THE DRAMA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4247, 30 October 1874, Page 3

THE DRAMA.

THE STEPHENSON-BORFOKD COMPANY. This company, unexpectedly detained on the West Coast by "bad bars," and at Nelson waiting for the Manukau-bar-bound Taranaki, arrived in Wellington yesterday afternoon by that steamship. They have lost no time in making their preparations, for it i 3 announced in our advertising columns that the company will commence their short season this, evening with the powerful drama of " East Lynne," to be followed by the laughable farce of "The Man in Possession." Though the first appearance of the Stephenson-Burford company has thus been hurried, there is not the least fear that haste will tell unfavorably upon the performance, for though " East Lynne" is a drama which affords scope for powerful acting, it has been played frequently by the company, and thu3 rehearsal is scarcely necessary, as all the members of the troupe are well up in their parts. Nor will the scenery and stage accessories be less effective than they should be. It is scarcely necessary to ,say anything of the members of the company individually. Miss Stephenson is so well known and appreciated in New Zealand—of which, as an artist, she may almost claim to be a native—that it is only necessary to mention her. Whether in serious drama, in comedy, or burlesque, she is equally good ; and is destined at perhaps no distant day to make a figure on other boards, where also her genius will be appreciated. Miss Jessie Raymond has also played before on the Wellington stage, and was regarded as an accomplished, rising, and deserving actress. M 133 Hittie Howard and Miss Cora Mclan are 1e33 known, but have been well spoken of by the West Coast Press. Mr. C. H. Burford 13 an able actor, who always plays in a mo3t finished style, and who possesses great versatility. Mr. J. P. Hydes i 3 a thoroughly original stage humorist, and in all comic business a host in himself. With the other members of the company the public of Wellington have le3B acquaintance. The troupe, however, is regarded as a very workable one, and we anticipate a pleasant, amusing, and yet instructive season. The company have some attractive novelties to bring out, including the highly sensational play of " Under Two Flags," which has been dramatised from one of the famous Ouida's works specially for Miss Stephenson and Mr. Burford. We cannot but hope for them a successful season.