WALTER BENTLEY'S COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9079, 4 January 1893, Page 4

WALTER BENTLEY'S COMPANY.

For the first time during their present Auckland season the Walter Bentley Company ventured upon Shakespere last night, " Macbeth" being presented in the Opera House. There could have been no better proof of Mr. Bentley's popularity than the attendance, for though the rain came down incessantly and in torrents, there was an audience that could scarcely have been larger. And not only did the house contain many, but also were those it did contain highly appreciative, the tragic tale of the ambitious Thane being followed with the keenest interests Mr. Bentley's " Macbeth" has no points strikingly original, bub in most respects it is up to the standard set by the exponents of the part who have visited the colony. Now and then there ii a lamentable weakness, a disappointing failure to make what might be made of a point, but still there is a general capability that stamps the impersonation a decided success. Mr. Bentley's reading of Shakesperian blank verse is not exactly perfect, but it is vigorous and decidedly ornate. The soliloquies allotted to Macbeth wer« effectively given by Mr. Bentley, and th« manner in which he dressed was appropriate. Miss Emma Bronton's Lady Mac* beth was, considering all things, a really able performance.. It often occur* that a lady who has nob had much experience in this part struts, fumes, frets, and generally exaggerates to a degree that is extremely unpleasant, but Miss Bronton has the artistic taste to he nothing too exuberant. Miss Bronton, it is stated, has had previously little to do in the guise of Lady Macbeth, and it such be the case, she must be heartily congratulated on bar careful, intelligent, and even powerful rendering of the part. Next worthy of notice is Mr. H. R. Roberts's forcible and soldierly Macduff, an impersonation breathing the appropriate spirit, pregnant with the feeling of a soldier, a father, and a mail. Throughout the part Mr. Roberts is capital, bub in the scene where Macduff is informed of the slaughter of his wife and babes he excels all his other efforts. Mr. iiachlan McGowftn's Duncan is an even and excellent personation, the actor not only pleasing his audience, but again proving the keen perception he has of Shakspere'a phrase and meaning. Mr, Field's Banquo is eminently (satisfactory, and almost the same amount of praise may be bestowed upon Mr. Hill's Malcolm and Mr. England's Ross. In last night's performance the witches provoked more merriment than awe, but that was probably due to the hilarious, holiday spirit that bubbled in some of the breasts of the audience. The other parts were well . represented, the scenery was appropriate, and the limelight effects were excellently managed. "Macbeth" will be repeated this evening, and as there are few opportunity nowadays to enjoy a Shaksperian production, there ought to be an excellent andience.