BEFORE AKD BEHIND THE EOOTLIGHTS. 225 



with unbounded enthusiasm in Australia, and was 

 much gratified at her reception. I had an interview 

 with Mr. Abbey before her arrival, and he acknow- 

 ledged it was a risky speculation to pilot Madame 

 Bernhardt in Australia, but added, he thought the 

 result would be financially satisfactory, and so I 

 believe it was. 



On the occasion of Madame Bernhardt^s appear- 

 ances, the prices were raised to ten shillings in the 

 dress circle, which was always full, as in fact were all 

 parts of this large theatre. I think her La Tosca 

 was the favourite character, but Cleopatra and 

 Camile ran it close. Her reception on her arrival in 

 Sydney was a typical Australian welcome, hearty and 

 freely giveu. 



Messrs. Williamson and Musgrove have always 

 catered well for the theatrical public, and at the 

 Lyceum in Sydney and the Princess's in Melbourne 

 some of the best performances in Australia have been 

 given. " The Firm,'^ as they are called, formerly 

 had the old Theatre Royal in Sydney, but when a fire 

 took place there they had to go elsewhere, and the 

 Lyceum, then in course of erection, was taken. It is 

 a large handsome theatre, with a fine stage, and 

 beautifully upholstered. I have seen some fine 

 performances here. The Gaiety Company, the Royal 

 Comic Opera Company, the Italian Opera Company, 

 Edward Terry an*] Company, appeared here. 



15 



