Theatre Royal.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7067, 20 January 1891, Page 1

Theatre Royal.

The eminently successful run enjoyed by Fun on the Bris'.ol terminated on Saturday ever ing. Lait night Uncle Tom's Cabin, as draaatiaei by Messrs Alfred Dainpier and J. F. Sheridan, was produced. The version differs materially from any previous adaptations we have seen. We do not suppose that the authors desire to claim muoh merit for their work aa a clever and faithful dramatic creation. But they rightly ask us to recognise it as an original departure, having for its object the representation of the facts— or some of them— contained in the novel, under more cheerful conditions than have prevailed in previous productions of Uncle Tom. This recognition may at once bo accorded. Sufficient of the pathetic thread of the narrative ib discernible throughout to keep the audience aware of the nature of the story being played to them, while the cheerful and humorous, as well as the gloomy, side of plantation life is shown by the introduction of appropriate music, both vocal and instrumental. The large audience seemed both satisfied and pleased. Mr Sheridan's playing of Marks assisted materially to amuse the audience. Mr James, as Simon Legree, earned pronounced demonstrations of disapproval, good evidence of the fact that he had succeeded well with the part. Mr John Tudor played Uncle Tom with every care. Miss Whiteford, as Eva, was not burdened with a very prominent share in the drama, but what she had to do was done well. Too much credit cannot be given Miss Fanny Wiseman for her Topay. Miss Tudor (Eliza Harris) and the other ladies discharged their duties most satisfactorily, and the vocal and instrumental selections and the dances were good. Throughout, the audience were lavish with their applause. Uncle Tom's Calm will be repeated to-night.