PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 898, 29 September 1866, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Last evening Mrs. H. H. Cos took her benefit at this theatre, under circumstances which must be taken as. in the highest degree complimentary to the lady* andavery fair test of her undoubted popularity. The " sister services" militant combined their talents to give the popular actress a " bumper," iu acknowledgement for service rendered to them while walking the theatrical planks, a. feat We can assure the inexperienced, which is as difficult as the most ardent in pursuit of fame could desire. The pieces selected were also attractive, first came Morton's comedy, entitled " All that Glitters is not Gold," Mrs. Cox as Martha Gibbs; the leading military and naval amateurs sustaining the leading parts, with : the exception of two, namely, Toby Twinkles which was performed by Mr. E. H. Cox, aud Stephen Plum by Mr.. Standwell, late president of the Garrick Club at Wellington, The burlesque presented an opportunity for the exercise of a more unconstrained merriment- The dressing, grouping, scenery, and drollery were' entirely in. harmony, and the fun was as hearty as the most laughter loving should need. Here Mrs. R. H. Cox impersonated," Abdalla," the most delightful and enchanting of prigs ; Mr. Elkingtoh," the something more than villainous Hassarac ; Duke : Young, All Baba; Mr. Troup, as Mirza; he ladies of the cast being represented by Msssrs. Wiseman and Hamilton, the former as the tall and slender Morgiana, and the latter as the somewhat irascible Cogia. Wc must make especial mention of Mr. Standwell as Stephen Plum ; Mr, Cox as Toby Twinkle; and Mr. Wiseman as Sir Arthur Lascelles. All three were really good. AYe should mention also that, notwithstanding the most Unfavourable weather, the rain coming down in torrents just before the doors opened, j the house was full. Lady Wiseman, General Chute, the new Commodore, and Colonel j O'Brien came in just as the performances com- 1 menced. The new Commodore was the pb- j served of all observers. His broad, hearty, wfcll- j defined face, with a sharply indented reminiscence of arduous service on the highest frdnt, gave assurance of genuine friendship once enter- i tuinel, and downright good will under all circumstances.