ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 22, 26 July 1910, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

SHAKESPEARE CLUB. RICHARD 111. Tho Wellington Shakespeare Club gave last evening a successful reading of the "Life and Death of Richard III." The heavy work of the name part was assigned to Mr. W. R. Bock, who filled it very admirably. He showed a broadly intelligent conception of the character who had "determined to prove a villain," and the only fault that could Le found with Mr. Bock's declaration was his rather frequent misplacement of the accont of the blank verse. Mrs. Sutcliffe's interpretation of Margaret, widow of Henry VI., was good. She was dramatic throughout, and read her lines with a passion justly related to her distracted prototype. Mr. J. W. Joynt, who was cast as Henry IV., had a part all too short. He gave an exhibition of a reading as it should in every sense be done. Mr. H» E. Nicholls and Mr. W. D. Gorham showed evidence, of a., careful study and correct conception of their work. Their enunciation was especially to be admired. The ladies of the cast— Mrs. S. Harcourt, Misses Holmes, Coote, Parkin, and D. Gray— filled their parts very well. Other members were Messrs. Leo Buckeridge, E. S. Baldwin, C. Mill, C. W. Tanner, \V. E. Fuller, G. E. B. Adamson, G. -M. Gilbert, N. Phillips, and K. Shorney. , "Cymbeline" is the play chosen next for study, classes for which will meet on Saturday and Monday to prepare for a reading of the play in the near future. There was a fair attendance of the public last evening in the concert chamber for the reading of "Richard III." The meeting might have been larger. It could not have been more interested. ' "THE KELLY GANG." Long before the first picture was shown at the Opera House last night the gallery and stalls were packed, and at 8 o'clock it was a hard matter to find seating accommodation anywhere in the , building. The reason for this crowded condition of the place was the first exhibition here of Messrs MacMahon's picture illustrating the depredations of tho notorious Australian bushrangers, "The Kelly Gang.'' As a sample of Australian workmanship in the kinematograph line, the film is splendid ; it is beautifully photographed and tinted, and in nukny respects equals much of the imported article. The actions of the story are also" commendable; their feats of horsemanship being true Australian. " The main points of the sensational history of the gang are illustrated amid scenic surroundings as like the real thing as possioie, but the more gruesome details are not stressed. The final stand of the gang at the Kilrowan Hotel and the gallant rescue by Father Gibney of a. wounded man from. the burning building are graphically limned. The picture was loudly applauded. - - Besides the "star" picture theie is an excellent collection of miscellaneous subjects, having the added' merit of being new. Included were some fine dramatic studies — taken by the Biograph firm-* notably, "A Strange Meeting/ and "Why the Mail was Late," and humorous and comic subjects, the best of which were : "The Penalty of Beauty" (a "chase" picture), "Lady Helena's Escapade," "Lysistrata," "The New Cop" aoid "The Unending Discussion." All of the films were clearly shown and the entertainment was a most enjoyable one. ' The interest in the "Kelly Gang" picture was further added to by an excellent interpretation by Mr. Alfred Boothman of the incidents shown. The programme will" be, repeated ' to-night. "THE GIRL FROM RECTOR'S." Judging by the success achieved in other parts "The Girl from Rector's," to be staged at the Opera House on Monday next by Hugh J. Ward's company of comedians, promises to equal, if not exceed, in point of its powers of attraction, any of the • previous productions brought to New Zealand by Mr. Hugh J. Ward. Its gener'gal raciness, its extreme absurdities, and its many humorously embarrassing situations are said to provide delightful entertainment. Miss Grace Palotta's representation of a "Girl from Rector's" is described as a fascinating creation. Mr. Ward •figures in' some Intensely ludicrous situations. The staging of the. piece, it is promised, will be complete and effective. The plans open for six perform- | ances of "The Girl from Rector's" tomorrow morning. THEATRE ROYAL % . A new programme of vaudeville ibeuM was introduced to a large audience at the Theatre Royal last evening. Mr. Keilderson made his first appearance, and faithfully impersonated a number of celebrities, easily recognisable to those in front. His performance was much appreciated. One, of the best, items on the programme Was that of the Rogers i quartette of juveniles, who were seen in ! a number of novel acrobatic feats. "Himm and Mcc" (eccentric comedians), Gertie Johns (danseuse), Ward Lear, Rupert Christie (the boy soprano), and the Coleman Sisters, all contributed to an entertaining programme. In addition, there is the British Biograph, which reproduces some interesting films. The performance will be repeated to-night. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The excellent programme of pictures at His Majesty's Theatre drew another large house last night. The various items were much appreciated and enjoyed. To-morrow evening there will be a change of programme. THE KING'S THEATRE. Pictures have firmly established themselves in the good graces of the public, and there was another large audience at The King's Theatre last night, to view the excellent programme of fhe week. To-morrow there will be a change of programme. STAR PICTURES. There will be a complete change of pictures presented at St. Thomas's Hall to-night by the Star Picture Company. St. Patrick's Seamen's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul gave a concert in the Sailors' Rest last night, before a large gathering of seamen and waterside workers. An excellent programme of songs, sketches, recitations, and musical items was contributed by Misses M. Frith and Murphy, Mrs. Allen, Messrs. L. Dwan, A. Dunne, S. Wattrs, Nicol, D. R. Lawler, C. Lansdowne, and F. Duncan. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the performers, on the motion of Captain Bonnsr. Court Robin Hood. No. 4428, A.0.F., held its meeting in St. Peter's Hall last night, Bro. T. Bailey, C.R., presiding over a fair muster 0} members. The business was quickly disposed of, and at tha doie a very successful danoft was held, about 30 couples being present. T>» floor was in splendid order, ffro. H. Bernard acted as M.C. I