THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11877, 28 April 1899, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE FRENCH MAID. "The French Maid" approaches somewhat closely to comic opera, although, it is described as a musical comedy, for, while it lias all the raciriess of the latter, it has also a fairly definite idea running through it. ';'• It is a .little curious that although the tangled net in which most of the char altera.., find themselves is woven by th« French maid, Suzette, the piece, is practically dominated by an English, waiter, Charles Brown, who appears at every turn with his laughable "Coming, sir, coming." As the "man who waits,!' Mr Quealy was at his • best and his mannerisms all fit in well with the ''.part he plays. His comic songs were excellently rendered. "Do not jump at your conclusions," with its clever dance, was good, but his manner of singing " I 'appened to be there" earned for him several recalls, the comic effect of the song being increased by an inimitable grin. The authors of the comedy have given Miss Campion, as Suzette, a clear field among the lady performers, and she acquitted herself very, creditably. The plaintive song, " Only a ]?criny," had to be repeated several times, "and, ay usual, Miss Campion received a plentiful shower of coppers and silver. Mii« May Beatty made a charming Dorothy Trovers, and she received a beautiful shower bcutjuet'for her singing of'"Castles in the Air. ' The duet, " Yes or No," in which she was joined by Mr Fitts, was, perhaps, the bast of the vocal items, and had to be repeated. Miss Maud Beatty, as Lad/ Hawser', find Mius Emily Metcalfe, as Madame Camembert, were both very good. Mr Fitts", as Lieutenant. Fife, sang splendidly, receiving an encore for each t.i his numbers. Mr Stevens was an excellent English sailor, and Mr Percy, as Admiral Hawser, Mr Young, as Sir Drummond Frfe, and-Mr Vaughan, as an Indian Prince, wero all good.. In the first act Miss Nellie Horthwick -danced a pas seul which had to be repeated, and a_ tarantella in the second act re.ceiv.ed the same compliment. Thmounting of the piece was elaborate and baautiful, and the choruses were brightly and sweetly sung. The orchestra, under Mr Harrison, was again of material assistance. " The French Maid " will be repeated tonight. ■■