THEATRE ROYAL

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3139, 25 April 1883, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL

CHILPEKIC

* Who is most to be congratulated, the Chilperic Company, the Orchestra, Mr Jonas, Mr Duval, or the Scenic artist, Mr Williams? In entering the Theatre last night, one was puzzled to know to whom to ascribe the greatest meed of praise; and the remembrance of the opening night will long linger in Timaru minds. Every part of the house was well filled, and some time before the curtain was raised, the dress circle presented a gay and brilliant appearance. The toilettes of the ladies were generally tasteful, and the gentlemen were mostly all in evening dress. The stalls were equally crowded, many who would have been in the cirble, were fain to content themselves with the lower place, the circle tickets having been all taken up some days ago. The pit was also well filledl The time that elapsed before the rising of the curtain, was pleasantly employed by everyone in observing the beauties of the theatre. We have already described the interior—suffice it now to say that we know no theatre in the colonies which could present so admirable au appearance, as does the building which the enterprise of Mr Jonas has provided in Timaru. The curtain rose upon a Drnidical grove scene ; then there ensued in pleasing succession, forest, court and rustic scenes —all capitally mounted, and not a hitch occurring between them or a single indication of want of preparation on the part of the performers. The play is as we have before stated an extravaganza, founded on the Opera Bonffe and of* course the success dep-nds very largely upon the music. The musical arrangements last night were as near perfection as could be imagined. The instrumentalism was we’l balanced, and the time faultless. Mr Haigh’s leadership is a power that makes itself felt. On. the stage the appointments were superb. Every care bad been taken in providing costumes, and every one wa* dressed in first-rate style, the ladies’ costumes being rich and sparkling. The Company had evidently been capitally drilled, judging from their perfect knowledge of their several parts, and the ease and gracefulness of their move* ments. Everyone played well ; but there is no harm in expressing the general verdict, viz., that the lady who played Fredegonda, and the gentleman who played Fatout, were conspicuous by their excellent playing, which was intensely and amusingly' realistic. Brunehant and the King were capitally rendered, and Senna played a ponderous part with much effectiveness. The amusement of the audience was of course much heightened by the discovery of the identity of the various characters. The chorus was a magnificent tnrn-out, and the appearance of “wee bairns” among them called forth loud and hearty applause. The singing was, in the solos and duets, a little weak and flat, but the chorusses-were mostly excellent, though a little wanting in power. The stage appointments were exceptionally good, the grouping and movements were simply perfect in their gracefulness, and a minuet at the end of the second act revived very pleasing memories of “olden times.” The real excellence of. Mr Williams’ (the scenic artist) work was revealed last night, and called forth loud expressions of approbation, and an unanimous call was made for Mr Williams, who contented himself with bowing bis acknowledgements. At the close of the performance, the strains of the National Anthem having died away, there were loud calls for Mr Jonas, who in response came forward and expressed his delight at the evident pleasure which the new building had given to the public of Timaru. Mr Duval was next in request and that gentleman endorsed the sentiments of Mr Jonas and pointed out the absolute security against loss of life by fire which had been provided in the building. The remarks of the two gentlemen were received with applause and the audience dispersed in high good humour.