THEATRE ROYAL. — "RICHELIEU."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 6343, 17 March 1882, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL. — "RICHELIEU."

The performance of this great role last night by Mr. D. H. Harkins was a success of the highest kind. The vigour, the emotional intensity, the recuperative energy of passion, the cunning which formed tho character of the great minister were all vividly represented. The reading of the text was striking and varied in an unusual degree. There was the intelligent purpose throughout, working out its own result. The audience thoroughly appreciated the actor, showing it by emphatic and frequent applause. Great pains had evidently been taken to mount the piece. There was nothing wanting in this respect. The rehearsal had brought the playing up to a high point of excellence. In the well-known scene representing the deception of the assassins, the anathema and the defiance of Barradas, the wrathof the wronged ministerwas brought to the highest intensity without the slightest approach to rant. Mr. A. Elliott played the part of De Mauprat with excellent effect, Miss J. W. Tanner appearing to the greatest advantage as Julie. Mr. J. P. West performed the part of Baradas with his usual thoroughness, Mr. Gerald Dillon sustained the part of Louis XIII., Mr. P. Gerald that of Gaston, Mr. J. J. Welsh that of Joseph, Mr. Lachlan McGowan had the part of Huguet and played it well, Miss Maggie Knight had the part of Francois. Her usual taste was noticeable in attiring the part—she was successful. Mr. C. D. Robertson was clever as De Berringhen. There is 110 doubt that this performance of "Richelieu" stamps Mr. Harkins as a very high-class artist. He was called before the curtain at the end of the third and fourth acts, and had to bow his acknowledgments to the audience after the fall of the curtain. To-night " The Colonel" and the drama, the " Irish Emigrant," will be reproduced. We should state that there remain but two more nights of Mr. Harkins' engagement. He is certainly well worth seeiDg even though his critics should not be in accord with him completely. He has the best style of acting, namely, that which originates iu and springs from the intellect.