THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4161, 22 August 1881, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

" THE GAMUT BIATB."

On Saturday night there was produced at the Theatre Hoyal "The Galley Slave," a very pleasing domestic drama, by the author of "My Partner."

The name is somewhat mislead ing, as most people would expect from it that the piece would be a melodrama of tbe pronounced type popular i r the Victoria Theatre, on the Surrey side < f the water. Ar a fact, the story is of iho love of an artist, Sidney Norcott (Mr W. H. Leake), for an American young lady, Cicely Blaine (Miss Lily Ma}), who, with her friends, is making the grand tour. Cicely is also sought iu marriage by a certain Baron De .Bois (Mr H. B. Jewett), who is the villain of the piece, and who already has a wife, Francoßca Rimini (Mrs Walter Hill). EVanceßCa haß been I deserted, but succeeds in tracing him, and discloses to Cicely the fact that ho is married, j but Cicely misunderstands the information, | and thinks that Sidney is tho delinquent. In consequence she accepts tho hand of Do j Bois, but on her wedding night is undeceived by Sidney. Just before the explanation the former lovers have returned their gages d* amour, in the shape of a locket set in diamonds, and a gold chain respectively ; and on the disclosure of her great mistake she swoons, at the moment that her husband and the bridal party enter the room. Sidney is seen with her gold chain in her hand, and the jealouß 1, usband accuses him of Btealiflg it. As an explanation would compromise her, Sidney suffers himself to be tried and convicted, and iB sent to tho galleys. In prison he meets Francosca, and at a farewell interview with his friends she explains everything, and justice is done to all parties. Sidney Norcott is a rSle which is scarcely so well suited (o Mr Leake us was that in •which he had previouely appeared, but he made the most of his opportunities, and gave a reading of it which was full of good points. Mr Tlieo Hamilton, as Oliver Oliphant, had an old gentleman's part and played it in his usual unctuous manner. Mr H. B. Jowett's Baron de Bois was carefully played, but wanted power. Mr J. J. Kennedy as Franklin Fitts, an American medical man, was as humorous as ever, and kept the audience in a constant titfcor while he was on the stage. Miss Lily May played Cicely with her usual carefulness. Miss Madge Herrick, as Psycho Gay, a young lady courted by and married to Franklin Fitts, gave evidence of a considerable advance in her profession since hor last appearance here. Mrs Walter Kill, who wa« warmly welcomed by <lie audien -e, pave n j.iwcrful impersonation of the wronged 'm.j, Francescß. Misa Bpemo Vivinu vri!9 nn excellent Mrs Phoebo Gay, mother of Pyscho. Mias Hcttia Lambrette ruudea piijiiunt Nichette, a lady's maid. The only other character to be ntmed is Franceßca's iirt!e child, who was very naturally represent od Ivy si mite whoso name on the bills was Mi<s James.

Iho audience showed their appreciation of the drama by calling before the curtain Mien Lily May and Mr Leake at the ond of the third act, and Mrs Hill, Miss Lily, and Mr Leake at the ond of the fourth act, also by insisting upon the curtain being raised at tho close of each act.

The scenery, dresses, and appointments were all vory good. Tho view of Venice in the first act was specially praiseworthy ; but tho management need not show how much they think of it by allowing it to do eervico for Florence, Borne, and Paris.

" The Galley Slave " will be repeated this cvoning.