AustLit

The author, probably William Kerr the Sydney Gazette's theatre critic, criticises the selection of plays for the 3 May 1838 performances at the Royal Victoria Theatre. The author writes that 'the pieces selected for representation on Thursday night, when the sons of St. Patrick patronize the theatre, are the Merchant of Venice, and the Irish Tutor[Richard Butler, 1822]. We confess we are somewhat surprised at the choice though we know not with whom it rested. The latter piece may be appropriate enough for the occasion, but the first piece is so very hackneyed, and withal so indifferently placed, that we cannot compliment the selector, whoever he may be, on his choice.' The author continues with adverse comment on the abilities of Sydney, New South Wales actors in the plays and recommends that the plays Married Life [John Baldwin Buckstone, 1834] and Paddy's Wedding (the latter probably a ballad by Charles Dibdin the Elder) be performed instead.