OPERA HOUSE

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

OPERA HOUSE

" She Stoops to Conquer" was produced by Miss De Grey's company on Saturday evening", and kept the boards until Friday, thus proving that Aucklanclers can appreciate good old comedy as well as opera bouffe and variety shows. Miss de Grey was, of course, the Kate Hardcastle, and although the least bit stagey now and then, succeeded in confirming the favourable impression which she made in " Woman Against Woman." She is, indeed, a charming actress. Our old friend, Mrs Walter Hill (who appears to grow younger each time we see her), was natural and lady-like as Mrs Hardcastle, and proved once more what an excellent comedy, actress she is. Miss Florence Cowell had the rather small part of Constance Neville,, which she made the most of. Mr Mark Kinghorne had a congenial r6le in Tony Lumpkin, and gave a capital impersonation of the rollicking, mischief-loving " Squire." If we were inclined to be hypercritical, we should say that Mr Kinghorne's Tony was perhaps hardly as boorish as the author intended it to be. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly a clever performance. Mr Hilton's Mr Hardcastle was one of the best impersonations of the cast ; not a point was missed. Mr Morton Selten made a capital young Mario w, and Mr Matthew Brodie was equally successful as Hastings. The minor parts were all fairly filled. The dresses were all appropriate, and the stage appointments excellent. To-night (Saturday) the celebrated old English comedy, "The Country Girl," will be produced, Miss De Grey appearing as Peggy. As this fine comedy has never been performed in Auckland, it will doubtless attract a crowded house.