ENTERTAINMENTS "THE BELLE OF MAYFAIR."

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1909, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS "THE BELLE OF MAYFAIR."

Why is the "Belle of Mayfair" — comprehended as a musical cornedy — Kke a dishonourable promissory note, a fickle lover, or a Wellington summer ? For many of "those who, for the first time, saw Meynell and Gunn's new- piece last evening, presented by a capable comic opera company, the obvious answer can be read between some lines lower down. When the two collaborators took Blue Blood of- the diminished treasury and placed him at loggerheads with a vulgar Moneybags— £9o,ooo a year and smelling of 'the provision store— they were repeating what William. Shakespeare had done many, many years ago., and a hundred of imitators have done since. When the son of Blue Blood loved desperately the daughter of Moneybags, and vice versa, there were promises of, at least, a deadly feud, a clash of enemies, and a denouement or' two. But the promises are only promises, and unreliable. It is a rapid love affair, only delayed from a teimiuation which somersaults the lovers together for good or evil, and the bitter parents into nodding acquaintances, by a number of bright incidentals, and a few verbal passages at arms between the lineal descendant of Norman blood and the bounder who climbed on sugar bags and the like to a baronetcy. * Such a story, purporting to be the Romeo and Juliet story transferred to Mayfair, in any year from 1900 onwards, is without visible means of support until Leslie Stuart clothed it with his glad music, and placed a singing voice within its system. Thus equipped, the belle rings cheerily enough, and assists some three hours iii their flying. What the comedians have to do they do satisfactorily, and the girls are as charming as ' Nature and the milliner, etc., can make them. The scene opens in a private park, wherein a bazaar is in progress' — at least, there are several stalls — and ends in Sir John Chaldicott's drawing-room in Mayfair. The scenery and general stage settings are picturesque and appropriate. In full view of the mostly uniii- ! habited stalls, the Earl of Mount Highgate says "Bah !" several times to the provision baronet, and the latter replies suitably in his vernacular, making rude comparisons. Here, too, the "balcony scene" happens ; here Miss Essie Perrin and Tom Payne dance inimitably, and Miss Ruth Lincoln sings some catchy love melodies. So the bazaar is justified. In the town house these items are repeated : The earl and the baronet exchange recriminations, and the latter proves himself a virulent male Malaprop, without any shame, the singing and dancing continue as brightly as before, making one forget the motif (?) of the piece, while the "belle" rings up her fond but fatuous Romeo, and there is joy for a brief while. In fact, most of the joy for the audience is in thi3 second act. William Cromwell, a philosopher whose text for every sermon is "YoUth," with Miss E. Dickenson, burlesques the "Merry Widow" craze laughably, the Gibson Girls pose statuesquely, and sing, while the tableau accompanying Miss Lincoln's and Mr. Thorley's "The Shady Side of Bondstreet," provoked so much applause as to stop the progress of the entertainment for quite some time. Mi. Edwin Brett, as the baronet, sang such a foolish, "ditty, "Ltim, tiddley, urn," that he was recalled several time's. Other lasting songs were "To-morrow," "Hanovei'-square,"' and a lively love melody by Miss Euth Lincoln. All in all, the solos of "The Belle of Mayfair" are much above the average. As Sir John Chaldicott, Bart., M.P., Mr. Edwin Brett scored always with his broad comedy and light witticism. Mr. Phil Carlton was not so successful as the Earl of Mount Ilighgatfc. A clever impersonation was that of Mr. Wilfrid Hilary as the Comte de Pen-in, and Mr. Harold Thorley, as the herb, sung and acted satisfactorily. Miss Emmaline Oriord added to her previous good work as Lady Chaldicott, a welldressed parvenu, Alice Bennetto rang true enough as the belle,' while Miss Ruth Lincoln's singing carried her through | the slight role of the Princess EhreubreUstein— a sympathetic nature who tried to smooth the rough course of love— altogether successfully. Other roles were capably sustained. * The Belle of Mayfair will be repeated for three more nights. A "Cinderella" matinee performance w^ll be given tomorrow afternoon. LUCKY DURHAM. By the Moeraki, from Sydney, tomorrow , avill arrive Messrs. Clarke, Meynell and Gunn's new English company, which will commence ,a season at the Opera House on Friday next, in the late Wilson Barrett's successful play, "Lucky Durham." The actor-author has written a play with a purpose, described as a play of stirring situations and a profound moral le&son. The part of John Durham is played by the popular actor, Mr Hardourt Beatty, who will make a welcome re-appearance after twelve months absence. Mr. Beatty has associated with him a strong company—including many old favourites, as well as several now English 'artists of prominence. Miss Gladys Harvey is spoken of as a chaiming and youthful actress, who has tiHen rapidly- on the 'London sta^e. Miss Emily Fitzroy has also won high credentials at Home ; whilst Miss Edith Deverell is a light comedy actress. Mr. •Frank Randell is the leading juvenile of the company, and Mr. J. W. Deverell is a character actor of note, who toured Australia some years back. The plans for "Lucky Durham" were opened this morning, and a splendid sale of seats was rßcorded. THEATRE ROYAL. The Fuller Proprietary's exhibition of moving pictures., at the Theatre Royal, is meeting with the favour of patrons. Several comic scenes, and films of travel in foreign lands, are amongst the items on the long programme. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "Logging in Canada," and "Scenes on the Gota Canal," two very fine pictures, will be shown for the last time to-night at His Majesty's Theatre. The customary change of programme will be made to-morrow evening. WEST'S PICTURES. This week's programme at Westls Pictures is decidedly attractive, artel large audiences are the rule nightly at the Town Hall. Among some of the best are the series showing the process of toy-making in Paris, "The Donkey that is not an Ass," and "The Red Girl," while tho play of "La losca, ' with Sara Bernhardt as the leading lady, is of absorbing interest, and quite an evening's entertainment in itself. The programme will be repeated to-night. "BOYS' INSTITUTE NIGHT." Every effort is being made to secure the success of the entertainment in the Town Hall to-night in aid of the Boys' Institute. His Worship thd Mayor (Dr. Newman) will preside, and the first item vill be a grand naval fahtasia by the Wellington Garrison Band,- entitled "A Sailor's Life," with descriptive mu«ic. The lecture by the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, on "Our Own Land," Will be illustrated by limelight pictures, showing tlie stern and magnificent scemu-y of the Sounds, and under the head of "The Toll of the Wilds,"' Mr. Mackenzie, himself an adventurous explorer, will pay tribute to the memory of some of the men who assisted in opening that couiitry to the world— -Professor Main-waring Brown, Quinton M'Kiwym, .Quill A and

others. There will be a display of kinematograph films, showing West Coast scenery, including some of the great waterfalls, Maori welcome to American fleet, and the recent boat race ; and the Hon. A. T. Ngata will recite his poem, "Scenes from the Past." SAILORS' REST CONCERT. At the Sailors' Rest last evening a concert was given under the -auspices of the Wellington Catholic »Seamen's Conference. The musical programme proved enjoyable, and was much appreciated by the seamen. A feature which was entertaining was the rendering of several musical items by the Foo Foo Band from the S.s. Waka«ui, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Martin. Another item which received great applause was the acrobatic feats and singing of the "All-Star Vaudeville" Company. The sum of 10s 2d collect;d by the Cooze Bros., in aid of the unemployed fund, was acknowledge J. Songs were given by Misses Greville, a. Sullivan, Wilson, A. Frith, M. Frith, and Boweu, and Messrs. Conway, Winton, Raines, and Hintz. Master J. M'Carthy and Mr. M'Kay contributed recitations', Misses C. Hickey and Rooney an Irish jig, Mr. D. Cole a violin solo, and Messrs. Cooc j Bros, and Black a speciality "turn." The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Colo, and Mr. Jacobs contributed a piano solo. Under the auspices of the .Northland and Sydney-street Primitive Methodist Mutual Improvement Society, Dr. Borghetti lectured last night'at,the.Sydneystreet Schoolroom on "The Continental Question." An attentive hearing was given the Doctor, and at the conclusion of _ his address a vote of thanks and appreciation was passed.