The high light of the past week has been. the production of "The 'Beggar's Opera" by Mrs, C.J. Chanceclior. 'This was bravely attempted and most ably carried through, ard everyone has talked about it for days and days. It speaks excellently for producers and actors that the crude' but pungent wit of the period "went over" with such effect, carrying with it real amusement, and giving not the slightest offence. After all the double entendres of modern plays are equally frank but in-worse taste than Gay's expressions, and one farns_ again from these old writings that human nature changes little! through the ages.
The women's dress of 200 years ago we decided was most becoming, and the hooped and" padded skirts, strangely enough, did not go to make the wearers look either stout or graceful—quite the reverse. On those with big hips—that bane of modern Iife—the styles were flattering, but! she who was sylph-like did not score over her more robust sister.
"Among the women of the cast, for real interpretation of the time' and the part, perhaps the palm must go to Kate Gain. She was the real troll of 1728, and her make-up, voice, and every action showed her true appreciation of the period, and of the Character of the odious Mrs. Peachum Knowing Miss Mary Stewart's previous record asa professional singer we were all interested to note that she was the thorough success which we had expected, and she proved herself to be an actress of some dramatic ability as well as a singer in the first class. What was among the most admirable of her qualities was her willingness to sink to some extent her undoubted superlority when acting and singing with those of lesser experience. In most sporting way she seemed to hold back in order not to monopolize attention. "Her team work was most praiseworthy and she certainly acted for the general good, with no eye: especially to advancing her own. obvious high qualities.
In showing the character of Polly to be a real peach among much imarsonated dross in stage character, Mrs, McNeill was clever, and ber attractive personality. and sweet, round vole called for much deserved applause. She was a most appealing Polly Peachum.
The men we all liked as_the pleasantest of knaves. Mr. Tebbs Identified himself perfectly both with the period and the character he impersonated. So did Mr. Greenway to whom fell' many verbal quips which' hho succeeded in getting well over. 'A pleasing note with all was good die-ton and clear enunciation.
'Mr. Robert Stuart in the principal part, Macheath, is the happy possessor of a beautiful' singing and speaking' voice. However, in spite of all the neighbours could say, we could not be persuaded that he was the daring. dashing character represented stage gossip. Bold highwayman, and Jady-killer? Never! One could not believe that. He reminded one more of a church-warden, and one could easier visualize him carrying round the collection-box than wielding in fight his brave-looking pistols.
Surely it would be good news to hear that this delightful piece would be put on again some time, for it seems a waste for such talent and such a production to be spent three short nights,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.