THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4571, 16 February 1893, Page 1

THEATRE ROYAL.

CASTE. Last night the theatre was well attended on the occasion of the complimentary benefit tendered to the Misses Constance and Alice Deorwyn, of the Holloway Dramatic Company, on the last night but one of the Company's appearance in Christchurch, before leaving for Donedin. The opportunity was also taken to welcome home the members of the Canterbury athletic team _ who had competed at the recent championship meeting, some of whom, with the President of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, were present in the dress circle. The comedy Caste was the piece chosen for the occasion, and its production was very successful. The ladies for whose benefit the comedy was stated were the prominent characters in the performance, and both received the compliment of bouquets. Mr Charles Holloway, as Eccles, admirably shoved his capability of performing the demands of the part. Mr K. Stewart, who has daring the season (30 frequently represented villainy, afforded a proof of h>s versatility in the manner in which he depicted the rich and happy-go-lucky but good-natured Captain Hawtree. Mr Oily Deering did not allow the comicalities of Sam "Gerridge to lose anything by his representation of the part, and as usual roars of laughter were provoked by his drolleries. Miss Cooßtance Deorwyn as the serioua daughter Esther was a striking contrast to her Bister Miss Alice Deorwyn, who, in the part of Polly Eccleß, fairly revelled in fun. All the minor parts were well played, and the audience went away highly delighted with the successful performance of the comedy. During one of the intervals, the Mayor announced from the stage that after the particulars that had appeared in yesterday's papers in reference to the damage caused by the Queensland floods he felt justified in asking the citizens to subscribe liberally to the relief of those in distress, and had, in consequence, convened a meeting of citizens, to be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street, on Friday, at 8 p.m. His Worship also read the following cablegram that he had sent to Queensland : — "To the Mayor of Brisbane— Citizens deplore disaster, will send help." He hoped the citizens would respond in a manner that would reflect credit upon Canterbury. To-night is the last night of the season, and on thia occasion The Workman, another of Frank Harvey's highly popular melodramas will be produced. A northern exchange, speaking of the piece, says : — Tlie WorJcman is devoid of all eensationalism, but it appeals to everyone on account of the naturalness of the characters, its wholesome tone, and the sound moral lessons it inculcates." The bos plan will be open at the theatre office during the day.