DRAMATIC GOSSIP.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9234, 11 October 1895, Page 6

DRAMATIC GOSSIP.

•' Pro3pero" in "Weekly Piess and Roferree. How popular the Bland Holts are in New Zsaland we have had many instances of. I happened to be in D medln for the opening of their new season on Saturday evening last, when the Princess' was really packed from floor to ceiling with an audience that, when Mr aud Mrs Bland Holt were discovered after the curtain rose, burst out in tumultuous applause of their old favourites. The reception wa. so enthusiastic that the play could not proceed for some time. Mr and Mrs Holt and company had been passengers by tbe overdue Waihora which arrived at the Bluff two days late, after a most boisterous voyage, duriug which the steamer was hove to for forty-eight hours. S- bad was the storm at one time that the life belt*, &c, were got ready for the passengers. It is not in my province to describe the Incidents o( the rough voyage, but I may say that those on board had a time of great anxiety. The people of Dunedin were also very anxious, and the night before the morning of the arrival of the steamer at the Bluff the talk in many quarters was of the Waihora and her passengers and crew. It was a great relief to find next day that the boat was at the Bluff at 6 a.m. The Duneditittes had been worked up to a great tension, and they gave vent to their feeling in right hearty fashion, as I have indicated, when the curtain rose ou the first production in this colony of Sutton Vane* mariue melodrama " The Span o_ Llfe."

It It n" my intention to enter into a lengthy criticism of tbe piece now ; I shall hare other opportunities when the company journey north. I may briefly say that " The Span of Life " is of the spectacular aud sensational order, and Mr Holt deserves even more credit than usual— which is spying a great deal—for the way in which he mounts tbe piece, which he does under tht difficulties of a small stage —the smallest I should say of those in the four centres. With aU the inconvenience Mr Holt secures wonderful effects, and the electric light, which has been secured at a large extra expanse, is seen to distinct advantage in the sea scene, where a great ocean steamer I* in danger of running ashore at the Cjffin Rocks This ii a mo**t complete piece of stage mechanism. The Living Bridge is another sensational incident, with which the piece of course abounds.

Mr and Mrs Holt hare parti In which they fairly revel, and their comedy is always acceptable. Miss Flora Anatead, a name known all through this colony, seems to be getting younger instead of -older. Old friends in Messrs W. E. Baker, Chan. Brown and J. Cosgrove Interpret characters that fit them like glov„, and a couple of youngsters in Mis<t Brightie Smith and Mister Leslie Snith, add certainly to the success of the production. Of course there are others that could be mentioned, for tha stage is at time* crowded with all sorts of characters, but details must wait. Mr P.rcy K-hoe comet along ones more with a very capable orchestra.

One cinnot write of the Holts without being reminded of their genhl "lieutenant," and the popular Christie Simon - sens is in his usual position of business rainager. He is looking well, and aa he stood "in front" ou Saturday evening, his face was wreathed in smiles, showing abundantly th*t he was well pleased with the prospect.

Mr Harry Norman (stags manager) who visits New Zealand "in double harness," for the first time, brings with him his son and heir. The avant courier, Mr R. F. Ksating (the '* Wild Irishman ") were in Dunedin for a considerable time before the company making the necessary preparation for the opening, which they materially assisted in bringing to such a successful issue, in the niaautim* ad-ling to their already numerous list o*friends.

O.i Sunday Mr and Mrs Holt, who look remarkably well, spant quietly the eighth anniversary of their wadding day, which was celebrated in Dunedin. Over the afternoon tea they were wished the anjovinant of many more anniversaries.

The Holts open at the Christchureh Theatre R lyal at the end of this month, and play for a season of a fortnight only. The repertoire includes besides " The Span ot Lite," " A Life of Pleasure," •• The Prodigtl Daughter," " A False Card," " A Woman's Revenge" and "Saved from tbe Sea."

Three er-Christchurch residents are prominent figures in the Dunedin Orchestral SocieVv. I allude to Messrs Jamea and ChavCoombes aud James Knox. Mr J. Coo tubes is the honorary conductor, which position he fills with distinction, the meritorious performance of the society—which numbers close on Mxty performing members—being a proof of hie ability. His brother, Charles, has in no way deteriorated as a cornet player, while Mr Knox still extract* melodious sounds from the double bass. The D.O.S. executive are entitled to some praise for the very acceptably got up programme provided at their concert*.