ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9404, 31 December 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

There was a very appreciative audience at the Opera House last night when the Lawrence Campbell Company made its final appearance here. The musical contributions of Mrs W. Shaw-Mayer and the elocutionary items of Mr Campbell were loudly applauded, the artists be.ing recalled on each occasion, a distinction that was also accorded M. Ossipoff for his excellent singing. Accompaniments were charmingly played by Miss Renee Lees. Both entertainments were delightful, and regret has been expressed that so few attended them, especially when a local writer is endeavouring to create the impression that the public are tired of picture entertainments at the Opera House. GEO. WILLOTJGHBY'S COMEDY COMPANY.

Life without laughter would be.but a dreary business at best. Is is, therefore, of importance that that large section of the public which seeks its diversion in the theatre should note the announcements made as to the advent of what may be termed a laughter company at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday next, January 2 and S. That playhouse will be tenanted for a limited season by Mr George Willoughb" and his English Farcical Comedy Company, in conjunction with Clarke and Meynell. Their first, "mirth provoker" will be R. C. Carton's "Mr Preedy and the Countess." When purchasing this piece in London, Mr Willoughby was assured by no less a judge than Sir Charles "Wyndham that this farce-comedy was Carton's best and most entertaining work. One has only to remember the author's previous efforts —such as "Mr Hopkinson," "Lord and Lady Algy,"and. "Lady Hunteworth's Experiment" —to realise what a high measure of praise such a statement from such a source amounts to. "Mr Preedy and the Countess," which is pure fun from beginning to end, but sensible fun, as distinct from mere nonsense, has created an emphatically good impression ■ all through Australia, and Mr Wil- ] loughby is convinced that it will appeal especially strongly to local theatregoers whom h-g looks upon as keen and accurate critics. In securing Miss Beatrice Day as his leading lady, the actor-manager has been largely actuated by the knowledge that she is, by New "Zealanders, very highly_ esteemed and admired.- The remainder of the company will be found to be equally as acceptable. Included in same "will be Miss' Amy Willard, Messrs Hugh C. Buckler, Harry Halley, Arthur Cornell, Harry Overtoil, Harold Parkes, and others of no mean talent. Comparatively speaking, it has been a long time since a first-class theatrical company has been playing here. A heavy demand for seats is proceeding at Park's. The box plan and day sales will be available at the Opera House on Monday, New Year's Day, from 10 till 4 o'clock.