Mr Spong as a scenic artist, and the effect was heightened by the presence of a number of tame pigeons, and also by the introduction of a horse and _ trap. Ihe railway collision scene was realistic indeed, and splendidly managed, earning hearty grounds of applause. Miss Hilda who took the part of Hazel Eirko, added 5 further to the laurel a won during the season. | Miss Flora Anatesd was quite at home as J the old miller’s devoted wife, and Mies i Edith,Barrow was a piquant Dolly Dutton, t her love scenes with Petticua Green being very good, and Miss Fitzmaurice Gill was well cast as the stately, scheming stepmother, Lady Travers. Mr Cathcarfc gave a masterly rendering of the role ot the passionate old miller, tho scene after he has lost his sight, and in which he for the } second time banishes his daughter, j perhaps his best. Mr Greenaway’s Lord ( Travers was a good, even performance j throughout. As Petticus Green Mr Howe j was seen to advantage, his assumption of 1 the character of the verdant young uia-n i “ who wao not eo green as he looked • making one wish to saa more of him in these i lighter parts. Mr Fabart, as the noblei hearted squire, was all that could be j wished, and Mr Scot Inglia, as Barney, h ls | lordship’s valet, did vary well. Tho other characters were all in capable bands. The company will leave for Wellington to-day, and* open there on Monday.