PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1530, 20 October 1868, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

The production of Aurora Floyd last night was, in point of good acting, scenery, and accompaniments, one of the greatest successes that has hitherto attended the exertions of Mr. Bennett, to render the Auckland stage worthy of name in these colonies. Since the arrival of the Star Company many brilliant pieces have been produced in a most superior manner, but Aurora Floyd seems to eclipse them all. The preparations were all on a most liberal scale, and both in scenery and properties nothing was omitted that could tend to bring out the play in its brightest colours. Mr. Massey's genius was everywhere conspicuous, and his moonlight park scene was positively startling in its truthfulness. Other scenes there were, almost as telling, amongst which the park gates with the' view of the baronial hall in the distance, and the winding woodland paths, was particularly conspicuous. The moonlight scene was received with applause, which lasted for some minutes, and showed the genuine appreciation of the audience. " Aurora Floyd," the victim of youthful indiscretion, whose woes so deeply enlist our sympathies throughout the play, was personified in a brilliant manner by Mrs. Bobert Heir, whose girlish thoughtlessness, and womanish love and hate were specimens of acting which the people of this city have not often an opportunity of witnessing. Her dissipated, cold-hearted, yet cool and calculating husband C nyers, was a character In which Mr. Hydes revelled. The torturing cruelty of his expressions, whilst keenly watching the agony he was inflicting upon his victim; was a piece of acting which would have more than passed in any theatre, and his conversations with Softy (Mr. Ryan) were triumphs for both gentlemen, Mr. Hyan receiving repeated plaudits during the evening. The cunning Mrs. Powell found a very able representative in Miss Montrose, who seemed to be remarkably suited for the part. John Mellish was very bluff and countryfied, and Mr. Carey came quite up to the ideas of a Yorkshire squire, according to " Currer Bell," and we shall only beg to be allowed to suggest that in this particular character the delivery should not be quite so rapid. Miss Shcpparde always looks nice, and speaks and acts in a ladylike manner, and she and her mistress made a most charming group. Mr. Kemp had one of his own particular parts as Mr. Floyd, and was dignified, correct, and bountiful, as the character required. Miss Raymond appeared as Lucy Floyd ; a little more demonstrativeness would not injure her playing. Mr. Russell and Mr. Towers came out very well. These gentlemen seem to be fast becoming popular ivith the Auckland public. There was a very good attendance, and everybody seemed •to appreciate thr- acting throughout. We fully ex ; : .:t a larger attendance this night than last, hiuce, doubtless, those who had the privilege of being present will: induce many of their friends to take advantage of the present season to see one of the most brilliantly-effective plays that has ever been put upon the boards of the" Prince of Wales Theatre.