THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Herald, Issue XVI, 3 December 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE LINGARDS. "Old Bachelors" is the title of the new comedy which will be produceel by this talented company this evening. It has never been played in this colony before; is in four acts, and is an original work \>y H. Van Austine. The progressive aetion of the story is disclosed in the distribution of the acts, which are severally elcdieated to special conditions of social life. (1) Old Bachelors ; (2) Courtship; (3) Accepted: (4) Old and Young Benedicts. In the opening scene of the first act the au.iieuce mak s the acquaintance of Mrs. Mouse, a lodging-house keeper (Mrs. Fitznilliam) ; of her three lodges, Professor Spirt (Mr. W. Horac3 I.ingard). Judge Growler (Mr. Georga Leopold), and Dr. B-aid (Mr. C W. Warner) : oi be- niece Miss Fanny Beech (Miss Alice Wo old rid ;e) ; and of her servants Barney (Mr. H. Leopold) aud Beekey (Miss Blanche Leopold). The gentlemen have boarded with Mrs. Mouse for many year?, aud she has got to look upon them all a'j confirmed old bachelors, until she has reason to believe that the Professor has serious intentions towards her niece. But he has resolved to "sound" the affections of no les3 than three ladies —Mis 3 Fanny Beech, Mrs. Millie Claire, a young widow (Miss Alice I.ingard), aud Miss Ada Hope, her companion. But Judge Growler is a woman-hater, and has a nephew, Mr. Frederick Burt (Mr. Craig), who is sent by his father to propose to ths young widow. The Professor, however, has been so successful in his soundings tbat he is accepted by all three ladies. An accidental meetica in the street between the young widow and Freelerick has made a serious complication. The story is full of fun and humour, being in the b-st vein of light comedy. The professor finally gives a "house warmiug," where the complication is explained, and the parties pair . if—the professor with Ada Llope, Growler with Mrs. Monse, Frederick with the young, widow, the doctor with Fanny Beech, and Barney with Beekey. The tine comedy " David Garrick" is in rfhertnl, to be followed by an opera, of which nonouncement has not yet been marie.