THEATRE ROYAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2840, 30 October 1883, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

Messrs D'Aroy Stanfield and Prod Dark's Morry Thoughls and Happy Moments Compiny opened tbeir short season m the Theatre Boyal last evening. The a 1 tendance was rather small, the stalls and circle espocinlly showing a mes 1 disheartenirg array of empty i»at». The performance commenced with the petite comedy, written specially for this Company by Mr F. W. Hume, entillsd " Onoe Bitten, Twice Shy." This comedy is a - ry | g.iod one, of the domestic class, and Keeps j the audience's attention engaged throughout, j General Dobsey (MrJD'Arcy Stinfleld) a retired Indian General and an inveterate woman hater, hits a nephew, Bob Dobsey (Mr Fred. Dark), who falls m love with Knte Dalrvmple (Mrs D'Arcy Stanflcld), and to get the Geceral'a consent to a marriage a little intrigue is needed. This Kate Dairy tuple undertakes, and dressing up as a rather elderly spins'ar, and passing benelf off as Kate Dalrymple's aunt, oalls upon the General and makes proposal) of marriage to him. The General of course indignantly resents this, but the old lady happens to faint, and the general's servant Dobbles (Mr A. Haroourt) opportunely coming m, and witnessing her lying m his armr, the General is placed m an awkward predicament, and to get safely out of it willingly contents to bis nephew's marriage with Kate Dalryniple. Mr Stanfield as the General was very good indeed. His manner of showing the strong dislike he had for woman wa« very amusing, and the ridiculous situations be got into through this dislike created great laughter. Mr Fred Dark at Bob Dobsey bad not a groat deal to do, but what he had was done really well. Mr< D'Arcy Stan&eld as Kate Dalrymple and as the aunt was exceedingly good, ber makeup for the latter character being very striking. As Dobbles Mr A. Harcourt had not much to do. Mr Dark's musical sketch and Mr SUnfield's "original snatoheb" followed the comedy. They had been given m Timaru before and were again received with great favor ; the latter gentleman's clever impersonations especially being greutly applauded. Miss Amy Ho r l on next sang aomu songs and the applause which greeted bor on thoir conclusion showed plainly that she is as much a favorite m this town as ever. Messrs Stinfield and Dark's duet " The Hallelujah Sisters " (Converted Jane and Happy Eliz» respectively) was the hit of the evening j their appearance on the stage dressed m Salva'ion Army coitume, and each waving a War Cry, sending the audience nearly into hysterics. The performance concluded with the character sketch entitled "Quits,"wbioh was given by the company during their previous visit bore a short time ago. The piece went smoothly throughout, and lost nothing of its charms by the repetition. This evening there will be an entire change of programme, with the exception that the duet " The Hallplujah Biators " will be repeated by request. The firßt piece will be the comedy "is he mßd ?" whioh will be followed by "Dynamite, or the Crown Jewels."