PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1198, 14 November 1874, Page 11

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Mr and Mrs Bates made their first appearance at the Princess Theatie on Wednesday, and we aie pleased to be able to report that they were welcomed by a crowded house. The piece chosen for the occasion was an adaptation of the historical play, " Elizabeth, Queen of England.' The drama, which is new to the Dunedin public, is one well calculated to display Mra Bates's powers, and the taste of her quality given last evening certainly made a most favourable impression. Throughout the first act the piece dragged somewhat, owing to the feeling of strangeness, which is inevitable where performer and audience are new to each, other ; but as the action progressed, Mrs Bateß'a splendid elocution and powerful acting worked wonders ; and before the conclusion of the third act, her success wns placed beyond doubt. In the scene where she receives the news that the Invincible /Vrmada of Phillip has set sail for England she displayed wondeiful power, fairly taking the luuse by storm. But her greatest triumph was achieved in the last scene, when though struggling with death, the haughty spiiit of the great Queen refuses to bend, and stung by the plaudits that greet the name of her successor, she seizes the crown, replaces it on her own head, aud declares that she is still Queen of England. Throxighout the whole of the last act she acted with great skill, and proved herself ts be possessed of tragic powers of no mean order. At the conclusion of each act she was called before the curtain, and was waimly applauded. Mr Bates took the part of the ill-fated Earl of Essex, and although he seemed to have secured the good graces of the audience, we certainly think he was out of his element. He apparently could not withstand the temptation to rant which is held out by the rather high flown wording of the part. Mrs W. Hill had not much to do as Lady Sarah Howard ; but, it is needless to say, that she left nothing to oe desired. Mr Steele, as King James, displayed considerable vigour, and stiowed his audience that he is capable of some first-rate acting when he makes an effort. Lord Burleigh was confided to Mr J. Musgrave, and in better hands it could not have been placed ; but unfortunately Mr Musgrave indulged last evening in a sing-song style of delivery, which in days past occasionally spoiled some of his Shakespearian impersonations, and which certainly maimed his otherwise excellent performance last evening. The other characters in the piece were fairly sustained, with the exception of Davidson, whose representative seemed to be in considerable doubt as to pronunciation. " Elizabeth" will be repeated this evening, and we have no doubt that, if time would pern~.it, it would have a successful run for a considerable period. But, owing to the limited engagement of Mr and Mrs Bates, the management announce that several novelties will be produced in quick succession. The sensational play of "Roseclale" is in preparation, and "Fancho" is also announced. We trust the public will show their appi eciation of the enterprise displayed by the lessees of the Princess in securing first-class talent ; and that the present season will he eminently successful. Matters dramatic have been at so low an ebb in Dunedin for a long time, that we are highly pleased at the prospect of a change for the better.