PRINCESS THEATRE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 104, 24 April 1875, Page 12

PRINCESS THEATRE.

On Thursday night, |the 15th inst., Charles Reade's dramatised version of " The "Wandering Heir " was produced at the Princess Theatre for the first time in Dunedin. Before, however, proceeding to criticize the piece, or the manner in which it was represented, it is but fair to state that in the matter of scenic effect the management deserve mention fox the way in which it was put upon the stage, Mr. Willis, the scenic artist, securing an enthusiastic call before the curtain for his representation of Dublin Quays by moonlight. It may not be generally known that both the story and drama of " The Wandering Heir " are founded upon fact, and although in adaptation for the stage the author has drawn largely upon his imagination, the main incidents are matters of history. If we mistake not, there might be found many still in the Irish capital whose recollection would carry them back to the great Annesley trial in Dublin, when the rightful heir returned after years of exile, to which he had been consigned by the machinations of an uncle, and, after much litigation, took possession of his title and estates. The piece, as produced at the Princess, has given rise to much difference of opinion with regard to its merit, with a corresponding iinanimity as to the halo of haziness with which the plot is surrounded. There can be little doubt as to the correctness of this latter assertion, but whether the onus of culpability should be borne by the author or the management is beyond our ken. From the fact, however, that the multiplicity of characters introduced necessitated the " doubling " of most of the company, a great deal of the mystification must be laid at their doors. The dual characters of Philip and Philippa wejre personated "by Miss Howard, and, with the exception of the heroine in " The New Magdalen," were undoubtedly her greatest successes. Tlie piece is one in which the interest of the audience is totally absorbed in the hero and heroine, and to say that that interest is for a moment allowed to flag would be doing but scant justice. Whether as the artless impulsive girl, the office clerk on the plantation, or the loving, devoted woman, Miss Howard is equally and at all times effective. In her delineation of the part of Philip she was extremely happy, her assumption of the character being notable for the utter absence of that gaucherie which characterises male characters when undertaken by those of the opposite sex. In the scene betweenherself and James Annesley, in which she paints the failings of womankind, her bye-play was a capital piece of acting, and one of the most effective scenes in the piece. As the hero, and upon whom next to Miss Howard devolves the most important part, Mr. Steele played the character in a most creditable manner, the only fault observable being a lack of animation, Of course the pharacter is one which requires to be portrayed with a certain amount of melancholy, but to our mind Mr. Steele allowed too much of that element to appear. On the other hand, however, he studiously avoided all tendency to rant, and in the scene where his pent-up feelings finds vent in apostrophising his native land, he was greeted with well merited applause. Miss Stoneiam, as Betty, the nurse of the James Annesley, exhibited comic talent of no mean order, and her assumption of the "brogue and blarney " was as natural asif " tothemanner born." Next in order of merit we must place Mr. Love, who fairly took us by surprise as the country yokel, the pleasing dialect of Somerset or Yorkshire — ire axe not certain which — being most truthfully imitated. The part undertaken by Mr. Keogh has caused almost as much discussion amongst critics as the merits of the drama itself. The nigger, as personated or created by Mr." Keogh, certainly never failed to oonruloe the audience with laughter, but whether this is, to be

attributed to the merits or absurdity of the personation we have not been able to determine. However, it is quite evident the ' author intended Gyp should be provocative of amusement, and it must be confessed that Mr. Keogh in his personation, if not exactly to life, caused no end of enjoyment. In addition, it must be admitted that his make-up of the character was such as not even the most fault-finding could cavil at. When we say to Mr. Clinton. was allotted the r6le of the villain of the piece, those who know that gentleman need not be told that he was a double-dyed scoundrel indeed. Mr. Power, a new addition to the company, appeared in the character of Richard Annesley, the usurper of the rights and kidknapper of the heir, but the part was not of such a character to display any talent of which he might have been possessed. In the ; closing act, however, he again appeared as counsel for the heir, who is charged with murder, and although here again he had but small scope, in the little he had to do he created a very favorable impression. Mr. Roscoe appeared in two minor characters, in both of which he showed an amount of care which should fairly entitle him. to be intrusted with those of more importance on future occasions. To Mr. Musgrave was allotted the privilege of appearing in three different characters — as the guardian of PhiMppa, a Puritan planter, and the Judge of the Court. As the canting Puritan we egret to say we cannot speak of him as we would have wished, the thanksgiving being drawn out to a length that was positively wearisome. In the character of the Judge, however, he created no end of amusement by his imitations of the appearance and peculiarities of a well-known local official. Though not entitled to rank in the same place as a dramatic production as any of Robertson's plays, " The Wandering Heir " is a piece which, by allowing the imagination a little scope, could be witnessed with pleasure, and, while possessing but little merit in itself, can be a source of much, enjoyment to the audience. ■ / On Monday night " The Soldier's Daughter " and " The Serious Family " were presented, the latter calling for no particular mention. With regard, however, to the first-named piece, the management are not to be complimented on their taste in the selection. It is without one redeeming feature, and abounds in dialogue, the coarseness o£ which, although current in the last century, is fortunately obsolete in the present day. On Tuesday night " London Assurance " was the programme, with Miss Howard as Lady Gay, and Mr. Steele as Dazzle. As the volatile and dashing country lady Miss Howard was completely in her element, and in her enthusiastic description of the hunt fairly carried the audience with her. The part of Dazzle lost nothing in the hands of Mr. Steele, and his London assurance was covered with an ease and polish which left it somewhat hard to imagine he was not one of the " upper ten." Indeed, each and every character was represented in a manner which called for praise rather than stricture, the piece passing off without the slightest hitch.