ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9332, 5 October 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

NELLIE STEWART COMPANY. ."WHEN KNIGHTHOOD WAS IN FLOWER." The Nellie Stewart Company gave thensecond performance at the Opera House last evening, when Paul Keetet's romantic and charming comedy drama, "When Knighthood was in Flower," was staged. I The "flowering" of knighthood at the I time Henry VIII. ruled England is a pure effort of imagination on the part of the author, as those conversant with - history know. The author, however, has succeeded to some extent in glorifying the reign of the rough-mannered and tauch-married monarch with a romantic "atmosphere" of fair women and brave men. The play deals with the love story of Mary Tudor, King Henry's favourite sister; and Charles Brandon, who is made Duke of Suffolk when he wins the hand as well as the heart of the Princess. In love with the King's sister, who loves him in return, Charles Brandon, a cavalier of Henry's court, announces his intention of seeking his fortune in far foreign fields.. The Princess, whose marriage at the age of sixteen 'with Louis XII.. the old and feeble King of France, has been arranged without her consent, dccides to fly with the dashing young Englishman. While disguised as a boy the Princcss is captured by officers of King Henry, and Brandon is thrown into prison and condemned to death. To save the life of the man she loves the Princess consents to wed the King of France on condition that she shall be free to choose her second husband in the event of the death of Louis. With the death of the French King, Mary Tudor I has her heart's desire, and the play ends with King Henry giving an ungracious consent to the union of his sister and Charles Brandon. As a'matter of fact, Brandon was one of the knights who accompanied Princess Mary when she went to France to marry King Louis. The English Princess was Queen of France only seven weeks, when Louis i died. Two months later the widow was privately married to Charles Brandon. History has undoubtedly been handled freely in tho nlay, but the comedy is most, delightful, and all the characters are interesting, even Henry VIII. being made a moro attractice and a better monarch than described in the pages of history. Miss Stewart's acting last evening as Mary Tudor was undoubtedly clever, and it is questionable whether she has ever been seen to greater advantage. She had a part which gave full scope for her abilities, and the fact that she carried the audience with her j is tho best evidence of her success. That popular actor, Mr Harcourt Beatty, .was I admirable as "Charles Brandon, while j the remaining parts were ably filled. I The company left for Wellington to- | day, opening there to-morrow night. A j return visit""to Palmerston will be pam in December next. WANGANUI GARRISON BAND CONCERT. TO-NIGHT. A concert will be given this evening : at the Opera House by the Wanganui : Garrison Band, the programme of ; which is published in our advertising columns. Attention is directed to the popular nature of several of the sele.c- , tions, while naturally the "Tests" will ' excite much interest. "Valkyrie" is j a splendidly arranged work. There is I an impression that Mr Wade, the conductor, belonged to the Black Dykes 1 at' Home. As a-matter of fact he was bandmaster of the famous Wyke Tem- ■ peraiice organisation from 1898 to j 1900. During 1898 the Wykes beat i the Besses o' th' Barn three times out ' of four contests, and' up to that year , had won over £6000 in prizes. He i was for 18 months conductor <jf the i Royal Oakeley Band, North Wales, i and in 18 months won 17 first imzes, i a record for, Wales. The Wanganui bandsmen are in rare'fettle, and hope ' to make a good showing at Ballarat. . It is hoped the Opera House will be j crowded, for the concert is well worthy of patronage. Popular prices, 2s and Is. OPERA HOUSE PICTURES. A cinematograph story introducing fearless . horsemanship entitled " The , Range Riders" will form one of the star attractions of the new programme of ! Municipal Pictures to bo shown in the Opera House to-morrow evening. The drama is brimful of stirring incidents connected with Western life, and a thrilling equestrian display is given by a. team of buckjumpers. Taken by the Selig Company in the open plains, good scope is given for the exciting chase, and the interest of the spectators is aroused to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. This is only one of the numerous cinematograph specialities of tho new programme, which promises to enhance the already high degree of popularity achieved by the Opera House Pictures.