THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6212, 14 October 1881, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

A new drama, of the intensely emotional kind, entitled "Waiting for the Verdict," was produced last night at the theatre to a moderately attended house. The play purports to illustrate the celebrated picture of the same title, representing the family of a poacher, on a trial for murder, waiting outside for the finding of the jury. The plot of the piece is simple enough, but it is worked up to a pitch of agonising intensity, chiefly by the display of great physical energy and emotion, this result being mainly attributed to the acting of Miss Jenny Watt Tanner and Mr. Arthur Elliot. Jonathan Roseblade (Mr. W. H. Leake) lives in a cottage which is coveted by the lord of the manor, who would purchase it to improve his estate. Jasper Roseblade, his son (Mr. A. Elliot), and Martha, daughter-in-law, cleave to the old man affectionately. Jonas Hundle (Mr. J. P. West) prompted the steward, Humphrey Higson (Mr. H. Sefton). who lays a snare for the Roseblades by giving them a hare, and immediately informing upon them. Lord Elmore, the son of the lord of the manor (Mr. G. Dillon) is challenged to a duel by Lieutenant Florville (Mr. J. O'Brien), and at the place appointed for the meeting, before the arrival of his adversary, he is met by Jonas Hundle, murdered, and robbed of £1000. Young Roseblade arrives on the spot, and in seeking to assist the murdered man some of the blood adheres to him. Hundle, the real assassin, accuses him of the murder supported in the charge by Higson. There is the usual "Court of Justice" scene with judge, counsel, and jury, and the form of a trial is represented better than is usual. The prisoner is condemned; the old man goes to London to ask a respite. Meanwhile Martha has strayed into the woods. She finds Hundle counting his booty, and she seizes the bludgeon with which the crime was committed. There is the scene in the gaol yard before execution. The delirium of solitary confinement and the agony of suffering wrought to such a height as visibly to have affected many of the audience. Mr. Lacklan McGowan and Miss Maggie Knight manage to cross the darkness of this story with a great deal of fine, some of it excellent, acting, so that there is a constant relief from the tragic progress of the piece. Reprieve arrives at the last moment. Mr. Leake's sketch of an old sorrow-stricken man was very natural and affecting, there was no attempt at effort in it, and the result as a whole was very good. The audience applauded the piece heartily ; occasionally bouquets were thrown to performers. The drama will be repeated this evening.