Theatre Royal.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6240, 17 May 1888, Page 3

Theatre Royal.

"DICK." The Opera Burlesque Company last night produced "Dick," the third of their extravaganzas. Though last, it is certainly not leasts in point of excellence. It has only two acts, and each act has but one scene, but.jKhese scenes are "sets" of extraordinary The first represents Highgattej.as it may bave appeared some centurieji ago, the ouly buildings visible being Miss Skegga' academy and a hostelry with Ifche sign of "The Turk's Head." The Becond iB a, gorgeous "interior" of tha Emperor of; Morocco's palace, with an exquisite "bit" of the blue Mediterranean visible through a Moorish arch. The chorus have ample opportunities, as school girls, apprentices, Moorish slaves, and Bailors, ladies of the harem, and -finally British. Tars (for Dick finally places himself under the protection of the TJnicn Jack) for graceful posing^Jively dancing, charming costumes, and capital singing. That these opportunities are*fully availed of it need hardly be said.. Mr Robert Brough again completely sank his identity,, .and/ nothing but his voice and inimitably "rtomy "business" could have caused the audience to recognise him. The rMe is exactly suited to him, and his rendering of it must have made manyfiides ache with, slaughter. Mr Charles Brown \ "was very happy in his acting. Mr W. "Ward has had no opportunity here of ,showing-rohat a thorough artist he ia till faabnight. His assumption of deafness wa^ his automaton-tike dancing, when disguised as a dervish, /must '.be seen to be understood. Mr E. W. Royce, too, was at hi3 best. Indeed, in the hands of the | artists named, jbhe fun- of the piece was ]-" fast and furisraa" to &- degree. Miss

j Fan -ay Eobina, dreseccl as bewitchingly as | ever-, and brides siugin* with her usual dash, danced with more than her usual success. Miss Florence Harcourt, it is needless to Bay, made a charming princes3. Mibjj Bessie Major was approoriately made up, und played with much humour. Miss Emt na Temple danced with her accustomed grace, and altogether made it quite reasonable tbat Dick should be constant to her, and that the Emperor should be Exceedingly wio'oh at losing her. The music which has been selected and writton for the extravaganza is suitably bright and sparkling, and was rendired by the owchestra, chorus, and principals with unfailing spirit. The encores were numerous?, and Misses Robina and Temple were complimented by several bouquets being f thrown to them. "Dick" is to lie repe. ited thia evening, and those who relish a. hearty laugh cannot do better than go -.and see it.