PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9564, 21 October 1892, Page 3

PRINCESS THEATRE.

There was at the Princess Theatre last night one of the best houses of Mr Walter Boivtlc-y's present successful season. The occasion w&s the production of "David Garrick" and "Cramond Brig" —a combination of plays which, ou Mr Bentley's last visit to Dunedin, proved exceedingly popular, and were the means of bringing large sums of money into the treasury. The remembrance of the capital representations of the plays in question that were then given, and especially of the admir-ably-contrasted character studies which Mr Bentley presented, caused the booking of seats iv the dress circle for the only niaht during the current season for which the double bill was anuouueed to be extensive—so much so that those who had not taken the precaution to reserve their seats had, in many cases, to suffer for their omission by standing throughout the performance. That was the state of matters in the dress circle—every seat being occupied, while chairs were brought iuto requisition and placed in the passages and wherever there was room, and a considerable number of persons were through their inability to obtain seats obliged to stand. The stalls were similarly crowded, a great many people being unable to obtain seats, and the pit was about three-parts full. The company had, therefore, the advantage of a large house to play to, and both pieces went smoothly and satisfactorily. In "David Garrick," which, it is to be borne in mind, is a comedy-drama that is not founded on fact, Mr Bentley has a part into which he throws himself with immense spirit. The famous actor of the eighteenth century is made to give utterance to sentiments which Mr Bentley himself strongly entertains and expresses regarding his art ; and it is needless to say that the impersonator, under these circumstances and in these passages, gets right into his part. Mr Bentley's light touches in the first act, during Garrick's interview with the man of commerce, Simon Ingot, were easy and natural, but the actor's opportunity comes later on. In the second act, in which Garrick feigns drunkenness in order to fulfil his promise to disillusionise Ada Ingot, himself suffering torture the while as he observes the disgust pictured on the countenance of the girl, Mr Bentley's acting was spirted and finished; and thereafter, when Garrick reads his love-sick admirer a lesson on her duty, he made all his points firmly and well. Mr Lachlan M'Gowan's impersonation of Simon Ingot was spoken of in terms of commendation when the piece was formerly produced here, and his portrayal of the alderman is as faithful and as painstaking now as then. Mr H. R. Roberts, who was cast as Squire Chivy, has dove nothing better on the local stage than the narrative which the squire gives, in his cups, of the story that Garrick had to tell at his club ou the night of lDgot',s dinner; and the extravagances of the guests from the city were ably represented by Miss Bronton, Miss Leighford, Messrs Clitherow, England, and Hill. Miss Katharine Hardy made au exceedingly attractive Ada Ingot, in regard to personal appearance, but in hex- acting she was wanting in power. This was most noticeable in the second act, where, although Ada has comparatively litble to say, she has a great deal to express. Miss Hardy lacks experience on the stage, and it is not to her discredit that she should, as yet, find a character like that which she essayed somewhat beyond her powers of effective representation. The remaining characters had suitable exponents, and the performance found such favour with the audience that there was a call at the close of each act. The old Scotch farce of " Cramoad Brig," which followed, afforded Mr Beutley, in the part of Jock Howiesou, a splendid chance, of which he fully availed himself, for the portrayal of an honest and homely Scottish farmer. His individuality was admirably sunk in the part, and his performance was marked by a keen appreciation of the character and by a singular breadth of humour. He fairly carried the piece through on his own shoulders, though the members of his company who assisted him gave fairly, adequate support. The season, is now drawing to a close, and to-night, when "Richelieu" will be played, a complimentary benefit is to be tendered to Mr Beutley.