TEE PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Volume 25, Issue 1004, 25 February 1871, Page 11

TEE PRINCESS THEATRE.

Mr William Hoskins, who conies to Don* edin with a London as well' as a high oolo* nial reputation as a light comedian, made hii first appearance at the Princess on Wednesday evening, and met with a very cordial reoepi Won. He appeared as Mr Affable Hawk In the comedy of "A Game of Speculation," and as Mr Puff (an author) in the "Critid or tk Tragedy Rehearsed." Both pieces *rii amongst those In which the interest, never 1 flags, and it may be truly said that it is a long time since the house has mng with such hearty laughter as the acting of Mr Hoskins evoked. His representation of th« keen-witted Affable Hawk was spirited, vivacious, and easy. The ingenuity and cool effrontery with whioh he successfully sots upon the cupidity of ravenous oredi. tors, was exceedingly amusing ; and he ad* mirabiy pourtrayed the schemes which such a reokless and bold adventurer must bring to his aid when he has been launohed "on a sea of speculation. " Mr Hoskins was called before the curtain at the close of each act, to receive further manifestation&of approval; 1 There are several other characters whioh stand out prominently, and amongst theitt may be mentioned those played by Messrit J. Mnsgrave, Walter Hill, and G. W. Collier, tt is almost needless to s&y that they all played well. &The make-up of Mr Musgravewas very comical, and this, together with his peouliw faoi&l expression and exceedingly grotesque manner, con* tributed in no inconsiderable degree to the sucoeßS of the performance. As Mr Puff, in "The Critic," Mr Hoskins was again successful — sacceseful in convulsing the audience, and ia securing, as a coase* quenoe, their hearty applause. In this pieoe he was ably assisted Vy Miss Carry George, . Mrs Edonin Bryer, and Miss Lizzie Bushe; Meaars Musgrave'j Collier, and Metoalf c, The ludicrous mistakes whioh are made, necessarily of course, by those to whom parts are assigned in "The Tragedy Rehearsed," were pleasingly exhibited. The theatre was not so well ato tended as might reasonably have been expeoted, and it is not venturing ton much to say that those who were not proaenti last evening missed a treat suoh as is seldom offered to the oitizens of Dunedin,