THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3425, 2 April 1879, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

MEBCHANT OF VENICE,

The Christchurch patrons of the legitimate drama cunnot complain that the present management at tho Theatre tfoyal are niggardly in their arrangements. Five-act play after five- act play is produced in such rapid succession, that the wonder is how each can be performed in anything approaching a satisfactory manner. That all should be presented in the cwmplete style in which they are is a matter for no little admiration, and deserves a recognition by the public, which as yet has been but tardily yieloed. Last night was produced the ever-fascinating " Merchant of Venice," with a cast which left little to bo desired, the members of the Company apparently entering most heartily into their respective characters. The scenery was for tho most part correct, and the dresses were without exception appropriate, and where possible, very rich. Mr Creswick's Shylock was a thoroughly artistic portrait. His make-up was singularly good, whilst his rendering of tho part was conspicuous for that art which conceals art. He represented the Jew as dominated by two pasßions— one a bitter hatred for Christianß, from whom he and his had suffered insupportable oppression, and tho other an allabsorbing avarice. These were the motives of his conduct, and he carefully distinguished the greater intensity of tho one from the lesser intensity of the other. Whilst treating with Antonio and the other Venetians, he was careful to suppress the outward expression of his malevolence within tho limits of caution, and allowed it to stray beyond those limits only when greatly provoked by circumstances; but whilst recurring to the loss of his money, he gave the rein to his passion, and suffered himself to be borne away by its violence. In comparison with this loss, the elopement of his daughter was dwarfed to insignificance, the only trouble to him in connection with her departure being that she had taken with her such valuable jewellery. Mr Creßwick'B playing of the rdle of Shylock differed from that of any of the characters in which he has hitherto appeared. Ho was in the earlier scenes quiet and subdued, giving no indication of the ungovernable spirit which slumbered wi> hin him. As the action of the play proceeded, he was content to let the author epeak rather than Mr Creswick, and abstained almost entirely from melodramatic trickery. His facial expression was natural and effective, the most noteworthy perhaps being that of blunk despair at tl o close of the trial. All through tho piece his by-play was admirable. Mr D. Clinton played Antonio very fairly, and were he to be less lavish with his emphasis, would play it still better. Ho is not singular in tho matter of unnecessary emphasis, almost all the company seem to think it necessary to emphasize two or three words in ovory lino, and very frequently omit altogether to emphasize those words which require emphasis. Mr H. H. Vincent's Baseanio was svmewhat sketchy. Mr Elliott's Loronzo was a oarcful performance, but its effect was marred by his rapid delivery. As Launcelot, Mr H. Power was excellent, so also was Mr Sterling Whyte as Gobbo. Both impersonations wore thoroughly successful. Miss Helen Ashton's Portia was characterised by those qualities which she has displayed in her previous efforts. Without being spec ally brilliant, it was very satisfactory, and in parts really excellent. Miss Annio Mayor made a pleasing Jessica, and Miss Solange Navaro a thoroughly natural Narissa. The "business " of the play was well conceived and most successfully carried out. On tho whole, the " Merchant of Venice " may be pronounced to be nearly, if not quite, the best performance this company has as yot given. Should another opportunity be afforded the patrons of the drama for witnessing it, the house should he crowded in every part. The usual compliment of a call before the curtain was frequently accorded to Mr Creswick last night, and twice to Miss Ashton and Mr Vincent. To-night iVf assinger's "New Way to Pay Old Debts" will be performed, for the first time in Christchurch.