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Theatre in Melbourne 1889

The New Princess Theatre, Melbourne, 1888

Mr. J.C. Williamson has received news of Mr. Arthur Garner's departure from London. The projected trip through America has been abandoned, all the necessary engagements having been made in England, and Mr. Arthur Garner will accordingly return by the P. and O. route, travelling overland to Brindisi. The Triumvirate has always been noted for completeness with which they stage comic opera, and in order to maintain the high level of the former years, several new artists and three new works have been secured. Dorris, Mr. Cellier's new opera, now succeeding Dorothy at the Lyric Theatre, has been purchased, and so has Paul Jones, which has already been running some four or five months at the Prince of Wales Theatre. La Gironette, a comic opera which lately made its trial trip at Portsmouth, has also, Mr. Williamson believes, been purchased, though he has received no cablegram on the subject as yet. The new engagements are Miss Helen Kinnaird, contralto, from the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, and Miss Clara Merivale of that ilk; whilst Messrs. Sass and George Walton and Miss Gwynne are invoiced to arrive shortly to strengthen the comedy department. Mr. Garner has also been negotiating with Mrs. Langtry and Miss Mary Anderson, and a successful issue is anticipated in both cases. Two complete companies of specialty artistes are under contact to land in time for next year's pantomimes. Mr. Garner has, since his departure from Australia, laid upwards of £10,000 in the purchase of plays and engagement of actors, and Mr. Williamson expects to have a busy year before him. Notice in Table Talk newspaper on June 7th, 1889 Editor's note: Garner decided against purchasing Cellier's 'Dorris' as he thought the libretto was not up to standard.

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE

Love him or hate him George Miln hit the Australian continent with a long season of Shakespeare. The advertising machine of the 1888s could create talent before the artist even hit the local theatre circuit. Never much a success in the USA he wooed audiences in this country and developed quite a following. Click on a month and check what was happening in Melbourne theatres for the year 1889. All reviews are from 'Table Talk' unless otherwise stated.

JANUARY

The Royal English and Italian Opera Company were still in residence at this theatre. The season of operas that ran all December continued without a break into January. There were further productions of 'Un Ballo in Mascha', 'Ernani', and finally 'Maritana'. Suddenly the season came to an abrupt termination on January 5th. The theatre manager, Martin Simonsen, in a letter to the press explained that he could not control the people he engaged. The company uprooted and headed for Sydney.
The Arthur Vivian company migrated from the Hibernian Hall to the Opera House. They put on 'East Lynne' on the January 7th followed by the military drama 'Current Cash' on January 14th and the drama 'The Queen's Evidence' on the 21st. "I am always hoping that each production of that drama will be its last but it always 'bobs up serenely' after a short interval." (Scalfax) Finally on Saturday 26th the Vivians revived 'Neck for Neck' a drama in which Arthur Vivian was the reputed author. There was a one off performance of 'East Lynne' on Friday the 1st.

'Sinbad the Sailor' continued its very successful season. The pantomime had been considerably shortened during the first few weeks of its run - this was to prevent dragging. "Messes Royce and Goulay keep the fun alive, and Miss Ida Osborne's vocal efforts meet with continual encores." (Scalfax) (Editor's note: The title character of Sinbad was played by Clara Thompson who received £16 a week for this role. Clara Thompson was, in fact, Mrs Henry Bracy. Henry Bracy had recently arrived in Australia after having worked at the Savoy Theatre, London, for nearly five years. He was fully conversant with the ways the Savoy Operas were mounted and had sung Prince Hilarion in the first London production of 'Princess Ida'. He would soon become a popular figure on the Australian stage working as both tenor and stage manager.)

Frank Thornton in Charles Hawtrey's play, 'The Private Secretary', continued to attract crowed houses. "Mr. Frank Thornton and Mr. Harwood are the life and soul of the comedy, and while they are on the stage the house is in one constant ripple of laughter." (Scalfax) The play continued until February 1st.

Nellie Stewart, in the popular 'Dorothy', attracted full houses at this theatre. "Mr. Elton is the great font of humour as Lurcher, and Miss Fanny Liddiard ably seconds Miss Stewart as Lydia Hawthorne." (Scalfax) The production ran throughout January, finally concluding on February 1st.

The very popular 'The World Against Her' continued its box office success. On Saturday the 4th there was a matinee benefit for the Alfred Hospital. This performance netted £70. The long season finally concluded on January 18th.
A play that had certainly been in preparation for many weeks but was delayed because of the success of 'World' was 'Marvellous Melbourne' by Alfred Dampier and J.H. Wrangham. This aired finally on the 19th. Running for four hours this was far too long, even for 19th century audiences who always appreciated long programmes. It was pruned down to three during the following week. "The general appointments are unusually complete, and the scenery is excellent. The Spencer-street railway station and the Falls Bridge by moonlight, were fine examples of Mr. 'Alta's' skill, and he was heartily cheered for his work...Miss Lily Dampier as Dorothy Deane is seen to better avantage than in anything else she has done."

Lily Dampier (1868-1915) developed from a child star in her father's company into one of the great Australian actors of the 19th century. Her first appearance was as in 'All for Gold' in 1877. She was noted not only for her Shakespearian roles but for tearful innocents in melodramas and flamboyant heroines in adventure stories. She played opposite her father in many productions. She married stage actor Alfred Rolfe in 1889. After her father died in 1908 she spent much time with a theatrical company in New Zealand. In 1911 she appeared in three Australian movies.

FEBRUARY

On the 2nd 'The Mikado' was revived, for the second time this season. There were two newcomers in the cast: Arthur Rigby, as the Mikado, and Kattie Potter, as Pitti-Sing. Nellie Stewart could do no wrong. "Miss Nellie Stewart continues to perfect her representation of Yum-Yum, which by this time is as brilliant and finely finished as a well-cut diamond."
On February 9th the operetta 'Pepita' opened. The music was by Charles Lecocq (1832-1918) with interpolations by Edward Jacobowski. "Miss Nellie Stewart, as Pepita, never was seen to better advantage, and sang and acted with unflagging energy." This successful season continued through until March 15th.

'Marvellous Melbourne' continued to attract huge crowds. The Argus describes the city and the play: "The loves and hates of Melbourne, the turf, the town, the tricks are all character presentments which are vivid, vital, vehement. The habitations of the rich, the hovels of the poor are both revealed, and the mystery of that great mystery-existence is fully disclosed in scenes so widely dissimilar as a Toorak villa, a Chinese opium den, the Falls-bridge by night, and the great Stable Episode." Dampier played five roles in the play. The production performed successfully the rest of the month. (Editor's note: When the play was produced in Sydney in 1893 the title was changed to 'Slaves of Sydney'.

'Sinbad the Sailor' continued its successful season. The pantomime was attracting over 2,000 people a performance. "Miss Ida Osborne's singing is so agreeably captivating that many go away with the impression that it is the best thing in the pantomime."

On the 2nd the thirty plus performers that made up the Hicks-Sawyer Big Black Boom Coloured Minstrel Show opened for a brief three week season. "The company all round is a very fair one, and the fact that their being real 'cullud persons' gives them an extra interest, but their performance contains nothing that is specially new to you, and we also miss the female element which we always expect in minstrel shows now. " (Scalfax)
On the 23rd the Gaylord-Silbon acrobatic troupe advertised as the most wonderful and thrilling performance ever witnessed in Australia opened to stunning reviews: "Everything passes off with the utmost smoothness and agreeableness, and the entertainment far surpasses expectations, and is of an excellent, novel and refined order." When the season concluded mid March the company headed for Adelaide.

On February 2nd 'Sweet Lavender', by Arthur Wing Pinero, opened. This play had opened in 1888, in London, clocking up 684 performances. "Mr. Frank Thornton appears as Dick Phenyl, the barrister, and gives a brightly finished representation of the curiously complex natural individual, who, by turns, laughs, sneers, scolds, and argues as much as his various moods permit him." Little bunches of lavender were presented to everybody in the dress circle on the opening night.

MARCH

'Sinbad the Sailor' finally concluded its record breaking run on March the 14th.
'The Union Jack' opened on Saturday March the 16th. This was the new melodrama by Henry Pettitt and Sydney Grundy and first seen in London in 1888. The whole production was in the capable hands of Bland Holt. The cast included Mrs. Bland Holt, Kate Bishop and Charles Holloway. "There is no very tangible plot in it, and what there is is not nice." however "it was gloriously put on the stage. Mr Gordon, the scenic artist, was called before the curtain - a compliment he fully deserved." (Scalfax)

'Erminie', by Edward Jakobowski, was revived on March 16th. "The charm of this production lies in Miss Fannie Liddiard's representation of Erminie, for not only does her beautiful personal appearance attract admiration, but her make up, as a high-born French damsel, is the daintiest picture imaginable, and her singing is on the level with her good looks." As an afterpiece to the operetta was a short work by Alfred Cellier entitled 'Charity Begins at Home' (written in 1870). The last performance of 'Erminie' was on the 29th.

'Sweet Lavender finished on Friday March 8th. The next evening 'Mamma' opened. This was an adaptation, by Sydney Grundy, of 'Les Surprises du Divorce' by Alexandre Bisson (1848-1912) and Antony Mars (1862 - 1915). It was first produced in England in September 1888. The season concluded on the 29th. "Mr. Frank Thornton threw wonderful vitality and humor into the character of the sorely tried first husband...he played a skilfully thought-out part in a most natural manner." Frank Thornton then took off for a short season in Ballarat before he headed for Sydney.

'Every Man for Himself' opened on the 2nd March. This was written by, and starring, May Holt, sister of Bland. "A well written sensational drama of familiar incidents and characters, which are used with smart effect."

The Opera House welcomed the visiting Shakespearian actor, George Crichton Miln and his wife, Louise Jordan. They opened on March 16th in 'Richard 111'. This turned out to be a very successful production running through until early April. The Melbourne Age said : "Mr. Miln represents Richard as a Prince, and not as a common ranting cut-throat."

George Crichton Miln (1850-1917) was born in England. He was originally an accountant, a journalist and a clergyman before making his first stage appearance as an actor in Chicago. ALthough hearalded as a 'world famous tragedian' reviews in the States were not very flattering. He arrived in Australia in October 1888 along with his wife (Louise Jordan Miln 1864-1933) opening in 'Hamlet' in Sydney. He remained in the colonies for two years after which he toured the Far East. He then returned to the States and worked for six years as a provincial actor. He returned to England finally becoming the editor for the British Realm. His wife became a popular travel and fiction writer.

APRIL

The last performance of 'Every Man for Himself' was on the 29th. Another play by May Holt opened the next evening. This was entitled 'Men and Women'. "Miss May Holt acted with brightness and great naturalness." This play ran for three weeks. On the 20th was mounted one of Dampier's own works entitled 'Shamus O'Brien'. "A drama full of smart action, deftly written dialogue, and telling tableaux, and the audience responded with much warmth...Mr. Dampier, as Shamus O'Brien, developed the nobility of the patriot's character with earnestness and feeling, and frequently won cheers from the more impressionable of the upper section of the audience." (Editor's note: this play was originally performed in Sydney in 1887)

George Miln's company opened 'Julius Caesar' on April 6th. Reviewers noted that Mr. Miln surpassed himself in the role of Marc Anthony. The play ran throughout the month to great crowds. On the 27th 'Hamlet' was mounted. On the first night of this production the theatre was so packed there was not even standing-room left. On Miln's performance the Australasian said "He disregards tradition, not fitfully or wilfully, nor capriciously, nor for the sake of being different from other actors, but from conviction."

At this theatre there was a revival of Merritt, Pettitt and Harris' popular play 'The World'. This opened on March 30th to good reviews: "The scenery and mechanical devices are, as they always have been under Mr. Holt's management - perfect, and the cast of characters has been judiciously chosen so that the piece goes without a hitch." The last night was on April 12th. This was followed by 'A Run of Luck', by Henry Pettitt and Augustus Harris, on the 13th and 'The Ruling Passion', by James Willing, on the 20th. This was an Australian first. "It is one of Mr. Holt's best pieces, and as the cast now stands it is impossible to excel it...was so well received that a long run may be predicted."

On the 30th of March the Saint Maur Dramatic Company took over the theatre for a season. First up was 'Bootle's Baby', an adaptation by Charles Bradley. "His version of 'Mrs Winter's' charming story is about as weak and flabby as it could well be." (Scalfax) This was followed by 'The Candidate', by Justin McCarthy, on the 6th. "Harry St Maur's impersonation of Lord Oldacre is a very cleverly thought out piece of work, marked with great naturalness, and impregnated with humor."
On the 20th the Brough and Boucicault Dramatic Company moved into the Bijou. The comedy 'Betsy', by Francis Cowley Burnand (1836-1917), was mounted on the Saturday night to glowing reviews.
Suddenly on Monday the 22nd the building burst into flames and was completely destroyed. Two people died and seven were seriously injured. Faulty electrical wiring was to blame. The company lost every thing in the fire, with losses estimated at over £10,000. The Bijou Theatre was the sixth theatre which had been burned down in Melbourne during the past 25 years.
Brough and Boucicault took over the Hibernian Hall, a much smaller venue that held 1,400 people. Two days after the fire they reopened again with 'Betsy'. This played at the new venue for the rest of the month.

'The Pirates of Penzance' commenced a short season on March 30th. This featured Walter Marnock as the Pirate King, a part he had played for many a season in London and throughout England. Reviewers noted that other than Howard Vernon, as the Major-General, none of the others in the cast were anywhere near the standard of the original production eight years earlier. 'Charity Begins at Home' continued as an afterpiece. (Editor's note: Charles Templeton, who played Samuel, committed suicide on April 15th. Templeton was his stage name. His real name being Pringle.) On the 13th 'Dorothy' was revived for a week seeing a return to the stage of Nellie Stewart who had been off with a severe illness. On the 20th the first Australian performance of 'The Yeomen of the Guard' took place. The Argus states: "of Sir Arthur Sullivan's music it may be honestly affirmed that it is charming from beginning to end. The orchestration is excellent throughout, and many of the numbers are among the best things he has ever written." However Scalfax said "The music is different from Sir Arthur Sullivan's previous operas, and has nothing at all catchy in it. It reminds one at times of other well known operas, but just as you are about to fix the source the melody fades." The production featured Nellie Stewart as Elsie Maynard, William Elton as Jack Point, and Howard Vernon as Wilfred Shadbolt.

Howard Vernon (1848-1921) first hit the stage in a production of 'Barbie Bleu' in 1873. By 1874 Vernon had formed his own company with a small group of singers and toured Australia, New Zealand, India, China, England, America, Singapore and in 1877 to Japan becoming the first European actor to appear in a Japanese theatre. On his return to Australia Vernon achieved his greatest fame through his performances in the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas playing the leading 'patter' roles. Alfred Cellier, the composer and conductor, stated that "Vernon�s impersonations compared most favourably with anything that had been seen in London."

MAY

The Brough and Boucicault Company concluded their production of 'Betsy' on the 4th of May. On the 6th 'Modern Wives' was revived. Even though attracting good reviews it received very moderate audiences. 'Bachelors', by Robert Buchanan and Herman Vezin, was revived on the 15th. Once again a perfect success from an artistic point of view but very poor attendances. 'Two Roses', by James Albery, was reproduced on the 24th. After the last performance the company packed up and headed for Sydney.

'The Ruling Passion' concluded its run on the 10th. On the 11th 'New Babylon', by Paul Meritt, was revived for six performances only. On the 23rd 'The Pointsman', by R.C. Carton and Cecil Raleigh, had its first performance. This work had recently had a successful run in London. "The principal parts are all lengthily written, but without color and the dramatic action moves slowly."

George Miln's 'Hamlet' continued with good audiences. "Mr. George Miln's impersonation of Hamlet grows fiercer each performance." On the 17th there was a revival of 'Richard 111'. On Saturday, May 25th, the George Miln Company staged 'Richlieu', based on play by Alexandre Dumas. This opened to good reviews. "Mr. Geo. C. Miln's effective impersonation of the famous Cardinal was accorded the emphatically expressed admiration which is only its due, while Miss Louise Jordan's graceful and earnest acting as Julie de Mortemar has won for her much popularity."

The Dampier Company continued to have an unbroken record of prosperity and 'Shamus O'Brien' showed no sign of falling off in popularity.

'The Yeomen of the Guard' continued to attract audiences many returning for the second or third time. "Under M. Caron's baton the lovely orchestration is skilfully brought out in all its delicate lights and shades."

THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY FOR MAY Theatrical entertainment was flourishing around the country. There follows a listing of what you could see if you travelled around Australia in May, 1889. Melbourne: Besides the above listings you could also take in the mesmerist T.A. Kennedy at St Georges Hall and Mr. Frank Clark's English Variet Company was at the Victoria Hall. Sydney: At the Theatre Royal 'Sinbad the Sailor' featured Fanny Liddiard. At the Criterion Theatre Frank Thornton and Annie Taylor appeared in 'Sweet Lavender'. At Her Majestys George Ringold appeared in 'Romany Rye' follwed later in the month by 'The Beggar Student' featuring Lilian Tree. At the Gaiety Theatre, the Cogills Variety Company were in for a season with an evening entertainment under the title 'Mr. Picnic Party'. At the Haymarket Music Hall the Federal Minstrels were performing and at the Academy of Music there was the burlesque 'Dick Whittington'. Adelaide: At the Theatre Royal Arthur Garner's new English company opened 'The Silver Falls'. This featured J.H. Clyndes. Brisbane: At the Opera House 'Drink' was the current hit. This was mounted by English actor Charles Warner and company. At the Gaiety Theatre 'My Wife's Tricks' featuring the Mortyne Family drew good houses. Hobart: At the Theatre Royal the Gaylord-Silbons acrobatic company were in residence. Launceston: At the Academy of Music the Simonsen Opera Company were performing 'Maritana', 'Madame Angot', 'HMS Pinafore' and other popular favourites. Sandhurst: At the Princess Theatre 'Barnes of New York' was on stage with the Darrell family. Wellington: At the Opera House the Arthur Vivian company were appearing in 'Current Cash'. Auckland: At Abbott's Opera House the Hugo Minstrels were playing to such huge houses that authorities issued a summons for overcrowding.

JUNE

'The Yeomen of the Guard' concluded its moderate run on the 7th of June. 'Patience' opened for a short season on the 8th. The cast included Howard Vernon, Walter Marnock, May Pollard and Fannie Liddiard as Lady Jane: "Miss Liddiard always gets through her work with much sparkle and finish, that she stamps her individuality upon each character she represents."
On the 15th there was a revival of 'H.M.S. Pinafore' with William Elton as Sir Joseph. Reviews were lukewarm. "Mr. Elton can only be called a singer by courtesy, and Sir Joseph Porter requires singing." (Scalfax) After the opening performance Edwin Kelly took over from William Elton owing to illness.
On the 17th there was a revival of the popular 'Dorothy'. The only novelty of this production was Helen Kinniard playing Mrs Privett. This part was originally played by Alice Barnett. 'Dorothy' ran until Wednesday July 3rd after which the company headed for Sydney. There was an amateur performance of 'The Merchant of Venice' on Thursday the 4th.

The Dampier's 'Shamus O'Brien' concluded its long run on the 7th. On the 8th 'Madame Midas' was produced. This was dramatisation of the novel of Fergus Hume by Phil Beck. This proved successful enough to run until the end of the month.

The George Miln Company mounted 'Julius Caesar' on Wednesday 5th with benefits occupying the final two nights of the season. The company then headed for short seasons in Sandhurst, Ballarat and Tasmania.
Miss Kate Putnam opened a season with 'Lena, the Madcap'. "It may be stated right away that pieces of that sort can only be called plays by courtesy." (Scalfax) The play was a disastrous failure and was replaced by 'Fanchon' an adaption from a tale by Georges Sand. On Saturday the 29th Kate Putnam and company produced their fancy version of 'The Old Curiosity Shop'. Miss Putnam took on two roles and reviewer Scalfax noted "she does not appear to fully grasp either character, and could our greatest novelist only rise from his grave to see this adaptation of his most touching work he would immediately want to go back again." The production only ran a few performances.

'The Pointsman' was meeting with general favour and drew successful houses throughout the month. "The excellent impression which Miss Clara Cowper and Miss Maud Williamson at first created has developed into decided popularity." The Bland Holt season concluded on June 28th.

JULY

There was a special benefit for the Melbourne orphans on Thursday the 4th of July. The local Shakespearean Society put on a production of 'The Merchant of Venice'.
On the 6th Jennie Lee reappeared in 'Jo' after a five year absence from Australia. "When Jennie Lee made her appearance she received a roar of friendly greeting that plainly told the hold she had on the public." (Editor's note; 'Jo' is based on Charles Dickens' 'Bleak House' adapted by Jennie's husband John Pringle Burnett) 'Jo' clocked up good figures concluding on the 26th. On the 27th 'The Grasshopper' was produced. "The audience were kept in a state of uncontrollable laughter for three hours...Miss Jennie Lee is the pervading spirit of the piece, bright, mischievous, frolicsome, coquettish, occasionally pensive and always lovable."

Jennie Lee (1848?-1930) was born in London. After her father�s death she entered the dramatic profession and first appeared on the stage at the Lyceum Theatre in 1870. In San Francisco she first appeared in 'Jo' which became her most famous role. This play ran for over a year in London. She was also popular in pantomime and toured throughout the United Kingdom, America, Australia, Africa, India and China. Her stage career continued into the 20th century.

'Crimes of Paris', by George Conquest (1837-1901) and Paul Merritt, was revived on June 29th. Philip Beck lead the large cast: "His performance throughout is even and artistic and marked by easy natural style that is a peculiar attribute of this gentleman." (Editor's note: Philip Beck committed suicide on Christmas eve at Ceylon while on his way to England.) On the 13th 'The Unknown', by J.A. Stevens, opened to good reviews: "Mr. Dampier as the Unknown, made the character attractive, and assisted it with a good deal of poetic feeling.". The production finished on the 26th and on the 27th 'East Lynne', the adaptation of Mrs. Henry Wood's novel, was revived. "Miss Lily Dampier essayed the character of the heroine with considerable success for so young a representative."

The Opera House reopened its doors on July 12th. The Silbon Family Gymnastics and Acrobatic Company returned for a few more weeks. "The programme is excellently arranged and excellently performed."

'The Bells of Haslemere', by Henry Pettitt and Sydney Grundy, received its first Australian performance on June 29th. This was a play that had mounted up considerable success in London a year earlier. "The story is clearly told, the dialogue smart and to the point, and the comedy element well developed." This production featured the first appearance in Australia of Emma Gwynne. Emma had been a successful performer on the London stage. She had appeared with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company taking on roles that had previously been made famous by her sister, Julia Gwynne. 'The Bells of Haslemere' made a reasonable run finishing on August 2nd.

AUGUST

'The Silver King', by Henry Arthur Jones (1851-1929) and Henry Thomas, was revived on August 3rd to mediocre reviews but it managed to sustain audiences for the rest of the month. First produced in London in 1882 'The Silver King' was critically acclaimed as perhaps the most successful melodrama of the century.

The final performance of 'The Grasshopper' was on the 16th. Owning to illness the Jennie Lee season was interrupted. Charles Warner filled the gap with Haddon Chambers' 'Captain Swift' (Editor's note: Chambers, an Australian who spent most of his life in London, wrote several successful plays). This was the first production in Australia. "Every character in 'Captain Swift' is finely developed, and thoroughly human, and the climax to each act arises naturally out of the situation." Charles Warner concluded his Melbourne season on the 30th and the company then headed for Tasmania and New Zealand.

'East Lynne' concluded its revival on the 16th. The Dampier Company then mounted 'Hamlet' on the 17th. "Mr. Dampier's arrangement of the play is different to what is usually given, and, seeing that the obligation of stage traditions press so heavily on most actors, the present performance of Hamlet is all the more worthy of praise, since it shows the independent thought that has been bestowed upon it." For whatever reason audiences steered clear and the play was quickly withdrawn. There was a return to melodrama on Monday the 26th of August when Frank Harvey's 'The Wages of Sin' was produced. "Miss Lily Dampier, as the heroine, got through her work very creditably and deserves to be especially praised for efforts in the little comedy scenes in the first act."

The Silbon Company finished their season on the 16th. The company then headed for Adelaide.
On the 17th John F. Sheridan appeared as Widow O'Brien in 'Fun on the Bristol'. This company was formed from some of the brightest young vocal and comic artists of the London stage. Reviews were glowing: "Mr. J.F. Sheridan's clever representation of the Widow O'Brien is received with roars of laughter and applause, and his singing is one of the most amusing items in the performance." (Table Talk) "Mr. Sheridan has lost none of his vigour, and is as well, if not better, worth seeing than when he was here before" (Scalfax)

SEPTEMBER

'Harbour Lights' was revived on the 31st of August. "Mr. Bucklaw's representation of David Kingsley is one of the best efforts, and quite deserved all the applause showered upon it.". This production ran until the 13th. On the 14th the Pettitt-Sims drama 'The Silver Falls' was produced for the first time in Melbourne. "There is not much novelty in it, but the construction is so thoroughly finished, and the situations and dialogue so well managed, that the effect of the play cannot fail to be otherwise than pleasing."

'Fun on the Bristol' ended its long run on the 13th of September.
Fresh from Hobart George Miln returned to the theatre for his second Melbourne season having acquired the lease for the next twelve months. His Shakespearian Company had been carefully selected. The opening production, on the 14th, was 'Othello'. A thousand pounds was spent on scenery, costumes and general effects. "Not only has 'Othello' been presented to the public better than it has ever been presented before, but it has been produced with the same attention to detail and scenic effect that mark a sensational drama."

Robert McWade made his first appearance on September 7th in his own dramatisation of 'Rip Van Winkle'."Mr McWade, as an actor, possesses all the qualities that go to make a thoroughly popular and successful actor, animation, humour, knowledge of resource and easiness." The final presentation was on the 20th.
On the 21st the John Solomon English and Comic Opera Company moved into the theatre for a season. The first work was 'The Beggar Student' by Karl Millocker (1842-1899). This featured Henry Bracy, Lilian Tree and Knight Aston.

Jennie Lee, quite recovered from her recent illness, opened in 'Jack-In-The-Box' on the 31st of August. This play was written by George Sims and Clement Scott and Jennie received the usual good reviews: "The chief personage was sustained by Miss Jennie Lee with all her characteristic sparkle and vivacity, and her aptitude for boy impersonation has never been more apparent." The last performance of the Jennie Lee season was on September 13th.
On the 14th Henrick Ibsen's controversial play 'A Doll's House' was produced in Australia for the first time. This featured direct from England members of the original London cast, Charles Charrington and Janet Achurch. A female reviewer in the Bulletin described Miss Achurch as "the new actress, who talks for three hours in a dreadfully tiresome play."

Janet Achurch (1864-1916) was born into a theatrical family first appearing at London's Olympic Theatre. In 1884 joined the company of Frank Benson playing roles from pantomime to Shakespeare. In June 1889 she appeared as Nora in the first English translation of 'A Doll's House' at the Novelty Theatre, London.

OCTOBER

'The Silver Falls' played for the last time on October the 4th. On the 5th was a revival of the five act drama 'Human Nature' which ran until the 18th. "The dialogue is dull and the incidents are mostly old friends under a very transparent disguise." (Scalfax)
On the 19th Janet Achurch and Charles Carrington moved over from the Princess to take the leads in 'The Merchant of Venice'. It received such negative reviews that it closed a week later. On the 26th 'Led Astray', Dion Boucicault's 1873 play about marital infidelity, was produced.

'The Beggar Student' proved so popular that it ran throughout the whole of October. "Mr. Henry Bracy has returned to all his old popularity and in his impersonation of the leading character, shows great animation and naturalness, and his singing is warmly applauded."

The Alexander Theatre: The Alexander Theatre opened on October 1st, 1886, in Exhibition Street. It had seating capacity for 2,500 and was the principal house for melodramas. After the opening the Australasian wrote that the theatre was "roomy, bright, commodious, agreeably lighted and apparently well ventilated." In the 1890s it fell into disrepair. In 1900, after alterations, it was reopened, by J.C. Williamson, as Her Majesty's Theatre. After several refits the theatre continues to provide entertainment today.

Princess Theatre

At the Princess the touring company put on a revival of 'The New Magdalen', by Wilkie Collins, on September 28th with Janet Achurch receiving glowing reviews: "It is not too much to say she is the best importation the firm have ever made." This production finished on the 11th and 'Pygmalion and Galatea' was mounted with fairly negative reviews.
On the 19th Henry Edward's company took over the theatre. 'The Real Little Fauntleroy' was the first production. This was Mrs Francis H. Burnett's adaptation of her own novel. (Editor's note: This work was originally produced in London in early 1888) "Mr. Henry Edwards received the tumultuous welcome of an old friend." The work was so popular it ran into November.

Opera House

George Miln's 'Otello' concluded its run on the 4th. The following evening Tom Taylor's tragedy 'A Fool's Revenge' opened. "Mr Miln's acting in the last scenes of the third act rises to sublimity...the feeling of the audience manifested itself in enthusiastic cheering at the fall of the curtain.". This production finished on the 18th and on the 19th 'The Royal Guard' opened. This was an adaptation of Dumas' 'Three Musketeers' and featured American newcomer Edwin Thorne. "I must confess that Mr. Thorne is very far from my ideal of what the dashing young guardsman who can never be beaten, outwitted, or 'bested' in anyway is. He is too solid. I am sure D'Artagnan would never have had a double chin." (Scalfax) Edwin Thorne failed to attract so the show only ran for two weeks and Thorne then headed for Sydney.

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NOVEMBER

'Led Astray' ran for just one week and Janet Achurch made her last appearance in Melbourne on November 1st. On the 2nd 'The Pointsman' was revived for a week and on the 9th Grattan Riggs reappeared in 'The Shaughraun'. "His performance of Conn is as fresh, as humourous and as natural as ever it was." This production finished on the 22nd. On Saturday the 23th 'The Irish Detective' was produced. In this Grattan played the parts of an American detective, an Irishman, a German, a negro, an Irish woman, a Chinese, and an Italian. "This beautiful play is to run all the week, and aid in teaching us to admire Shakespeare and desire better things for our stage. The last it does, for we want better things than 'The Irish Detective' badly." (Scalfax) On the 30th 'The Octoroon' was mounted. 'Shin Fane' and 'Colleen Bawn' would follow.

One of the most eagerly awaited theatrical events took over this theatre on November 2nd. George Miln's production of 'Anthony and Cleopatra' was the work. Many little details went into mounting this production including the Nubian Guard. These were specially selected men over six feet high of which specially manufactured armour and tiger skins were made for them. A very pregnant Ida Osborne was employed to sing a couple of incidental songs. The Telegraph reviewer said: "Pleasing music captivates the ear, and the admiration for physical prowess, inseparable from human nature, is pulsed into excitement by the spectacle of trained athletes displaying their skill before the wonderful Egyptian and her stalwart lover." The production didn't really catch fire with the public and only played until the end of November.

'Little Lord Fauntleroy' continued its successful run all November. "The acting of the two child performers, Miss Olive Berkley and Miss Gracie Hopkins has won troops of friends for each little lady."

The last performance of 'The Beggar Student' was on the 8th. On the 9th there was the first production in Australia of Alfred Cellier's 'The Sultan of Mocha'. "Mr. Alfred Cellier's Sultan of Mocha cannot be said to be on an equality with his Dorothy, even, with all the rewriting and rearrangement." Even so the operetta had a modest run into December.

DECEMBER

The Grattan Riggs season continued with a variety of different plays, each lasting no more than a few performances. The season closed on the 21st with a one off performance of 'The Irish Detective', one of the more popular productions, in which Riggs played seven different characters. "It rained all it knew the whole day, the piece was old and well known, and the attendance poor." (Scalfax) Riggs then headed to Launceston and later to Hobart.
On Boxing day the annual pantomime opened. This year it was 'Cinderella' by Frank Emery. "It is about the weakest pantomine we have had for a long time, and that is saying a good deal." (Scalfax)

'Romeo and Juliet' hit the stage on November 30th. Even though it received excellent reviews it only ran one week. 'Hamlet' followed but, owing to the illness of George Miln, it was taken off after a single performance and 'Romeo and Juliet' returned. George Miln was back on the 14th in 'Richard 111' and the season concluded on the 20th. The productions Miln mounted were very costly owing to the lack of an audience they lost money. The company then took to the road. Between Christmas and New Year Miln gave readings of Dickens in Ballarat. (Editor's note: Miln managed to get enough money during a short season to risk a visit to New Zealand which proved successful. His last performance in Australia was in Adelaide in October 1890.)
On the 21st John F. Sheridan returned to Melbourne with 'Fun on the Bristol'. An excellent work for the holiday season.

'Little Lord Fauntleroy' finally finished on the 13th. The company then took the production to Geelong and then to Adelaide.
On the 14th the Musgrove Opera Company mounted a revival of 'The Yeomen of the Guard'. This featured the young English prima donna, Clara Merivale, making her first appearance in Melbourne. "Her singing is extremely pleasant and her acting is easy and spontaneous." The whole company moved into the Theatre Royal on boxing day to mount the pantomime.
On the 26th the comedy 'Dr Cupid', by Robert Buchanan, opened at the Princess. This had been a recent success in London and this production featured William Elton, Wilson Forbes and Janet Achurch. "Mr. Elton has given much attention to Dr. Cupid, and has pleased the critics prety well all round. The comedy has been magnificently mounted." (Scalfax)

Cellier's operetta finally completed its reasonable run on the 10th. 'Martha' opened the following evening. "The present production certainly merits praise for the careful and attractive manner in which it is presented." Starting on the 16th were brief stagings of 'The Bohemian Girl', 'Maritana' and 'The Beggar Student'
On Boxing night the Dampier Company commenced another dramatic season with the five act drama 'Judge Not' by Frank Harvey. "The performance was entirely stopped on Boxing Night during a farmyard scene, in which two roosters engaged in a square fight to the frantic amusement of the gallery." (Scalfax)