The Theatre

On Satuiday evening last, the performances were distinguished by the first appearance in this Colony of a very beautiful and affecting melodrama, called ' The Gambler's Fate,' which is without exception one of the best pieces ever yet produced on the Tasmanian stage. As, in all melodramas, the dialogue possesses no peculiar merit of itself; but there are expressions used throughout this piece, which coupled with the incidents related and represented, cannot fail to sink deeply into the hearts of even the most hardened hearer. The train of dreadful evils (brought upon him-self by this pernicious vice ) which befall the Gambler, Albeit, are natural find well conceived ; but there appears to be something wanting to explain the success and career of Henry, who is merely introduced, and murdered without being allowed to account for himself. Either the author has omitted a scene which ought to have been rendered extremely effective, and which in fact was necessary, or Mr. Cameron must have have cut something out for want of strength and materiel. We suspect, however, that the emission lies with the author, as writers of this class of plays think nothing of consistency so long as they can produce effect. But as we have said before, the piece, as a whole, is entitled to rank among the best melodramatic productions of the English stage, and is not inferior to Clari the Maid of Milan.

It was, however, seen on Saturday to great disadvantage. The scenery was for the most part ill adapted, the stage is far too small, and the actors all unpractised in their parts. The introduction of a party of the military on the stage had an excellent effect ; only we noticed that the men did not exactly see the beauty of the new drill they were put through ; and accordingly were not so ready at the word of their Theatrical Captain (Jacobs) as we have seen them on the military parade ground. Still the effect' was good. Mr. Cameron in Albert was, as he usually is in all his characters, well received, as was the Julia of his accomplished and esteemed lady, and Fenton, in the villain Malcour, was more than respectable. Of the rest (if we except Jordan's Baalcomb, we cannot say much that' complimentary. Indeed, they had little to do, and a depression of spirits, which appeared to prevail with all the company prevented their doing that little so well as we know they can do it. In this re-mark of course we do not include the two amateurs—the interesting little girl who played Rose, and Mr. Austin. Their assistance deserves our acknowledge- ments, and had they even placed ill, which they did not, they are entitled to escape the censure of the Press. The last two scenes of the piece were better sustained than the former part ; but here was a miserable deficiency of scenery and properties ; and the same depression and want of fire was evinced even by Mrs. Cameron. And can we feel surprised at it when we say that there was not sufficient people in the house to pay expenses? Is it to be wondered at that Mr. & Mrs. Cameron, after having been induced by the glowing promises of public support to locate themselves, and bury their talents in Van Diemen's Land, and moreover, to sink their whole capital in fitting up a respectable Theatre, at the call of the public, should feel dispirited and dejected on finding night after night that their exertions are not encouraged ? Certainly not ; and that their company, a better than which we have no right to expect, nor can we desire, in Van Diemen's Land, should participate in that dejection is not at all surprising. Thus is the writer disarmed of his severity - his gall-dipped pen drops from his fingers, as he contemplates such an instance of unmerited public neglect. Had Mr. Cameron thrust himself upon the people, the case would have been widely different ; but he was sought for, courted, entreated, persuaded, and is now neglected — in a fair way of being ruined !

This is a reproach to the Colonial public. Will they continue to lie under it ? - -We hope not.

After the Play, the Musical Entertainment of Inkle and Yarico followed Spencer, in Inkle, evinced signs of improvement ; but Jacobs was not so good as usual in Medium. Fenton, as Sir Christopher Curry, in the scene with Inkle, where the latter offers to sell Yarico, was excellent ; and Jordan's Fudge was also good. Collins, in Campley, was as flat as dead small beer ; nor was Miss Morris, in Nerissa, a bit better. Miss Rhudelhoff, in Wowsky, made a mighty plump ' Nigger ' ; of Mrs. Cameron's Yarico, we scarcely know what to say ; certainly it is not her favourite character, although in some of the simple expressions of ardent and unsophisticated affection, she was all that could move a man to love and pity.

Before we leave this notice, we must complain of the dreadful time suffered to elapse between the acts. In the Gamber's Fate it was announced that twenty years are supposed to intervene between the first and second acts, and really we were inclined to think that such a lapse in reality was to take place.