ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13160, 25 April 1906, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THKATUK. " 1 HI. LADY SLAYKY." Arms .1 remarkably suet essl run of over Jit week. " The Karl a.nd the l liil" was tej placed -it His Majesty's Theatre last evening bv that dainty comedy ' The Lady Slavey," and again the Sheridan Company | played to a well-tilled house. 'I lie title of i the piece, in musical comedy. somehow I seems to tell its own story: one naturally j enough thinks of some iinpowiished noble family, a. daughter who bravely helps in* family out by (losing a- a servant. and. in the end, catches the mattim< nial prize incidentally, of cour-e, falling in low with him into the bargain. " The Lady Slavey" is a charming musical comedy, full of ii u:--ist-iblv funny situations, and with a sparkle ami life about i! that must a j meal to any audience, while the colour display•- and the spectacular ellecls are delightful. With all its comedy, the pace ban running tbiough it a. homely, kindly touch that renders it all the more pleasing, and the production last evening was an iiiiqualiiietl success, the audience bestowing liberal applause. Mr. Sheridan vva.s the life a,ud soul of the play, and his interpretation added one more to the long honours 101 lof his successes. Mr. Sheridan has come to be regarded by New Zealand audiences a.# a personal fiiend; in his own inimitable stylo he always carries his audience with him, and as a fun-maker he well deserves his high reputation. In the parts of the bailiff, the main. and the millionaire, "Tomato King," he creates three distinct characters, and yet maintains in each his own striking individuality, and his ever-ready How of humour. The "Bailiff's Duet," by Mr. Sheridan as Roberts, and Mr. T. Curran as Bill, the broken-down captain, who has degenerated into a bailiff, was an instant success, and one of the funniest items on the programme, a.lid Mr. Sheridan's song, "The Big Boss Dudo 'From Ohio,'' was another capital number. The droll Bill, bring in the barrel " was an admirable bit of comedy. Miss Heba Barlow as Phyllis, "The Jxidy Slavey," had a, bright and vivacious part, and her impersonation was a very fine ..inception of the author's creation. Miss Barlow possesses many line qualities as ail actress, audi she was a warm favourite throughout. She sang " Nyomo," a pretty number, and sustained her share in the duet with the millionaire, "Why Love in. Secret," and in the "Red, White, and Blue" cake walk. Mr. Avalon Collard as Vincent A. Evelyn, the millionaire, played well, and was heard to advantage in the concerted numbers, hits vocal work in the song "In Friendship's Name" being particularly good. Mr. Rupert Julian's part of Major O'Neill, the ruined aristocrat, wag a very able character study, and Mr. Curran, as Bill, was responsible for a conspicuously line characterisation, his song, "My Happiest Time,'' being accorded ready appreciation. Miss Muriel Williams was well cast as Flo Honeydew, and her duet and emce with Mr. Robert Noble as Lord Lavender was most successful, the pair being recalled for another verse of the song. Mr. Noble's best item was "Good-bye My Lady Love," rid lie was accorded appreciative applause, and recalled by the audience. Miss Ray Jones had very little to do as one of the Major's daughters, but she was afforded a good chance in the " Vaitika Song," an item which appealed to those present, and her rendering was a very line one. The concerted numbers and the choruses were all good, and the. music was bright and light. " The Lady Slavey" will he repeated this evening. OPERA HOUSE. Fuller's Entertainers were again well patronised last night. Mr. Ward Lear and Mr. Bob Lloyd' gave quite a number of comic $.nd other songs. . The Three Gibson Girls were greatly admired for their clever singing and graceful dancing. The 1 bison Family of Musicians played first-class music 011 various instruments. Mr. Will Lochrane was in great demand, and sang several Scotch patter songs. Miss Cecile Stephano, Mabel Lynne, Chas; Howard, and the Driscolls also appeared with success. THE OLYMPIA RINK. With the advent of the cooler weather, the Olympia Skating Rink is being well patronised a,t he three daily sessions. Last evening the fourth heat of the novice race was contested, aid was won by J. Valnoi, with J. Zainy second. The final will be contested on Thursday evening.