THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11874, 25 April 1899, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

“THE GAY PARISIENNE.”

The “ Pollards ” and “ The Gay Parisienne ” are both old friends to Christchurch theatre-goers, and the fact was fully demonstrated last night at the Theatre Royal, when the musical comedy was reproduced. The audience which greeted them was not only large, but enthusiastic, and, indeed, it erred on the'side of recalling the principal performers too frequently. When the comedy was staged here some months ago, it had many features that made jt attractive, but there were not wanting faults to mar an otherwise splendid performance. The personnel of the company as it appeared last night was very little different from that of the former occasion, but the production has been brightened considerably, and new business has been introduced with success, while the mounting also showed an improvement. In the hands of Miss Gertie Campion the fortunes Of Mdlle. Julie Bon-Bon heave still the* attractiveness that made the young actress so popular on her previous appearance. She sings as sweetly, and dances even more gracefully than ever, and if she found the audience somewhat exacting she had only her brightness and light-heartedness to blame. Her best effort was, of course, the “coon” song, “ Suzie-ue,” and she thoroughly deserved the beautiful shower bouquet that was presented to her. Miss Lillie Stephens now takes the part of Nora, which previously was filled by Miss Marion Mitchell, and she certainly scored a success. Miss Maud Beatty as Mrs Honeycomb, and Miss May Beatty as Ruth, the servant, were consistently good, the /latter showing considerable ability in the “ music hall ” scenes in the second act, for. which she, with Mr Quealy, was recalled three Mr Stephens, as Ebenezer Honeycomb, and Mr Percy as Auguste, were responsible for a good; deal of merriment, and Mr Fitts, who has lost much of the stiffness that formerly characterised his acting, was a manly Tom Everly. Mr C. Carter, one of Mr Pollard’s latest recruits, took the part of Pefcy Tooting, and altliough he was evidently suffering from a severe cold, he had to respond to an encore for his singing of “Take a Charming Little Maid,” from “Prince Bulbo.” He has a light tenor voice of good range, and should be an acquisition to the company. The choruses were brightly given, and the grouping was effectively arranged. Two of the most popular items were the “ kinematograph ” scene and the ballet in the second act. The orchestra, under the baton of Mr Harrison, rendered good service. “Hie Gay Parisienne” will be repeated to-night.