ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 127, 15 May 1911, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MR. J. C. WILLIAMSON’S COMPANY. “HENRY OF NAVARRE.” On Saturday evening the romantic Drama of “Henry of Navarre” was staged at the Princess Theatre, by Mr. J. C. Williamson’s Company, and a large and appreciative audience well-filled the house. The Williamson companies are always guarantee of some specially good thing, but on this occasion theatregoers were afforded an exceptional treat. Mr. Manning, as the King, and Mr. At will, as Henry of Navarre were, of course, the stars of the company. As the King, Mr. Manning was excellent m every detail. The French element was so well-delineated it is difficult to believe he is not of Franch nationality. The frenzied excitability of the French King, driven to despair by the news of his impending death, was marvellously pourtrayed. No efforts were spared, bat they never approached in theii intensity the

“rant” of the would-be actor. Unquestionably Mr. Manning and Mr. Atwill are genuine artists in stage life. Henry’s genial temperament, his generous nature, and his romantic, chivalrous love were all splendidly pourtrayed. The scene of the Loving Cup was the most effective, but there were many others between him and the Princess that were really beautiful. Miss Eva Temple, as Catherine de Medicis, carried through her difficult part with graceful ease, but to our mind her expression was too much like the ordinary mother-in-law who dislikes her daughter’s choice. For that fiendish woman Catherine de Medicis something more Satanic in expression is required than the mere utterance of evil intentions. Tn point of fact Miss Eva Temple has not drunk deep enough in evil conception to impersonate a fiend who revelled in dealing death to every one who thwarted her. Miss E. Kelly, as the Princess, was the personification of elegance and grace. Her actin" was very pleasing. but her voice is scarcely strong enough for sustained speeches. Miss Fyfe Alexander, as Marie, was attractive. Her cbouetterie was incomparable. The submission demanded from her lover in the order “Come here ■” was so vivacious it fairly brought down the house. Space will not permit individual comment of the remaining actors. It must be sufficient to say the drama was most effectively rendered. and each and all acquitted themselves well. Mention must not be omitted of the lovely costumes. The court dress worn by Marguerite when she received Henry as suitor was a magnificent robe. In fact the whole of the costumes were charmI ing and costly. The exquisite white one which the Princess wore in the last act was entrancingly lovely. To-night the company appears at the Theatre Royal, Napier, in the sensational drama, "Via Wireless.” PRINCESS THEATRE. There will be a change of programme at the Princess Theatre to-night, when some unusually fine dramas will be screened, including “The Settlement Workers,” “'The Little Preacher.” and “The Old Swimming Hole.” By special request of a large number of patrons, it has been decided to repeat that great comedy, “Take me to the Baseball Game.” On account of the lengthy programme patrons are requested to be in their seats at five minutes to eight. KING’S THEATRE, HASTINGS.

There was a well-attended house at the King’s Theatre both on Saturday afternoon and evening. The star picture, “Hearts and Politics,” is a splendid dramatic story •’ ii h a finely arranged plot. “His Baby’s Shirt,” “The Deformed Child, ’ and “A Child’s Faith” were also good dramas, each story oeing tola in a pathetic manner. The programme was considerably strengthened and varied by twL beautiful scenic films, “Vienna” and “Picturesque Japan,” an industrial, subject entitled “Cash Making, an exceedingly popular edition of Pathe’s Gazette, and a novel, pretty and decidedly interesting subject, “The Birth of Flowers.” Screaming comics were “Tweedledum is Shy,” “Hank and Lank,” and “Battered Bridegrooms. Another crowd is expected this evening.