THEATRE ROYAL.— "LONDON ASSURANCE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6342, 16 March 1882, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.— "LONDON ASSURANCE."

Tjje first aud best of the " hundred dramas" w r ritten by Mr. Boucicault was produced last night, Mr. D. H. Harkins as Dazzle, Miss Maggie Knight as Grace Harkaway, Mr. Lachlan McGowan as Sir Harcourt Courtly, Miss J. W. Tanner as Lady (lay Spanker, Mr. A. Elliott as Charles Courtly, Mr. Robertson as Dolly, Miss Ethel Adele as Pert, Mr. J. West as Meddle, and Mr. Gerald Dillon as Cool. In days when comedy was the attraction for London play-goers, " London Assurance " had the honour of being played ou alternate nights with the "School for Scandal," There were many such persons as the brilliant " Bohemian" who is the centre figure. It is true this creature of socicty is now almost extinct. On the Stock Exchange and in drawing-rooms he was to be found the most conspicuous for ease, audacity, and exquisite manners. There is no other comedy in which the character is so completely detailed in all respects. Mr. D. H. Harkins gives the salient features with great strength. But there are a great variety of the nuanr. . S ' ol a subtle pleasantry which require almost a life study. It is true of this part that there is only one " Dazzle" in a generation of players, and Mr. Ciias. Matthews was the last. Mr. ID. H. Harkins was successful last night because he treated the text of the play with a rattliag volubility, which if it missed some niceties hit others right in the centre. He was loudly applauded. Miss Maggie Knight is so rapidly acquiring a high position that we almost fear to be accused of flattery by frequent praise. She played the part of Grace admirably. Miss Tanner made a fine clear - voiced exuberant Lady Gay, Mr. Robertson as Dolly played the part of the henpecked "little creature of a husbaiul" with capital point. Mr. Lachlan McGowan did not remind us of the fashionable baronet of ton, but lie assumed the air and maiiucr with success. Mr. A. Elliott played capitally as Charles. Miss Adele was as saucy as the name of the part given to her had need to be. Mr. Dillon was very good as Cool. What can be said of the comedy last night was, that it was a straightforward, rattling representation. We observe that there are only three nights more of the present season. Mr. D. H. Harkins is announced to appear as Richelieu this evening, and as Virginius tomorrow evening. We observe that a complimentary benefit is tendered to Air. DeLias, to take place on Mouday next. It cannot be denied that Mr. DeLias has been a most enterprising caterer for the public. At present he does not enjoy good health. But the public will recognise his claims upon their support as a testimony at least that he deserved the success which so often attended his efforts.