ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 4, 5 July 1910, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"PETE." Mr. Hall {Jsaie has the melodramatic heart and eye developed acutely. He wrote a novel, "The Manxman," whose characters marched to the sound of tears, and the opening piece of the Clarke-Meynell Company last evening -was "Pete" — a dramatisation of the novel referred to. The play is eminently worthy the novel, and those who have read the book may judge of the play. Mr. Came plays a somewhat dolorous part under the -willow tree, and only at all too few intervals are there birds singing in the branches. Tho author's theme _ is essentially a minor one — one in which he revels. His austere charity enthuses over s^ch a character as Kate Cregeen, and he preaches with emphasis that a woman who has sinned grievously must drain her cup to the bitterest dregs before expiation can be expected. This particular dramatisation is another version of the Manx story which has been presented in Wellington, and it is sure to be popular with the women | and students of women. Throughout the various scenes tears drip steadily, and only the brave optimism of the bighearted Pete Quilliam and the bustling Nancy, the nurse, make gleams on the crests of the waves of emotion that surge to and fro across the stage. The authors, determined to stress the lachrymose, ■have _ introduced some particularly touching baby scenes, and their dire intention is further indicated by a band that plays "Home, Sweet Home" when Kate Cregeen is about to forsake the home of the man she has wronged so deeply. The story is a powerful one of its kind, and its import may be indicated in a few words. Pete Quilliam, allegedly dead, returns to the island after a five years' absence. ' He had . left his wife in the charge of Phillip Christian, and the latter had betrayed his' trust. Overcome with shame afc her duplicity and Christian's cowardice — He has become Deemster, and loves power better than honour — Kate' leaves home, Pete, and the baby. Such a sad business stirs the gallery. Pete, fond, truthful Pete, to cover his wife's absence, sends letters to himself, and a bonnet for the baby, but the father, Caesar Cregeen, knows better. Eventually Kate returns home to steal the baby, and the waves of emotion become boisterous, and make sobbing noises. In. the morning her father and the "Deemster refuse to take her, but Pete, on her assurance of her true lovß for him, holds out his arms to her. The large audience last evening was particularly gratified at the very satisfactory conclusion. Mr. H. E. Roberts, as Pete, carried the crowd with him all the way. The part is a strong one, and Mr. Roberts ably delineated its various aspects. He wao always the brave, the simple-heart-ed, the trusting Pete, and his naturalness and restraint were not the least meritorious of a -comprehensive characterisation. Miss Beatrice Day made an appealing Kate. She is, first, an emotional actress, and her rich voice and general suggestion of motherliness won the hearts of her auditors. Generously she served up the emotion, and generously it was returned in kind. Mr. Conway Wingfield, as Philip Christian, pleased in parts, but Mr. Harry Sweeney, as Ross Christian, overstressed his role of the gay boy from London. Miss Katie Towers was an entertaining Grannie, and one of the best small parts was that of Miss Lorna Forbes as Nancy. Mr. J. F. Fordo played Caesar Cregeen, the garrulous, bigoted old father, whose quotations are much too lengthy. Other roles, not forgetting a wonderful "baby," were handled capably by the remaining members of the company. "Pete" will reappear this evening. THEATRE (IrOYAL. One of tße best programmes Messrs. Fuller have yet provided was. given for the first time at the Theatre, Royal last evening, before a crowded house. It was a- wholesome programme of song and story, humorous and sentimental. Mr. Jules Garrison and what are described on the programme as "his two Roman Maids," were particularly good. The latter sang several pretty songs composed by Mr. Garrison, and they danced in a very pleasing manner. Mr. Garrison himself was on the stage a, great deal, aoid he scored a big success when he recited one of Rudyard Kipling's famous stories of India, namely, "Gunga Din." The Rodger children also made their first appearance, and were exceedingly popular. ' There were four of them, and they provided a splendid acrobatic "turn," which earned the hearty approval of the audience. Miss Gertie Johns- made her reappearance, and sang "Ifc Looks Like- a Big Night To-night" to satisfaction. The Coleman Sisters proved that they were still strong favourites. Together they sang "The Angel of Los Angeles," finishing up with a clever acrobatic .dance. Mr. Percy Foster, the possessor of a strong tenor voice, was heard in several songs, notably "The Door of Hope." His illustrated numbers wer© especially well received. Ward Lear and the Scott Bros, provided plenty • of amusement with their songs and smart patter. The programme, which will be repeated tonight, concluded with a further series of pictures depicting the funeral of our late King-. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A second series of pictures illustrating the progress of the late King Edward's funeral procession through London was shown at His Majesty's Theatre last night, when there was a crowded house. The detail of the pictures is well brought out, and the photographs of eminent Royal personages are very distinct. The present programme will be repeated to-night, and the usual change will be made to-morrow. THE KING'S THEATRE. There was another very large audience at The King's Theatre last night, when the programme was repeated, supplemented by a fresh picture of King Edward's funeral. This picture is an admirable one, and gives views of the procession not seen in the series shown last week. The programme will be given again this evening,' and the usual change will be made on Wednesday. STAR PICTURES. A new set of films was screened at St. Thomas's Hall last night by the Star Picture Company, and the pictures were watched by a large audience. This company is firmly established at Newtown, and the large audiences are the reward for the consistent merit of its programme. The list last night was a varied one, evenly balanced with grave, gay, and scenic items. "The Dancing Girl of Butte," "The Heroine of Mafeking," and "The Sins of the Father," are the leading dramatic studies, and two fine examples of coloured kinema tography are "The Egyptian Maid" and "Belgian Imperial Cavalry." There are also comic pictures in which Foolshead and Calino figures, and others of mirthprovoking nature. To-night a new edition of the King's funeral picture will be shown. "SOCIAL" OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH. The annual "social" in connection with I the Church, of St. Peter, Willis-street, will be held to-morrow (Wednesday) evening in the St. Peter's Hall. A musical and Dramatic programme will be performed atod competitions vsHl be arranged for guests. Reu'eehments will be provideo. •

Masonic Hall. Berhampore, was pack- j ed last night when the Lyric Male Choir j gave a concert in aid of the Wellington South School funds. Mr. Gladstone Hill conducted the choir, which gave several part-songs in a creditable manner. " Other items were contributed by ; Misses Grace Ewen, Flora Shaw, Mrs. Chas. Bott, Messrß. G. Peek, Potter, Smith, 'A. Nees, and Holland. Mr. Simpson played the pipes for the Scotch dances, and Mr. J. N. Duncan acted as accompanist. Sir. Walter Monk, advance manager for Hugh Ward's Comedy Company, arrived from the South this morning, and left for the North by the mail train. A successful concert was given in the Masonic Hall, Berhampore, last evening, in aid' of the South Wellington school funds. The principal items were provided by the Lyric Male Choir, under the baton of Mr. H. Gladstone Hill, conductor. The various items consisted' of duets, part songs, humorous quartettes, and songs by Messrs. A. W. Potter and A. Smith. In addition Miss Grace Ewen fave some recitations, and Miss Flora haw performed several highland dances, and an Irish jig, accompanied by the bagpipes manipulated by Mr. Simpson. The latter also provoked much merriment by his quaint rendering of Scotch ditties. The hall was comfortably filled and the whole entertainment proved a decided success thanks to the excellent management of the Lyric Male Choir Committee. The fortnightly meeting of the Trinity Mutual Improvement Society was held in the Trinity Schoolroom last evening when a debate took place on "Is Trade Unionism in the best interest of the Toiling Classes." The affirmative was taken by Messrs. Godier and Dick, and the negative by Messrs. Gilbert and Chisholm. When, at . the finish' votes were taken, the result showed a large majority in favour of the affirmative. A dance will be held at the Brooklyn Hall to-*morrow night. The floor is in -first-class order. Mr. J. Fraser will supply the music.