THE LINGARDS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4885, 17 November 1876, Page 2

THE LINGARDS.

The attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening was sufficient evidence of the high estimation in which the Lingard Troupe are held : in this city. A full house would not have been extraordinary had the, weather been fine, but it was disgustingly wet and windy—that is the ; only way to express it—and yet the theatre was crowded in every part. The comedy of “Sir Simon Simple” was first oh the programme.' To say that the piece was a success would not be sufficient to convey an idea of the effect of; its performance. Upon- Mr. -Lingard- restedthe great responsibility, and it is heedless to say ■ that he acquitted himself as not a great many ;members of his profession could.. He appears ;to have a quick appreciation of character, and is never, so far as we have seen, observed to •overdo his part, or to go in the opposite direc-' tion. It is just possible that there are men who .could more' effectively represent Sir Simon. ; Simple, but there is -no limit to the possible, and we imagine that no one could wish for better acting than Mr. Lingard displays in_ this part. He is gentlemanly in his bearing, ' as undemonstrative and simple as Sir Simon should be, while he never fails to make the, slightest point carry its proper effect; and when the scene in the life of Simon changes, and he becomes the’inmate of a cottage, illclad and worse fed, he does not change in his demeanor, while' he adapts himself to his altered circumstances, making -it apparent, nevertheless, how distasteful they are to hiun The pretty 'pathetic touches were, admirably brought out, while the vein' of humor that runs through the part was made the most of. ' Very frequently he'had to pause till the uncontrollable laughter had ceased, in order that something equally as amusing as that which had given rise to the mirth might be heard. Miss Lingard played Felicia Craven, with whom Sir Simon, while in good circumstances, was ; desperately in love, and who, unfortunately for the latter, was equally as much in love with, another. This talented lady’s acting was characteristic. It was admirable. There was a naturalness about it, an absence of stage affectation that is seldom ‘seen in an actress, and the effect was charming. The scene between Felicia and Sir Simon in the first act, when she implores : him to resign in favor of his rival, was capital, and highly delighted the aud--ience. Mr. Hesford played carefully and well, as did Mr.' Metcalfe, who. represented Frederick Grantley, the successful lover. Miss Lizzie Morgan, in the character of Mrs. Merton (Simon’s mother), was really excellent. This young lady has made astonishing progress in her profession, and. how plays parts more than creditably. Last ’ evening, though not having a heavy part, she performed the task assigned to her better than many more experienced actresses could have done. The scene between Mrs. Mould (Mrs; Stoneham) and her better-half (Mr. .Howard) was excellent, and fairly convulsed the audience. Mrs. Stoneham pourtrayed the old woman capitally, without exaggeration or vulgarity. Mr. Howard was successful in the part he took in creating fun in this scene, but his acting, was a little extravagant occasionally. The applause was loud and prolonged on the fall of the and Mr.' Lingard, in response to repeated calls, came to the front, made a brief speech, in which he thanked the public for the patronage he had received during his brief stay in Wellington, and trusted that he might again visit this city, when he hoped to, be r able, with {[the assistance of Mrs. Lingard ; and others, to give performances wh!ch_ should be more worthy of the liberal patronage • bestowed. The audience loudly applauded.,' After the interval, Mr. Lingard appeared in a series of sketches. His first character was that of a very heavy dragoon indeed,-Colonel Plantagenet, and the make up was excellent, although it was rather difficult to distinguish the regiment from the uniform, the impression however being that the gentleman was a swell in the “blues." As the young widow, with (we don’t like to mention how many children), and who had killed five husbands, Mr. Lingard made a capital representation, as, coming in almost directly afterwards as Mons. Sangfroid, he made one of his best hits daring the evening. Miss Graceful, a girl of the period, with a red head, addicted to waltzing, and with two sisters like herself with a penchant for money and diamonds, was also a very good representation ; and the after-dinner speech and make up of Mr. Muddlebrain were really immense. The operatic tenor and basso ’ prof undo—by the way very prof undo—were hit off capitally, and received, as did all the other representations, the well-merited applause of the audience. The young old maid was irresistibly funny; the account of her swain’s defections and the cause of her solitary condition; were quite refreshing. The impersonation of a Dutch onion vendor ' was the last of the first part, and ‘Mr. ‘Lingard makes as good a Dutchman as any other character which he studies,- The first- character > in the second part was Lord Clyde, and was a striking' representation of well-known pictures of that venerable warrior. Bonaparte came next, but was hardly so good a representation as the former character. Mr. Lingard then played a double presenting on one side a capital picture of King Williamof Germany, and on the other a lifelike portrait of General Grant, President of the U.S.A. As G. V. Brooke perhaps Mr. Lingard was hardly so successful* but still there was a striking reaem—blance - to the eminent tragedian. . , The next impersonation’ was undoubtedly the success of the evening,' Sir Julius. Vogel appearing almost as he did on the day of the presentation on the stage of the theatre. The - long-continued and enthusiastic applause Showed that the skill of the actor was strongly appreciated, and that New Zealand’s greatest statesman has a hold ohthe-hearts ahd feelings of the people.; The, impersonation of H.B.H. the - Prince; off Wales was most lifelike and well received, and' brought the performance to a'close. ~ All went away with a deep" feeling Of regret that it Was the- farewell performance of the Lingards,' and that we shall' hot again - have the opportunity of being present‘at their excellent entertainments, “Aurora Floyd, ,r advertised as dramatised by Sir Julius'Vogel, " will be produced to-night, with Mrs.'Bates as the heroine, and Mr. -6. •W. Collier as Softy, to be followed by the farce of f* Nan the 'Good for Nothing,” iu which'Miss Stonoham7we be- ' lieve, is immense. " ‘