THE THEATRE – Colman’s truly English Comedy of John Bull was performed last night to an audience not so numerous as we should like to have seen. The undertaking on the part of the Manager to venture upon a play, in which the brightest stars of the English theatre have shone so lustrously, was a bold one, and we were agreeably surprised at the degree of success with which it was attended. It is not, however, to be supposed that all the characters were well sustained, but the principal ones were: Jordan’s Job Thornberry, Young’s Dennis Brulgruddery, and Stubb’s Peregrine, evinced considerable ability ; and the ladies, Mesdames Clarke, Thomson, and Young, were all that could be wished for. Several novelties are in preparation for the ensuing Regatta, for which Mr Duke’s very clever pictorial abilities have been put in requisition : Mr. Duke is an able artist and we anticipate some excellent scenery from him. We hope, therefore, that the lessee will experience that support and patronage which she has so unremittingly striven to deserve.
[Colonial Times (Hobart), 25 November 1845, p.3, col.5]