THE THORNTON – ARNOLD COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9581, 4 August 1894, Page 5

THE THORNTON - ARNOLD COMPANY.

The ever popular "Hans the Boatman" was repeated at the Opera House, last evening, when there was again a large and appreciative audience. Mr. Charles Arnold, in the title rdle, was eminently successful, as were all the other members of the company. Mr. Frank Thornton bids farewell to Auckland in the revival of " The Private Secretary," to-night and Monday. Funny comedies have been written, but this is the funniest of the funny. The Rev. Robert. Spauldihg, as played by Mr. Frank Thornton, is a character entirely original, one of those that stands by itself for ever in our memory. The revival is always welcomed. It is such an amusing stage character, and considering, that Mr. Thornton has played the part for over 1000 times, it is all the more interesting, as we forget the actor—it has become, a part of himself. As the Dunedin critics Bay " However great a travesty he may be on the clerical brethren, no one can help being convulsed with laughter at his excruciating eccentricities. Mr. Frank Thornton's every action, his matchless facial expressions are so well studied, and he provokes such continuous painful laughter without for a moment seeming conscious of his grotesque situations, that is no matter of reflection he has made the memory of the character of the Rev. Robert Spaulding a standard, and we may say immortal caricature study." Any one who has missed seeing, "The Private Secretary," has a treat in store of enjoying one of the most mirth-provoking comedies of the day.