THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 643, 4 December 1865, Page 5

THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Tuts theatre, after having beon olosod for two nights for the rehearsals of the new burlosque, was rooponed on Saturday ovoning, and w.n well attended, every part of tho house being fairly filled. Tho performances opened with a pretty drama entittled " The Rose of Amiens," which was exceedingly well played and being short, gave zest to tlio moro important orent of tho ovoning. Tho reproduction of Byron's burlesque " Aladdin, or tho wonderful Scamp," is not of itself a romarkablo event, but at tho samo time it must bo said that this pieco furnishes tho outlines of a performance for which any amount of punning, that spontaneous absurdity which is so irresistibly comic, elabor.ato and rich costuming and elegant sconory may be supplied. It is eapablo of assimilating and turning into the most lauglitor provokin" drollery, almost anything in tho shapo of a joke. But thoso advantages, great as thoy undoubtedlyaro, wero subordinate to tho great ability of tho lady whom wo may regard in this matter at all events, as tho directreSß of tho thoatre, namoly Miss Fanny Young. Wo are not quite sure that any actrcss has surpassed this lady in this lino of dramatic business. The moment she stops before the lights sho os'ablishos tho best possible understanding with hor audience, and oxperioncc has so improved tho outward familiarity— always limited by a due appreciation of hor part— which sho bestows upon her patrons that they oro roady to applaud anything and everything the lady utters. This was moro than ordinarily apparent on Saturdav night. Mr. Daniels as the Emperor of China, and Mr. West as the Magician, were pcrformancos of vory great merit, as also was Mr. Clifford's acting and make up of tho part of the mother of the Wonderful Scamp. Tho piece was interspersed with local " hits," which went homo and told immensely, tho applause being both frequent and enthusiastic. But a special feature of this performance was tho misc cn sccne, which, was really verv beautiful, and is creditable, not only to tho scenic artist, Mr. Burbury, but also to tho theatre. The whole pieco was indeed —to use tho words of tho advertisement —magnificently mounted. Tho tho costume was unusually rich and elaborate, with greatost skill and minutaness of detail. The production of this famous extravaganza in a manner so complete, involving of necessity groat outlay, and great personal troublo and diligence, reflects tho highest credit upon tho management. The burlesque will be produced every evening until furthor notico.