Theatre Royal.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4671, 19 June 1893, Page 1

Theatre Royal.

MEG. There was a good attendance in the popular parts and an audience of the usual Saturday night's dimensions in the circle of the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, to witness the first performance here of Meg, the Castaway. The piece is called a domestic drama, but is decidedly of the comic type, with strong reminiscences of The Streets of London, Jo and other dramas of that order, and containing many humorous as well aa pathetic situations. Miss Maggie Moore in the title rdle is the central figure throughout. In her humorous scenes, she is therestlesß, independent London waif to the life, but in pathos she drifts into expressing herself in cultivated language, detracting considerably from the even realism of her characterisation. Miss Moore's songs were spiritedly given, and earned vociferous applause, though the singer was suffering from the effects of the changeable weather. Her dancing, too, was as vivacious as ever. Sam Sloper, the good-natured, practical philosopher,who condescends to "live on Bixpenceja day-—and fearnit" by disguising himself and keeping a coffee-Btall near the Borough Market, waß impersonated by Mr Charles Hollo way, who was an able supporter to! Miss Moore. The little boy, Bertie Badcliffe, love for whom is the means of removing Meg's life into a new sphere, was pleasingly represented by Miss Bella Nixon. These are the three characters round whom the interest of the drama centres. Mr Forde has for once a small part, that of Spottem, the dog-fancier who abducts little Bertie, but makes it villainously amusing. Herbert Badcliffe (Mr E. Stewart) and Mrs Badcliffe (Miss Constance Deorwyn), parents of Bertie, gave efficient assistance to tbe action; and the other numerous characters, of whom very little is demanded, are satisfactorily filled. The scenery is excellent, but there are some solecisms in costume which should be remedied. It must be said, however, that the literary merit of the piece ib scarcely such as to give opportunity for the display^ of the ability of the Company, and its success must be attributed to the talents of the artiet3 in the leading parts.. Meg will be repeated this evening, and Misa Maggie Moore's admirers are numerous enough to ensure a good audience for the drama in which she takes so prominent a part.