PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2295, 24 February 1898, Page 39

PRINCESS THEATRE.

" THE TWO LITTLE VAGABONDS." ! Messrs Williamson and Musgrove's Dramatic Company, consisting of English and Australian artists, opened their season at the Princess Theatre on the 18th by the production of " The Two Little Vagabonds " — an adaptation by Messrs G. It. Sims and Arthur Shirley of M. Pierre Decourcelle's " Les Deux Gos3es." The play, which is said to have had a successful run in London, Paris, and a number of Australian cities, is a mixture of pathos and comedy so skilfully blended as to thoroughly captivate an audience. But apart from the merits of the play itself the performance last night was a decided success, and the company met with a reception such as must have been very gratifying to them. The interest of the audience in the play never flagged for a moment. At times they were deeply moved by the pathetic passages, while again the theatre frequently resounded with their laughter. The appreciation of the audience was also shown by their recalling the peiformers three or four times during the evening. The parts of the two little vagabonds were taken by Miss Lily Titheradge (Dick) and Miss Florence Terriss (Wally), both of whom acquitted themselves admirably. Miss Terribs's appearance in the production v> as an exhibition of pluck that was noteworthy, for, in endeavouring at luvercargill to rest as much as possible a sprained ankle she had strained the tendons of the other foot, and the result was that it was with difficulty and at the cost of considerable pain that she could walk at all without support. Miss Junilie Hughes also gained the very waiin approval of the audience for her capable portrayal of the character of Mrs Thornton. Miss Minna Phillips was well cast as Barbara Scarth, and Miss Julia Merton was decidedly amusing as Biddy Mullins. The part of , George Thornton was assumed by Mr R. .Stewait, j who did every justice to it, his acting at times j

being distinctly powerful and striking. Mr J. W. Sweeney (who visits this colony after an absence of 12 years) cleverly impersonated Bill Mullins, the leader of the gang of thieves ; while an old favourite in Mr Oily Deeringas Didoßunce, andMr R. E. Watson as The Couch Drop— two of Mullins'a confederates,— were both very successful in tho representation of the parts allotted to them. Mr J. G. Patten, as Captain Darville, also acquitted himself with a fair measure of success, while subordinate characters were filled by other members of the company The piece was stagtd in a manner which left little to be desired, and, as has before been indicated, the audience were thoroughly delighted with the wkole perform- ; ance.