GAIETY THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3555, 2 September 1879, Page 2

GAIETY THEATRE.

] At the Gaiety Theatre, Mr G.D. Chaplin, who, lasfc year, made himself such a favourite in Christchurch, again appeared last night. The piece played was " Hamlet," in which Mr Chaplin played fche title role, and was supported by a numerous company, including some old favourites as well as many new candidates for favour. The Gaiety Theatre does not possess the necessary scenery or appli-

anceg, nor is its stage sufficiently obmmodious for the effeclive mounting of a heavy play, and undor the oircumBtancea the company appeared at a great disadvantage. Tho audience, too, was not very large. Bufc in spito of all these drawbacks Mr Ohaplin fully sustained hio former reputation. His impersonation of tho "melancholy Dane" was that of a loving Btudent of Shakespeare, of one anxious to interpret conscientiously tho mind of ths author, and willing to forget himself when thinking of himself might interfere with the true spirit "of the scene. His readinga are, Bomo of them, not those ordinarily rooognised, but they aro all fairly defensible, if not indisputably worthy of adoption. Mr 0. Burford "doubled" the King and the Ghost in his ftcoußtomed style. By the way, canthii gentleman justify the pronunciation of " pour"" as if written "poor?" Mr L. Lawrence ? ky vi d I ? ertes carefully and quietly. Mr J*chlan M'Gowan was a very f air PolOnhiß. Mr Bland Holt played the first grave digger with much subdued humour, and was well supported by Mr J. Tolano as the second grave digger. Miss Lena Edwin Vdoubled Osrid, and the Actross with more than moderate sucoesß. The Queen was personated by Mrs Laohlan M'Gowan who cave «n average reading of the parfc. MisY BosoOsborne was Ophelia. This young lady plays with greafc repose and naturalness.' She-pos-sesses pleasing and expressive features and a graceful carriage. Her gesfcioulat ion is simple but effeotive, and absolutely free from'convenvenfcional etagiucßS. Her speaking voice ir strong without being harsh, and she. aingt very sweetly in a voice of excellent quality. • Her performance of fche musio of fche part was a great treat;. Aftor the sooond act, Mr Chaplin was called before the curtain. Tho same compliment was paid to him, wifch Mm M'Gowan, after the third acfc, ana to hull, with Mr L. Lawrence, at the close of the play. To-nighfc Mr Chaplin ib to appear as Richelieu.