ENTERTAINMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11782, 6 January 1899, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

, ' THEATRE ROYAL. Mr Harry Richards’s Tivoli Company has attracted good houses right through its season', and last night’s, attendance. at the Theatre Royal was no exception to the rule. The programme submitted contained several ne w features, including a one-act drama entitled “ Blind Love,” which was staged for the first timo in Australasia. The piece was specially written by Mr Bernard Espinasse for Miss Noni Rickards, whose interpretation of the principal part, that of a blind girl who is prepared to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the man she loves, was a very pleasing one. The other parts were played by Misses Katie and Madge Rickards and Messrs Albert Bellman and Hamilton Hill. Of the other items, one of the most amusing was the sketch “In Clover,” played by Miss Lottie Moore and Mr Albert Bellman, who gave yet another proof of their cleverness. Mi- Harry Rickards was loudly applauded for his three songs, “The Difference between East and West,” “ It Must Have Been the Lobster ” and “ Knocked ’em in the Old Kent Road.” Signor Biondi repeated his comedy, “ Scandal in a Restaurant,” and also his impersonations of well-known conductors. The audience-was not slow to appreciate the

wonderful smartness of his work. All the other performers met with a good reception. The only fault that could bs found with the programme is its length, as last night’s performance was not over till tea minutes past eleven. The company will appear again this evening, and to-morrow afternoon the season avail dote with a matinee peiicrmance, which will be tendered as a complimentary benefit to Signor. Biondi.