The Gambler's Fate

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.

On Monday evening the Melo-Drama of the Gambler's Fate was repeated to a much better house, and in much better style ; from which it is evident, that the deficiencies, observable on the occasion of its first production, arose, not from any incapacity on the part of the performers, but from the causes assigned by us, viz. the neglect of the public, and being unaccustomed to melo-dramatic acting.

On the last representation of the piece, all the actors were far more perfect, and thus the piece appeared to greater advantage. Several additional dresses were introduced, which rendered the acting more effective. One prodigy we must not again omit to notice, which was the acting of Master Earle, A child only four years of age ! which on both evenings elicited thunders of applause. As the little fellow, who is a very interesting child, tripped over the stage with unerring precision to the beautiful symphony of Haydn from the Surprise, the admiration of the audience burst forth in peals of well deserved applause. To see a child so young possess so true an idea of musical time and stage effect, is a something nearly approaching to a colonial prodigy. This child is not new to the public, having sung the song of ' Nice Young Maidens' at Mr. Mackay's Theatre, at Roxboro' House, (by which by the way, we regret to say, this justly favourite and enterprising actor sustained a severe loss while endeavouring to cater for the public amusement in the absence of Mr. Cameron), where he was well received. It was an omission on our part not to notice this little fellow before ; but we feel convinced that his precocious talent will not be the less duly appreciated by the public.

Of the other performers having already noticed, we need say no more than that they were all far more perfect, and all played considerably better than on the first night.

The first night's representation of the 'Gambler's fate' and " Inkle and Yarico, was so favourable as to engage our attention on Friday night last, to see the repetition of these pieces. We were much disappointed, on finding the exertions of Mr. Cameron, to a very numerous and respectable audience so frustrated by the negligence and absence of several of his performers.

We attended the Theatre on Saturday night last, and were highly gratified with the performance, for. notwithstanding, the house was so poorly attended, there was no want of exertion on the performers' parts, to please.

Greet praise is due to Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, who have been at a heavy expense, in affording the public a proper, selection and concentration of talent. We really wish our townsfolk would dispel the gloom and apathy that seem to pervade them ; and lessen that apparent distaste, by patronising, as far as their means will afford, this pleasing and instructive source of amusement. No fault what ever, can be found now. with the comfort and convenience intended for the audience, as the greatest decorum was observable in the upper seats, where we saw many old faces, who formerly visited the rooms, in their chaotic state, and who show their sense of Theatrical improvement, under its present directors, by the most orderly behaviour. We say, without fear of contradiction, that the most modest and affected may safely visit the Theatre, without fear of offence or insult. The Gambler's Fate, a new drama here, was performed in a very respectable and interesting manner. " Mr. Camerons "' performance of the deluded " Albert,'' was studious, chaste, and void of those exaggerations so prevalent in Melo Dramas. We should be deficient. Indeed, did we not praise Mrs. Cameron's finished and touching delineation of the distressed, broken hearted, and motherly " Julie.''

Mr. Grenville's declamation was far from pleasing ; but his manner and action were very expressive of the distressed feelings of an unhappy and disappointed parent. Mr. Fenton's " Malcour," was a masterly piece of finished villainy ; and however despicable the real character, the performer's delineation merited great praise. Mr. Mackay, as usual, was perfect and masterly, in " Dumont ;" if there is one declaimer superior to another in the company, it is he. Old Jacobs was at home, but certainty bore more than usual the appearance of " Major Sturgeon," and acted more like Bombastes Furioso, than a French officer. The trifling, yet interesting character, of "Henry," was attempted by a new candidate, who was smartly trimmed, as a young officer should be ; but his deficiency of physical powers and strength, united to his inexperience of the art, rendered him totally incompetent to represent those transient changes of nature, incidental to such characters. He must therefore have failed, had he not been so powerfully assisted by Mrs. Cameron as a mother, in the most exciting part of the piece. We do not wish to offend him, but must observe that his person appears too well fitted for the costume of a light company man ; and however his vanity may exceed his conception, we never expect to see him a tragic hero equal to " Alexander the Great." For reasons so powerful, we advise him to try to dispel his Theatrical mania, and renew his more profitable and stenographic avocation. The other characters were generally respectably supported ; and the whole company, throughout the performance, did great credit to the laborious instructions they must have received from the Managers.The evening's amusement closed with that very amusing and pleasing piece,

Inkle and Yarito. Mr. Spencer is generally much too volatile. We hope that frivolous, fripperish manner, in which he indulges too much, is occasioned by his anxious precipitance to please ; to effect that he must act less. Mr. Jacobs, if he will exercise his common sense and discrimination, will use less of that extravagant mimicking elasticity, as such outstrips nature, in such characters as Medium ; and which savors so much of buffoonery,—he should recollect he is not playing the mountebank, nor to a Bartholomew Fair audience. Mr. Fenton's " Sir Christopher Curry," was admirably seasoned, and wanted not for cayenne. The little remonstrative dialogue between him and Inkle, was very respectably maintained. Mrs. Cameron's Yarico, although considered a very trifling character, was a specimen of characteristic, wild elegance, rarely to be seen. The whole evening's performance, considering the disadvantages under which the Manager labors, was very respectable ; and not at all inferior to the productions of many of our provincial Theatres in England. In a general point of view, it could not fail to gratify the most fastidious observer.

We understand the Theatre will be opened three nights a week, and as The Gambler's Fate, which is an instructive lesson to youth, will be repeated, we hope its interest will increase, and draw good Houses.