Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-05-18 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

PERFORMANCES AT THE THEATRE.—It was • ! '5 uttiul change to see our Theatre on Monday nigh. - • tilled, anti the uniforms of the (,hl I. y.c. , • the upper stalls. Our enterprising manager, Mr. '‘ • has always lieen popular, in fact the most popular 1: .• we have seen here, awl his popularity not only 1, but it increases continually. The reason of this is le, • that Mr. Neelie watches the public taste, and ready to cater for it: with the freshest and nice:t ', •, that can lie found. The representatien of " • Shaughistun." on Saturday night was speedf of 11:1 , while Mr. Neebe's tender sympathies with what ineye !, • heariS of mankind, was exhibited in the choice of " Jo,' for Monday. Only non-theatrical readers will need be told that it is an adaptation in a very clever mani.,,, front Charles I)iekens'st "Bede House," ant affords sc ,p,• for the most high touching acting that can thrill the hoer; with sympathy for the woes of our destitute ones at home. If anybody was disposed to he at all hard and careless, the ahatest painful rendering of "Jo' by Miss Amy Forrest 101173 t have moved them to teals ; the grief, ant patience, and weariness, and never-quenched love of -Jo" bt!ing most ably represented by Miss Forrest. So true to life was she that Mr. Neebe himself, who played Inspector Bucket, had a thickening of his voice, too natm•al to be acted, and we strongly suspect that the Inspector was weeping too. Mr. Neebe, in his earlier parts, had by touch versatility, thrown fresh pathos, fun, and general interest into the piece, for it is not too much to say that, although the play is in itself most interesting. Mr. Neebe continually brings out new effeets, iind where one expected little or nothing his fertile millet canceived new shades of meaning, which he admirably expressed. His interview with Sir Leicester Dedl•ick ill the presenee of Hortense, the murderous lady's maid, ores an illustration of what we mean. On one hand, he exhibited great skill in breaking to the proud baronet the ilehicate relations between Lady fetlock and another person 1 etore her marriage, anti yet there was an English frankness and bluffness that would occassionally burst out, while his watchfulness on Hortense showed the artistic conception of a good officer, and comical but persuasive way of dealing with the baffled tigress caused roars of laughter. Still it was in the last scene that Mr. Neebe surpassed himself, and, as we have said leefore, we have a strong suspicion that here his feelings overcame him, and Art, became Nature herself. Commend us too, Mr. Brooks's Chadband, a most amusing ceinception of a canting preacher, though we have a strong belief that here Dickens himself overpainted the type, and fell into that very cant which sneerers so often indulge. Mr. Archer's Snagsby was capital, a thoroughly commenplace Ind really good hearted man ; would there were many such ! Tulkinghorn was ably played by Mr. W. Bourne, whom we congratulate on his capital back fall and simulation of death. That excruciating Housby, was too cruel for us as the young man. " name of Guppy," and set us laughing till our sides ached. Lady I ieellock was played in very lady like and signified style by Mips M. Thornton, and Sir Leicester was well supported by Mr. Charles Blight, who was ceremonious and stately throughout, and never lost sight of the demands made by his character. Hortense, the female villain, gave scope for Miss Ennneline Falconer, who displayed true art, and considerable resources, under the varied demands made upon her talents. Miss Boone as Esther Summers-in. Miss Trittou as Rosa, and Miss Butler, as Cluster, were all good in their part; and we must be excused for another fit of laughter at the rememberance of Mrs. Holsten's admirable Mrs, Snagsby. The piece was well put on the boards, the accessiories4 being capitad—The incidentals included some comic singing by Mr. Rousby, who was encored ; a very pretty fancy dance by Misses Boone and Butler, without any of the can Cats flavour, but nicely dressed; and comic songs by the irresistible Mr. Neebe, whose "Bradshaw's Guide," anti "Philippopolis," were amazingly to the taste of the audience.—The performances concluded with the farce of " The Wandering Minstrels," wherein Mr. Neehe surpassed himself, and at the thought of hint even now we are forced again to laugh. —Tuesday evening was distinguished by the splendid representationnf the great play of " Leap," and the " Cinderalla" burlesque, and novelties appear fresh and fresh thoughout the week.