ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 64, 13 September 1900, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

THE DRAMATIC STUDENTS IN COMEDY. A SUCOEBBFVL~PEEFORMANCE. For the cause that needs assistance-^ the relief of the famine-stricken people of India — the Dramatic Students last nighfc opened a comedy season, which promises to be the most successful they have yet given, "Modenrn Wives, ' the principal item on last night's programme, is a three-acL farcical comedy containing amusing situations, sprightly dialogue, and laughter-raising complications, turning upon the jealousies and quarrels cf two young married couples. Under the guidance of Mr. H. E. Nicholls (Caleb Chubb, a retired hatter, and father of the moderp. wives), the fun was kept going from the raising to the dropping of the curtain. The audience, which was a large one, considering the wretched weather, thouroughly enjoyed the play, and the acting of the players, hearty laughter being frequent and prolonged. Mr. Nicholls, who was the life and soul of the ' piece, has never been seen to* better advantage than in the play under notice, his make-up, by-play, and display of varied moods, being alike artistic. He had an able supporter in Miss Newton (Mrs. Chubb), who gave- a clever inter- „ pretation of the part of a much-troubled mother. An even performance was given by all the other members in the caste. Miss Jessie Newton (Grace Goldring) and Miss Henry (Agatha Honeysett) were the wives whoi-eturned to the parental roof, and Messrs. A. W. Newton (Noel Goldring) and H. Plimmer (V. "Honeysett) • •were their husbands. Miss Q. Letham (Dorothy Chubb) and Mr Clifford ,Walker (Dr. Doveton) furnished amusement a^ 1 an engaged couple. Mr. W. P. Bastin was seen in a character, part, Miss Alice Maginnity made a, sprightly housemaid. Miss Amy Kane and Mr. H. Letham took subsidiary parts. The settings to the various acts were excellently arranged, the dressing was fashionable, and the stage management left nothing to be desired. "Modern Wives" was preceded by Theyre Smith's comedietta "Old Cronies," which had already been introduced to Wellingtonians by its delineators, Messrs. Clifford Walker (Dr. Jacks) and Morris Fox' (Captain Pigeon). Mr. Walker gave a very clever interpretation of the part of the old lexicographer. During the evening an enjoyable musical programme was contributed by an orchestra under the baton of Lir. F. J. Oakes. "Old Cronies" and "Modern Wives" will be repeated this evening, and as the Students provide an amusing programme and the net proceeds of the season are to go to the Indian Famine Relief Fund, the public will no doubt give liberal and hearty support. The audiences at the Choral Hall do not appear to be much affected by the weather. Last night there was another good attendance, and Mr. Dave Caston and Mr. Will Stevens again divided the honours of the evening. Miss Katie Lynn and the other Variety artists also received the usual demonstrations of 'appreciation. Mr. and Mrs. Cable entertained the seamen in port last evening at the Missions to Seamen Hall. Mr. J. Moore presided, and delivered ,a temperance address on "Feet- tangles." Eight men took the pledge. Canon King (Dunedin) was present, and addressed the men. Supper was served by the hostess, assisted by the performers. Misses Cable (3), Lawson, Mitchell, and Messrs. Wiltshire, Smith, Johnson (brig Edward), E. M'Kinnon (R.M.S. Gothic) gfave valuable -assistance. The Yorkshire Society held its month'y meeting last night at the Trocadero, Air. J. Charlesworth in the chair. The Secretary of the Gaelic Society wrote, accepting the challenge to a card tournament to be held at the next monthly meeting. Messrs. Hustwick, Bold, and J. Flockton were appointed to arrange the Yorkshire teams. It was announced that Yorkshire societies had been formed in Auckland and Timaru, and congratulations were ordered to be sent to both. A budget of county news was given by Mr. Hustwick, and proved both interesting and comprehensive. The members then spent an enjoyable hour at caids. A concert and dance for the purpose of raising funds to provide the organ* for the new Catholic Cathedral, was held in the Skating Rink last night. The wretched weather limited the attendance. An hour and a half was devoted to a conceit. The programme opened with a pianoforte' duet tastefully played by Miss Henderson and Mr. Ennis. Songs by Misi DriFcoll, Mrs. Taylor, and Mr. Girling-Butcher, I and a vocal duet by Miss May Sullivan and Mr. Rowe received hearty recognition from the body of the liall. Miss M'Donald' and Mr. Ennis acted as accompanists. The remainder of the evening was occupied in dancing, the music for which was supplied by Minifies String Band. Air.' J. J. F. Kelly was Secretary of the committee. "Who's Who? or, Ali in a Fog," the farce played at the sale of work he.d in the Sydney-street Schoolroom last -night, proved a most amusing production, and was well played. The farce was written by /Mr. T. J. Williams, and the leading characters were taken by Misses E. Barron and M. Kennedy, Messrs R W Kirkby, D. MacLeod, and G. A Kennedy; An x overture was contributed by Misses Joan Parker and Kathleen Sprott. The sale, which was organised as a, means of raising a contribution towards the Gymnasium. Building Fund, Mas fairly successful, but was affected by the weather. The stage seating accommodation provided by the management of the John' Roberts billiard season will consist of a raised platform fifteen inches from tho floor. About 150 can bo comfortably seated. There is every prospect of a good season for the managers and interesting exhibition? for the public. The concert which was to have been held last evening to celebrate the anniversary of the Webb-street Primitive t Methodist Church was postponed until next Wednesday, on account of the miserable state of the weather.