THEATRE ROYAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3298, 27 October 1883, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

“ Crutch and Toothpick.”

Mr F. M. Willmott’s great combina tion appeared last night in a new comedy entitled “ Crutch and Toothpick,” which has been received with considerable favor in London, and has made a good impression in the colony. It is in some respects an excellent comedy, and is from the pen of Mr Sims, the wellknown contributor to the “Eeferee,” who signs himself “ Dagonet.” The plot is somewhat thin. The situations, however, are often good, and the dialogue throughout is capital ; it bristles with first-class jokes, and a vein of excellent satire is distinctly traceable all through. The audience last nUbt was somewhat limited, owing, doubtless, to tbo suddenness of tho Company’s apoearunce in the town, without previous notice. What the audience lacked in numbers, however, they made up in apurecialion, and the performance went ofi well. At the end of the second act, Mr Hesford came forward and thanked the audience on behalf of Mr Willmolt for their attendance, and announced a very fine bill of fare for this evening. The burlesque of “ East Lynne,” is said to be most laughable. The success of last niaht’s performance rested mainly with Mr Hesford, as Alderman Jones, ami Mr E. W. Rede, as Guy Devereux, and these gentlemen must be complimented on their excellent acting. Mr 1

Hesford is an old established favorite whose very appearance evokes applause. played the greedy, griping man of business, the ambitious Alderman, to perfection ; while Mr Rede, as the easy going young gentleman who has married a rich wife, pliyed gracefully and effectively, Mr J. Wilkinson, as dellico, was hardly inferior, though he rather overdid his part at times. Mr Simmonds, as Cecil Leighton was fairly successful. Mr Mack Alexander as Fihbins was a thorough success, as he always is. Mr Mariin as Jubbins had little to do, but he did that little thoroughly well. Miss Louise Crawford as Dolly, wife of Guy Dovereux, was fairly successful. Miss Lawrence as Amy Jones was charming. Tins young lady bids fair to become an excellent actress. Miss Nelson did justice to the minor part of Lady Pennycuick. The piece was well and evenly played, and a fair musical accompaniment was supplied by a gentleman just engaged to supply the place of the late Mr Heywood, who was killed a few days ago at Balclutha by the accidental discharge of a gun, and whose loss is very deeply mourned by all the company.

As Mr Hesford truly observed last night, the kind of pieces the company are presenting warrant them in looking for the hearty support of the public, and it is to be hoped they will to-night have a bumper house. It may be as well to remark that apart Lorn the injurious consequences to the children themselves of being out at night, it is must distressing to an audience to listen to infants with the whooping cough. Verb sdj}. A grand double bill is announced for to-night comprising the famed comedy of “ Withered Leaves ” and a burlesque of “ East Lynne,' whic his from the pen of Mr Wilmolt himself.