214
Jacob Grimes: F. Shannons
These performances drew the largest audiences of the season", which statement causes some surprise seeing that it had only just started. But the house was filled in every part and a good number of ladies in the dress circle graced the occasion, while the parterre was so crowded that many of the spectators had to stand". Noteworthy were the scenery, painted by Captain Hamilton; and, in Crinoline Mr. PHILLIPS as the jealous husband “which would be considered excellent on the boards of the Adelphi” (NCH 14.3.1863).
16.3.1863 (Mon)
Repeat of the former.
26.3.1863 (Thur)
J.M. MORTON: "Fitzsmythe of Fitzsmythe Hall" (1860)
T: Farce (1 act)
J.M. MORTON: "Where There's a Will There's a Way” (1849) T: Comic drama (1 act)
C: Amateurs (Local and British officers)
Th: N.N. (G?)
R: Casts:
Where There's a Will:
Dona Francesca: Mr. W. Hyslop (of Gibb, Livington & Co)
Don Manuel: D.A.C.G. Ewing
Don Lopes Avila: Mr. Raymur
Dona Blanche de Tavora: Mr. A. Broom (of Jardine, Matheson & Co)
Don Scipio de Pompolino: D.A.C.G. Cooksley
Fitzsmythe:
Fitzsmythe: D.A.C.G. Cooksley
His wife: D.A.C.G. Hayter
Penelope, their daughter: Mr. A. Broom
Frank Tottenham: Mr. Raymur
Gregory, servant: D.A.C.G. Ewing
It was remarked about Mr. Raymur that "this gentleman was of a backward turn in his orthography". So a pseudonym after all; the hint though does not make it clearer. There is no Raymur, nor a "Rumyar" (which would be a very strange name indeed) in the "Shanghai Almanac for 1862” — the last one available. Could it be Mr. E.I. Remier? Although the review of the 13th February had not been negative, tonight's performances were, in the eyes of the Herald. "upon the whole an improvement on those of the first subscription night, and the audience expressed their approbation in a more decided manner, so that everybody seemed pleased with the evening's entertainment", Where There's a Will There's a Way, an elegant drawing room play situated in 18th century Portuguese royal circles, "was placed on the stage in a very creditable manner, considering the slender means and appliances as being tasteful, rich and, we presume, correct for the period, while the ladies looked quite charming in their elegant dresses; the whole apparently got up 'regardless of expenses as the London playbills have it". In Fitzsmythe the best piece of acting was that of Mr. HAYTER as the old lady who, like Mr. Jourdain, was "ambitious of having "quality" friends and finery, while in her domestic occupations she revelled in jam and soapuds The "languishing Penelope" of Mr. BROOM was also quite fascinating”. (NCH 28.3.1863).
17.4.1863 (Fri)
Concert by amateurs in aid of the Lancashire Relief Fund.