AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15333, 16 June 1910, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. “AS MIDNIGHT CHIMES.” The Marlow Dramatic Company prosen t«l h melodrama entitled “ As Midnight Chimes” for the first time at the Theatre Royal last, evening, and the piece met with a very good reception. The play is by Edward Morris, the author of numerous pieces of a similar type, and from tho standpoint which it frankly takes up is thoroughly enjoyable. An involved story deals with the persecution of a young fisherman by a villain who makes a prosperous living out of a smuggling trade. The villain commits all sorts of desperate crimes, and has in his power the man who can free tho innocent fisherman from suspicion of guilt. An Indian girl named Zamora, a gruesome scene in which a man is immured in a vault, low comedy and sympathetic policemen play a large part, in tho unfolding of tho plot and the restoration of tho hero and heroine to peace, and their rightful station. Quito a feature of tho drama is the low comedy clement, supplied by a French girl and her English lover, tho scenes being r very cleverly arranged sories of burlesques of modern melodrama. Mr T. Curran deserves a great deal of praise for his comedy work, his points being cleverly made throughout, and he was ably supported by iVliss Louise Carbasse, who acted daintily as the French maid. In tho melodrama proper Mr Herbert Bentley gave a careful interpretation of the character of the hero, and Mr Hilliard Vox was so bad a villain that the gallery applauded uproariously when ho drank the poison that lie had prepared. Mr P. Scully and Miss Essie Clay played their parts creditably, and Miss E. Graham was good in a boy part. The :iece was well staged, tho settings being cleverly arranged all through. “As Midnight Chimes” will bo repeated this evening and tomorrow. On Saturday and Monday “ That Woman from France ” will be played, and tho season will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with “ East Lynne.” FULLER’S PICTURES. Tho final presentation of the week’s programme of Fuller’s Pictures at tho Colosseum last evening drew a large audience, which received each picture enthusiastically. To-day the first of the Thursday matinees will be given. The new programme will include aii adaptation of Richard Harding Davis’s famous story, “Hanson’s Folly”; a biograpll film, “ At the Eleventh Hour ” ; a sories showing tho making of plate-glass; and viows of the Port of Toulon and tho canals of Stockholm. PATHE PICTURES. The selection of pictures shown by MiHenry Hayward’s company at the Alexandra Hall attracted another _ large audience last evening, and all the films were well received. The pictures will bo shown permanently in Elis Majesty’s Theatre after to-morrow. KING’S THEATRE. West’s Pictures were well received by a large audience last evening, when tho programme was presented for the last time. The new programme this evening will include a dramatic film entitled “The Man,” “Hanson’s Folly,” viows of Kairwau, the holy city of Tunis and a number of novel comedy pictures. OPERA HOUSE.. The Empire Vaudeville Company drew a good audionco to the Opera House last evening, and the turns of Mr Carden Wilson and Mr Frank Yorko met with especial applause. Tho programme will be repeated this evening. ' NATIONAL CONCERT. 'An Irish national concert will be given in the Choral Hall this overling by tho Marist Brothers Old Boys’ Association, in aid of the school funds. Items will bo given by Madamo Ottleo, Messrs Walter Ingle and C. Goggin and others, and a series of dances of a national character will bo given by a number of young ladies. The Marist Old Boys will sing tho chorus “ God Save Ireland.” Mr A. Bunz will bo the accompanist, and the, stage direction will bo in the bands of Mr R. Boveridge. VOCAL RECITALS. Mr Sidney Williamson, who had to postpone his vocal recitals, will commence the sories at the Alexandra Hall on June 23, when he will be assisted by the Misses Wolls. Mr Williamson will eommenco the series with a selection of Schubert’s songs. HAMILTON-MAXWELL DRAMATIC COMPANY. Mr Allan Hamilton, the well-known theatrical manager, lias entered into partnership with Air Max Maxwell, for liomo years leading man for the Bland Holt Company, and by arrangement with Mr Holt, the new firm will produce the following successful plays:— “Women and Wine,” “In London Town,” “Revenge,” “Lights of London” and “.Women’s Hate.” They have also secured scenery by the late eminent artist, John Brunton, together with tho complete, wardrobe and effects that were distinguishing features of the Holt management. “ Women and Wine” will be the opening production of the company’s season m Christchurch, beginning on Thursday, June 23. The box plans will be opened at tho Dresden at 10 a.m. on Monday.