"SWEET NELL OF OLD DRURY."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12268, 12 May 1903, Page 6

"SWEET NELL OF OLD DRURY."

Miss Nellie Stewart and Mr. Geo. Musgrove's new English Comedy Company will arrive this morning from the South and open this evening for the first time in Auckland, at His Majesty's Theatro, in the mucli-talked-of and most successful play, " Sweet Nell of Old Drury." The interest in the initial production of the piece has reached a high pitch, and, judging by the heavy booking - for this and ensuing evenings, a crowded audience should witness the performance. The scenery and dresses are said to be of great magnificence and perfect in every detail of the period, iVaiss Nellie Stewart's triumph as " Sweet Nell" .will doubtless receive a fitting welcome on her reappearance this evening, after over eight years' absence. The caste includes Mr. Harcourt Beattv as King Charles 11., whose admirable portrayal of the merrie monarch has won for him the appreciation of the Australian press. Mr. Harry Hill will appear as Lord! Jeffreys, Mr. Sydney Sterling as Lord Lovelace, Mr. Alfred Tapping as Percival, Mr. Vernon Steele as Roger Fairfax, Mr. Webster Lawson as Lord Rochester, Mr. E. B. Russell as Lacy, Mr. Claude Flemming as Rollins, Mr. W. T. Beresford as Marcus, Mr. John Weymss as Williams, Miss Minnie Sadlei as Lady Olivia Vardon, Miss Alice Farleigh . as Lady Castlemaine, Miss Emily Lcvcttz as the Countess of Portsmouth, Miss Edith Stewart as Tiffon, and Miss Athena Claudius as Lady Clivebrook. The scenery is from the clever brushes of Messrs. Coleman and Goatcher, and is in their best vein. The opening set depicts a scene outside Drury Lane Theatre; the next is the interior of Nell Gwynne's boudoir; whilst the third act takes place in a room in Lord Jeffreys' house, Pal) Mall, and the curtain falls 011 the beautiful interior of the King's palace, Whitehall. Tho play will be produced under the stage direction of Mr. Alfred Tapping. Sweet Nell" plans are now open, where seats may be booked six days in advance.