THFATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6344, 25 November 1898, Page 2

THFATRE ROYAL.

"THE MAGISTRATE." "The Magistrate" is one of the familiar series <jf clever comedies which made the name and fame of Pinero, and as played last night at the Theatre Royal, by a combination of lccal airateurs, the piece could not'but but afford enjoyment to the most exacting of playgoers. The success, or otherwise, of " The Msi.gistra.te " depends largely on two eliai-acters. those of Mr Posket and Gis JFarringdon.' In these parts Messrs W. G. Brittan and Dundas Walker were fully equal to the occasion, and kept the piece going merrily till the fall of the curtain, without- unduly striv'njr after effect. As Mr Bulliimy, Mr T. W. Cane was excellent. In the character of Colonel Lukyn, Mr H. E. Marsh showed some vigorous acting, but luirdly looked the part. Mr J. W. Jones made a capital Captain Vale, of the "Bai Jove" type, doing scjwe clever work in the second act with Ms brother officer. Mr F. C. Raphael's Sergeant Lugg made a distinct " hit." and in the police court scene he won the hearty applause of a not too are.nevo'us-audienv'C. ;" A? Mrs Pocket, Mrs H. E. Marsh showed herself the possessor of a good- stage voice and; no littlj? "histrionic, talent. She was'Mrly seconded" fiv her stttge sister. Charlotte Verinder, Mrs H.Gf. Sims. The .subsidiary parts were creditably played by Mesm A. J. Barnard, H. R. Parkinson, H. G. Sims. H. Holderness, J. H. Dunkley. C. Lewin. and Misses M. Brown and M. March. The drawing-room scene, on which the cnrtiiin ris-^s and falls, v.as mounted splendidly, nnd not a little of the success of the piece was due to Mr I*]. W. Peager's capable stage n'magement. The orchestra ~t ti>.> Ar-Kipdl Union, conducted by Mr F. M. Wallace, shortened the somewhat ' ler.gthy intervals" by several well-rendered selections. The house was a full one, and the funds of the Canterbury Cricket Association, will have benefited substantially. "The Magistrate"- will be repeated this e\ enhyg.