MRS LANGTRY AS A COMEDIENNE.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1051, 20 February 1882, Page 2

MRS LANGTRY AS A COMEDIENNE.

An Amateur dramatic performance of the highest interest was recently given in the Town Hall, Twickenham. The special feature on this occasion corsists in the first appearance upon the stage of Mrs Langtry. It is seldom thatasingle programtneincludessomany of those whose talent has won amplest recognition, and has done much to raise amateur performances from the j position of a fashionable {entertainment to a place on the threshold, if not within the precincts, of art "Plot and Passion," a play of Tom Taylor's, which has long been a favourite at amateur performances, and now in consequence of its forthcoming revival at the Haymarket, stands in a foremost place in public esteem, constituted the piece de resistance. Two or three of the characters in thia sympathetic work were played with a readiness of resource and fulness of insight, a breadth of method and a finish thatieft little, if anything, *to be desired. *Few l.vmg actresses 'have command of emotional expression greater than is possessed by Lady Mockton. The Marie de Fontages of this lady displayed to advantage her well-known gifts, and was a fine and impressive piece of acting. Genuine power was exhibited by Majr. Wyndham Hughes Hallett as _L)esmarests, a pari that has obviously been closely studied, and was rendered with signal intelligence. To the role of Henri de Neuville, the gallant, manly style of Sir Charles Young is wholly suited. At the close of "Plot and Passon," which was received with marked favour, came Mr C. M. Rae's clever comedietta, "A Fair Encounter.'" In this Mrs Granville, the lady whose madcap freaks lay her open to a spirited and comical revenge. Her fair antagonist, Lady Clara St. John, was presented by the beautiful Mrs Langtry, looking especially fascinating in a dainty and elegant costume. Mrs Lantry acted with much "espieglerie" and grace, and with a selfpossession that augurs well for her dramatic power. Underneath all, moreover, was revealed a comic perception which actresses of experience do not always attain. It is needless to say that the fair debutante received a warm welcome from the audience, or that the entire performance was greeted with much applause. The spectacle had been arranged by Mrs Labouchere, at whose hands Mrs Langtry had received her training. Her Royal Highness Princess Mary Alelaide lent her patronage to the occasion, which was for the benefit of the funds of St John's Hospital