THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6693, 29 September 1882, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

The performance last evening by the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club attracted, as was anticipated, an overflowing house. Every part was thronged, and the event was another among the many decided successes scored by the Club, which, by the way, may very fairly claim a premier position among the few amateur associations in the colony maintaining a permanent and respected position, The house, as we have said, was cram-ned. His Excellency the Admiuistratorof the Government and Suite occupied the central seats in the circle, and round about were clustered closely the youth, beauty, and fashion of the Empire City. Of tha performance, we can speak without empty compliment in terms of high praise, not altogether unqualified, but still siiiceie. It was rather an ambitious attempt on the part of our amateur friends to essay the presentment of a now piece which had never before been played in this colony. Amateurs, as a rule, are generally conceded the advantage of witnessing, at least once, tho performance of the piece selected, by professionals. la this case, however, the members of the company had to depend on their own conceptions, their own innate ideas of dramatic unities and personations. If, now and then, it might have occurred to any among the audience that such conceptions were slightly weak and shadowy, every allowance would of course be made for a first performance, which was in reality a dress rehearsal—a promise, and, indeed, assurance, of much better things hereafter. The performance will be repeated to-morrow evening, and we feel perfectly convinced that all the defects apparent in the first performance will be then avoided. The gentlemen periormets will feel more at ease ; the lady performers will have found their natural voices ; tha horrid boys ia the pit will no more have occasion to cry, “Speak up land the entire performance will glide smoothly and pleasantly. Of the comedy nothing can be said, except in favoring expression. It is a capital society piece, nothing sensational, nothing itsirre; but in every respect dependent on good action and good elocution. It Is, in point of fact, a piece that in presentment by professionals may prove either a brilliant success or an unmitigated failure. That our local amateurs, all unguided by professional experience, cam* within an ace of achieving success is very much to their credit. The performance was, as all know, in aid of the funds of the Artillery Band, and the Band was, of course, not th* least prominent feature in the array of talent. Between the acts they played, under tha leadership of Bandmaster Gray, some excellent selections, chief among which were “Notre Chere Alsace," the “ Light and Shade ” waltz, and cornet polka “ Spick and Span.” The audience were enthusiastic in applan-e.