THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 6441, 5 December 1881, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

The opening night of the new dramatic isason, under the leaseesbip of Mr Da Lias, wttf anything but propitious, for the weather on Saturday was inclement enough to check the impulses of the moat inveterate playgoer. If, therefore, the Theatre Koyal failed to attract a large audience to welcome Mr W. H. Leake, Mien Watt Tanner, and the other members of the Company, no difficulty should be experienced in attributing the cause. The initial drama produced, “My Partner,” is from the pen of Bartley Campbell, and deals with life on a Californian gold-field. The plot is well constructed, but contains rather too much sentiment to suit most tastes. As Joe Baunders—an uncultured but large-hearted digger—Mr Leake, who possesses a good presence, and a powerful, rich voice, which should stand him in good stead where dramatic ability of the declamatory type is called for, had scope to display considerable emotional power, which he did with a naturalness that called forth hearty recognition at the closeof tbeaecoud|act. Miss WattTannerwhose musical voice and cleat enunciation, oombinad with a fine appearance, are sufficient to install her ae a favorite wherever she goes, was heartily welcomed back, and pourtrayed the character of Mary Brandon, one who “loved not wisely, but too well,” with a realism that deeply impressed the audience. Miss Maggie Knight and Miss Ethel Adelle bad small parts to play ; but the former made sufficient of her* to cause considerable amusement. Mr J. IJ.1 J . West assumed the character of a candidate for legislative honors in capital style,and succeeded thoroughly in relieving the piece from a slight tendency to drag. Mr Arthur Elliot very creditably filled the role of Ned Singleton, partner to Joe Saunders, and clayed without the affectation noticeable on bis last appearance here. It would perhaps be difficult to find a drama dealing with Californian life wjthout a Chinaman ; but the character of Wing Lee in this drama has at least the merit of being very naturally typified in the person of Mr Dillon. The other characters, while calling for no special mention, were evenly pourtrayed, and the Company appeared to work well together. The extravagant burlesque of “ Macbeth” served to again introduce Mr and Mrs Lachlan McGowan, whose abilities in low comedy are sufficiently known to render recognition at our hands superfluous. It is needless to say they kipt the audience in roars of laughter. Daring the latter piece Miss Maggie Knight danced a Highland fling very gracefully, and afterwards an Irish jig, both of which were thoroughly appreciated by the audience. The same pieces are advertised for to-night. •