THEATRE ROYAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2882, 18 December 1883, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

nESAKTTS COUBT MIN3TBELB. After a successful season m Christchurcb, thia clever troupe opened here last night to a good hou?e, the etalls and pit being well filled. The attendance m the dreea t'irelo was no doubt affected by the counter attraction of the Flower Show. In the firet part of the programme the raising of the curtain disc!oae» the. ladies and gentlemen of the troupe upon the stage, tho former m rich brocaded dresses and powdered wiga, tho latter appearing m full court drees suite and wigs to match, the conventional burnt cork only being noticeable on tho two corner men, who are attired m knee breeches. Tho programme opeDS with tuo full c >mpany, who gave the vocal and instrumental overture, " Little Sweethearts," with great precision and much Bpirit, which imt: oclUtely put the artistes upon the best termß with tha audience. The ladies' voices are powerful and very pleasing, and the refrains of the various ballads are well given, r.Dd with most correct taste. The ueuul badioago exchanged between the two corner men is clever and witty, and quite free from any coarseness The re»t, of the first part of tha programme consisted of " Still Thine Own," by Miss Vesta Amor ; "Will you bo my Hollyhock?" by Mr Johnny Cowan ; " Don't Forget me, Little Darling," by Miss Bella Sutherland ; " Hannah Maria Jaybird," by Mr T. Buckley ; "The Old Wooden Rocker," by Miss Eva Winnette, concluding with the" Sleeping Beauties " by tho whole compaDy, thia last beini" especially well oung nud tided. The second part of tho programme consisted of the great Hibertucon comedy of " Mollie O'Connor, or Irelard m Shade and Sunshine," bein:* a panorama of some of the moat beautiful portions of Irish scenery, with wbicl) is interwoven a very amusing comedy. Tho fun is well sustained throughout, and a number of eongs, jiga, and dances being introduced, the audience cannot help being delighted. The Court Minstrels will appear m the same programme ngain this overling, when we feel sure they will be welcomed by an overflowing audience.