CURTAIN.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 333, 25 April 1885, Page 14

CURTAIN.

MISS DE GREY'S COMPANY.

The De Grey Comedy Company may fairly be called a success. The particular line they adopt — that of old English classical cornedy — is a difficult one, yet, if done justice to, it is second to none in its popularity with lovers of the drama. The " School for Scandal " and " She Stoops to Conquer " have been produced during the past few days, and both were successful performances. Miss de Grey undertook the principal part in each, and in each she was highly successful. Her acting is bright, sympathetic, and natural — the three qualities which more than any others are demanded in English comedy. She is also well supported. The principal male characters were done justice to in no ordinary degree, indeed Sir Peter Teazle and Mr Hardcastle were performances of a very high class, while the two Surfaces in the " School for Scandal," and Tony Luinpkin in " She Stoops to Conquer," were in all respects satisfactory performances. It is somewhat invidious, perhaps, to compare the present company with that of Miss Ward and Mr Vcrnon, yot the comparison is interesting. Miss DeGrey is not, of course, an artist ol : the experience and finish which were the leadingadjuncts of Miss Ward's unquestionable genius. But while she could not play Miss Ward's characters successfully, neither could Miss Ward attempt with such success the natural and youthful characters of which the old English comedy is full, and which more truly represent English life and character than the worldly-wise women so successfully represented by her. It is no discredit to say of the present company that it possesses no actor quite so finished as Mr Vernon ; but, on the other hand, its other members are all superior to the rank and file of Miss Ward's companj 7 . For the special lino which they have adopted we do not know that a better company than that of Miss DeGrey has ever appeared before an Auckland public.