THE CITY HALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10900, 6 September 1897, Page 3

THE CITY HALL.

■The performances by ths Albert Lucas Dramatic Company continue'to increase in popularity, and it seems likely, that these entertainments will prove quite as successful as a former venture of the same description was within recent years. There wa3 a very large audience at the City Hall on Saturday evening in curia, stalls, ana pit, and the entertainment evidently ftave general satisfaction. Mr Lucas g*ve the historical dramatic recitation "Mary. Queen of Scots" in a manner which exhibited his mastery of the art of elocution, and as usual won general .applause. The domestic drama "Lo3t in London" was produced for the first time by the company, and its production was in all respects satisfactory. A eood deal of skill was displayed in mounting the piece, the pceaery being adequate and Rood. . The interior of a coal mine, the second scene in the first act, was especially realistic; the street scenes were good, and the set scenes—tbn miner's cottage and the London garret—were effective, and showed that attention is paid to artistic detail. "Lost in London " is a powerful moral drama of domestic life, but exceedingly Bad. Tne story is that .of it young wife temnted from her hoaie by the glitter of wealth and the promise of luxury, nnly to find that she has left solid bapnincss lor gilded misery, and to suffer the p:tn£3 of'reroorse until the final scene, when,at her death she obtains forgiveness and reconciliation. Mr Lucas as Job Annroyd, the miner ■whose youns wife deserts him, had the leading part t>i pliiy, and gave a strong and consistent Interpretation of it. His ir.credulity when told flf what had befallen him and tbe deep-rooted jiief that struck him down in his strength were ■wsl\ portrayed, and throughout he ronde the character seem very real. Miss Lilian Chester, ss the erring wife, was hardly less successful. The character was impersonated so as to excite jorrow and sympathy. The comedy _ elemant, ryhicli nrove'l a welcome relief, was provided principally'by Mr* Dwnhar, who as Tiddie Draggleh'nnrpi was bright and pleasing, and by Mr C. R. Hill who R5 the pugnacious servant Benjamin Biiu'kev was very amusing. Mr AVilliam Power, »s -fiie evil genius of the play. Gilbert t'eather-j.tOT-e. sustained bis part naturally and effectively, ascl Mr Mauville and Miss Nell Ogden and other* ef tbecompsßy. in minor characters, contributed lo the successful represention of the drama. Another performance i« to be given by the company on Wednesday evening.