CHRISTCHURCH.

Saturday Advertiser, Issue 52, 8 July 1876, Page 13

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

July 1. I hare not troubled you with any communications for the last few weeks —in the .first place, because the theatrical news was not of a very startling character ; and in the next, because I have been afflicted with •a lazy turn of mind that has allowed me not to write a single line of any kind more than I could possibly avoid. Since the date of my last communication to you the “British Dramy ” has, for a time •at least, come to an end at this city. The •end was not an untimely one, quite the contrary : it is only to be regretted that it was not come to years ago. In other words the theatrical company, headed by Mr and Mrs Hoskins, has vanished from these scenes and the old theatre is being fast pulled -down to make room for its successor, which is to cost about £BOOO, and to hold 1500 people. The closing performance was for the benefit of Mr Hoskins, and that versatile and ever juvenile comedian must have felt highly flattered at the crowded state of ■the house. The piece of the evening was “ The Hunchback,” in which Mr Hoskins played splendidly as Master Walter. Miss Colville, as Julia, in some of the scenes was very good, and on the whole her acting was pleasing and natural. Mr and Mrs Darrell sustained the parts of Modus and Helen .respectively. During the evening Mr Hoskins made one of his happy speeches, and told us that he was in treaty with the finest “ stars ” in Australia; some one or other of whom would •appear on the opening night. By the way, it is a singular coincidence that the performance on the first night of the theatre opening—some fourteen years ago, under the regime of Johnny Hall —and the closing performance under the regime of Mr Hoskins, should be the same, viz., the “ Hunchback,” and it may be interesting to my Dunedin friends to know that Miss Aitken, who was then in her prime, played the part of Julia upon the first-named occasion. They say the new theatre is to be opened by race-time, in November, but I have my ■own opinion about it. If it be finished in time for the Christmas festivities I think the three “Bees”—viz., Beatty, Baylee, and “ Billy ” —(Hoskins) —will have every reason 'to be satisfied.

“ Haste the parting, welcome the coming guest.” Fortunately Christchurch is not without a hall for the purposes of entertainments, and although the theatre proper will, for a period of four or five months, be non ~est, there is an excellent building called the Music Hall, just at the back of it in Cathedral square. In many respects it is a much fflcer place than the old barn by courtesy called a “ temple of the drama.” It is newer, prettier, and cleaner, and has far better stage accommodation, while it will hold about a thousand people when jammed full. The Italian Opera people played here ■ all through their season. The hall has been taken by the Lydia Howarde Troupe, who • are performing nightly to crowded houses. -They are certainly one of the biggest successes we have ever had in Christchurch; and will, I fancy, do a big “ biz ” in Dunedin. But you are not likely to see them in a hurry, for the proprietor, Mr Shepperson—a thorough business man —seeing that he is in for a good thing, has taken the hall for six months; we may, therefore, look upon the troupe almost as settled in Christchurch. And that they will do well here all that •time there can be very little doubt, for there •is no place for any other “ show ” to go to — • bar the Odd Fellow’s Hall —and that is as bad as nowhere, for the people won’t attend it—unless, the Upper Ten, as in the case of • a Goddard or an lima de Murska. They have a very extensive repertoire, and Shepperson has, besides, some idea of getting up one or two additional operas-bouffe. Mr Walter Hill, a very old favourite, has joined the company, and is certainly found to be most invaluable. Their productions so far have been “ Chilperic,” “ Lucia de Lamma•moor,” “ Fra Diavalo,” and “ Kenilworth.” The latter has run for a week, and is up •again for Monday. “ II Trovatore ” will be put on the boards about Wednesday. With regard to the personnel of the company it is •excellent. Place aux dames. First of all comes Miss Lydia Howarde, a dashing and spirited actress, with a really magnificent voice, which is thoroughly under control and is always used without the slightest apparent effort. Then there is Madamoiselle Solange Navaro, a young Frenchwoman of remarkably prepossessing appearance, full of soul — very pretty, very piquante, and a born actress — a capital singer—indeed a tower of strength. ■She speaks English wonderfully well, and is a prime favourite, ranking very little below Miss Howarde herself. Then Miss Jenny .Nye is as great a favourite as ever —and you know how great that is—and sings and dances with all her wonted vigour and vivacity. Miss Lucy Ashton is not much of •a vocalist, but she is a most invaluable member of the company. Mr Carey, the wellknown singer, who was in Dunedin a short time ago, heads the list of “ singing ” males. His voice is better than ever. Mr Harry Bower is first low-comedy man, and is in most things splendid; but his Queen Elizabeth was rather disappointing. Then there are Messrs Hill, Alexander, Herberte, Smythe, and half a dozen others of lesser note; the whole making up the most com-

plete little burlesque company we have ever had in Christchurch. Nor must I forget the orchestra. Its leader, Mr Towle, is a thorough musician, and when seated at the piano, has the most thorough command over nis men. He is also a good actor and singer; indeed, two nights this week, during Miss Howarde’s illness, he played the part of the Earl of Leicester, and sang the music very nicely; but he was greatly missed from the orchestra. Now, I don’t think I need say any more about the troupe. I know I have just said enough to make you wish they were coming to Dunedin in less than six months. But they are not; so that so far as you are concerned—and I know, Mr Editor, you are a great admirer of the ladies —that’s consoling. The Darrells are here, resting on their well-earned laurels. They are in retirement, and I hear that Mr D. is engaged upon a new drama, upon which he intends to devote, or is devoting, a great deal of care. All I can say is, that if he is in good form and really does his best, the piece will be a big success ; and with the opportunities which Mr Darrell has of playing his own productions, I should not be a bit surprised to find him one of these days in London, with as big a reputation as Boucieault himself. I am serious in what I say; and what I say I fully believe. In my opinion his “ Trump Card”—for a small piece—is quite as effective as anything the great author-actor ever wrote. I wish him all success, and hope to see his latest piece played before he leaves the country. And now, as I have come to an end of my paper, and also to an end of my subjects, I must say adieu.