PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4269, 20 July 1875, Page 3

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Tuf. regul.tr company, under Mr. Do Lias, having terminated the season on Saturday evening, the Duvalli Company re-appeared last night, having taken the theatre for a short seasoD. They produced a piece called "The Flying Dutchman,'" described in the bills as a nautical drama, but which in the treatment was turned into outrageous farce, without one scintilla of wit or humour to redeem it from coarseness. We have always felt a reluctance in withholding from those artists who visit this city the indulence and hospitality due to strangers ; but there is a limit to tolerance where there is apprehension that public taste shall become debased, or the interests of the drama sacrificed. We have not a word to say against the Sisters Duralli : they are elegant dancers. But last night they did noteven vouohsafethe slightest exhibition of their skill in this line. Stale jokes by other of the performers, equivocal jests upon the cvniiues of grossuess and gag of the most transparent llimsiness, formed the staple of the entertainment If it were merely an infliction there would be no great harm done. But it •would seen as if former forbearance i*ad been construed by some of these people into licence. We recommend those who are responsible for the performance of last evening to improve both their entertainment and the manner of it. Mr. De Lias no. doubt let the theatre upon the presumption that as the previous performances were not objected to there was nothing to oppose his doing so, but we must regret that an entertainment should be given in the Prince of Wales Theatre little calculated to enhance its reputation. If the Sistei3 Duvalli choose to give their proper entc-rtaimneut without suffering it to 1*; made the accompaniment of coarse buffoonery, no one will hesitate to appreciate their skill. The public have a right to expect a class of performance at least of the average standard to irhich they have been hitherto accustomed tu. The performances -for to-night will be "Black-eyed Susan" find "The Corsican brothers."