THE POMEROY COMPANY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XL, Issue 2931, 14 February 1884, Page 2

THE POMEROY COMPANY.

" Twelfth Night." A crowded audience assembled last night at tho Theatre Royal to witness the performance of the only real farce Shakespere ever wrote. Whenco its name, " Twelfth Night, or Whtt yoo Will," it is difficult; to tell, except that several jovial fellows conolnde to mako life very jolly and look deeper into tho flowing bowl than is good for serious thought m celebration of the Twelfth Night. There is a tab concerning tho title of tbis play* it runu as follows: — During the dying houra^ of the Bard of Avon one of his friends and bis secretary asked him whit this play should be colled. In pain and weakness, Shakespere replied, "Oh, '.Cwolfth Night, or— or"— -ond after somo time, wi'h a weary manner, as if wishing to rid himself of the fatigue of thinking about it— ,: ot what you wil'." The distinct individuality required for oach character m this copilot comedy is no doubt the reaspn why it is not tiore freqnently produced — a complete and competent company is required to do it onythi'g like justice. Miss Pomeroy and her compai.y proved fully equal to tbe task of doing it justice last nigbt, and one of the most enjoyable performances of the season was presented. There is fun enough m this play " to bring three bguls out of one weaver." It is not only that Sir Toby Belch brims over wilh true wit ond humor, Sir Andre* Aguccheek beams with pretentious stupidity, (he Clown abounds m drollery and impudence, end Olivia presente a picture of oad bweetnees ; but the character of all that wins our friendship, sympathy, and admiration is Viola. One of the sweetest, purest, and withal most independent of Shakespere'* womoa is Viola, She comes before us m misfortuno, having barely escaped a shipwreck, m which she supposes her brother; to have been drowned. Stranded upon a foreiin shore, Viola at onoe assume* the disguise of a page, end seeks employment and nepenthe from her woes m the household of tbe nobleman she loves. Her love for the Dnko Orsioo is as true and passionate as it is pure, resigned and modest. Viola is tho poem of the ploy. Miss Pomeroy assumed the garb of the page with perfect, graco and ease, and by her pourti'ayal of the gentle Viula, proved bet versatile ability for ' comedy and poetic de* linoat on. Her recitation of tbe well-known linos ' Sho n-»ver told her love," 4c, was like meeting an old acquaintance m Bne new robes, for who has not heard time and again, even without having reid Shakespere, " She oat like patience on a monument " I' Miss Pomeroy has the style and figure for tho part, and won golden opinions for her churrring performance last night. In voice and f.esture she seemed imbued with thi) spirit which animated the poet when creating the character. The wonderful double of the, brother made by Mr Arthur Elliot, who toted Sebastian, was remarkable. It wail difficult to siy wbich was Sebastian and wbiob Viola. Mr Elliot showed an ease and identification with the part which stamped: him tbe oapab'o and handsome actor that) be is. Sir Toby Belch was carefully elaborated by Mr J. G. Joyce, who never seemed! to tiro of prolonging the fun as long as it wan enjoyable. Mr Kennedy's Sir Andrew Aguechnek was stupidly and comicoly laughable, and. m the mock fight with Viola Mr K-nnedy dicl his shore toward the sidesplitting denouement whioh was bo heartily erj >yed by the audienoe. Mr J. Foley played tho Clown with, dry wit and hunnr. Mr Charles Hall looked! and perform»d tho pßrt of Duke Orsino with, dignity aud considerable appropriateness. Mi; Arrousmith ns Antonio was tho rough, true;heurtod sailor to the life. Miss Emma Bront-,on looked attractive and spoke tbe lineii of Olivia carefully, and Mitß Lily May woe n sparkling fun-loving Maria. The minor porta were m oompetcnt bonds. Last, but not least, m fait one of the vory best performances oC the night, was the Malvolio of Mr F. 0, Apploton. Tho sen'ontioue presumption anil, conceit of the character was omply unfolded by tbis sterling actor, and the scenes m whiob the snrviiig man has tho ogotiem to believe bill mistress is m love with him, were amusing to a hi jh degree. Mr Dillon also deserves n, word of praise for his Fabian. Tbe audienoti fully attested thoir appreciotion of the excellence of the entire performance by frequent laugbtnr and loud oppluuie. The completeness of tbe st,igo appointments anil accessories wero a pleasure to look at. Each performance since Miss Pomeroy commenced her uesson here has ahow.i the care and skill and disregard of expense iv th<ji arrangement of etago accessories, aud an attention 1 1 d. tills of all kinds, whioh is only to be seen m entertainments of the highest obise, inamgcd by th-iee who are anxious to do justice to themselves and honor to tbeii! irt, -vlia'cver rosu'ti may follow. It is so rory seldom tbat we are visited by such it, iterlitig oompany that we cannot but regret ilmir short stay: two more nights will com>!<t9 one of tho most delightful dramatic lea'ona we have ever hid m Timaru. To< light tho evergreen " East Lynne " is to b<i jrodtcod, and m the hands of Miss Pomeroy'i) loinpmy this impressive droroo oughll obo most effective. To-morrow night, thi) sst night of the season, Miss Pomeroy taken i f.irewell benefit, when Sheridan's grand oindy "Tbe Sohool for Scandal" will bit iroduoed.