ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13483, 6 July 1907, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

JULIUS KNIGHTS; SEASON. .The last performance of "Raffles" was given before a large and appreciative audience last evening. . The third production' of this successful season is announced for toriiignt. when " Brigadier Gerard" will be staged for the first time in Auckland. This play, which scored a great success in London, is by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The stage version, however, is a departure from the popular, magazine stories—in which the brigadier recounts the adventures of his youth. In the play we are taken back to tlio 'actual date of those adventures, and witness the exploints of the celebrated brigadier at first hand. It is, in fact, a resuscitation of some of the deeds of which Con tin Doyle's venerable hero was so fond of boasting. "Gerard," as impersonated by Mr. Julius Knight, is a young, dashing, hotheaded captain of Hussars. The love', interest is said to be particularly strong, and a. charming atmosphere of romance to pervade the whole play. Mr. Julius Knight is described as being at his very best, in the picturesque role of the blustering young "Gerard," and Mr. Williamson's powerful dramatic company is said to win golden opinions by the magnificent support of Mr. Knight.

O'NEILL'S ' BUCKJUMPERS,

. r On Wednesday evening next O'Neill's clever combination of horse-trainers, rough riders, equestrians and equestriennes, clowns, acrobats, trick ponies, and highjumping horses will commence a short season in Auckland, under the direction of .Mr. Charles MacMahon. Speaking of a , Wellington performance, a local paper says the entertainment has none of the form of the " Equestrian Circus," and is all the more enjoyable. It may be true that all circuses are the same circus, but the buck-jumpers are a distinctly acceptable* variation. Mexican Bill does some clever juggling with a lariat, and lassoos various portions of a horse and rider that- whirl round the ring. An amateur riders' competition, prize £1 per minute, to anyone who could sit one of the outlaws, invariably draws several young men into the ring, and they mount in turn, but the- saddles are not gluey enough for them, and long before the minute is up they find something to interest them amongst the sawdust. The O'Neills and Miss Button give a thrilling exhibition of bareback riding, and a long and varied programme, is presented by other human and equine iy?rlormeis, concluding with the ever-popular "Fun in the Stockyard." A huge canvas marque, capable of comfortably seating 2000 persons, will be erected on the site at Freeman's Bay, adjoining Victoria Park. It is announced that a few reserved chairs may be secured at, Wildman and Arey's, where the box plan is now open. OPERA HOUSE. Fuller's Vaudeville Company again attracted a large, and enthusiastic audience last night. The Stagpooles were exceedingly funny in their sketch, "Defence, not Defiance." Professor Kiaen and Miss Amy Klaen's dogs, cats, and monkeys were very diverting, and show that they have been carefully trained. Mr. Bob Lloyd is still a great, favourite, and has to sing a number of comic songs. Mr. Val. Newton, Nellie Power, Sam Keenan, Phoebe Lewis, Keldie ami Davis, and Sheldon also appeared. Some fine.living pictures were shown by the Warwick bioscope. There will be a complete change of programme this evening. OLYMPJA SKATING RINK. : The Auckland skating rink will be reopened on Tuesday evening under new management. The rink floor has been renovated and the old skates replaced with £250 wortn of Winslow American ballbearing extension skates, the strongest and best in the world. Mr. Syd. Frith will be in charge of the floor, and old skaters will, no doubt, . welcome, the news of the arrival of new skates. Popular prices are to be charged, and the management state that they are. leaving no stone unturned to onsure success. During the evening the onemile championship of Auckland will be contested. . "MARITANA." On Tuesday, .July, 9, and following nights St. Patrick's Operatic Society will present ■ Wallace's opera, " Maritana." The society ?haYo especially engaged from Sydney Mr. { .lames Crabtree, who will make his firstappearance in Auckland as Don Caesar, and .for the name part, (through the courtesy of Messrs. Black and PremysUiv) have secured the services of Miss Rosin a Buckmaim. ' The chorus will consist, of 60 picked voices, and there will be a full orchestra under the leadership of Mr. Colin Muston, L.R.A.M. Miss Knight will be Lazarillo; Mr. C. Ryan, Don Jose; Mr. I.onergan, the King; .Mr. A. McElwain, the Marquis; Mr. R. Johnson, the Captain ; Mrs. Nelson, the Marchioness; Mr. Pritchard, the Alcade; and Mr. Oliver, the Boatman. The society were fortunate in securing the assistance of Mr. Rich. Rogers, the wellknown local tenor, and Miss L. Knight, as the understudies for the respective parts of Don Ciesar and Maritana. On Thursday 1 night Miss Knight, will be seen as Maritana. The box plan is now open at Wildman and Arey's. The prices of admission are 4s, 2s 6d, and Is. AUCKLAND BACH SOCIETY. The Auckland Bach Society, under the conductorship of Mr. Arthur Boult, gave a recital of sacred music at Mount Eden Congregational Church on Thursday. The programme consisted of miscellaneous items, and the performers were Misses Dean and Wvman, "Messrs. O'Farron, Bruce, Irving, Boult, and TV M. Midgley. ..,■■. CARPENTERS' SOCIAL. The Auckland branch of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters, and Joiners held a successful social and dance in the Federal Hall last evening. ' There was a good attendance, and a. pleasant evening was spent. An excellent, musical programme was carried out. .Miss S. Richards rendered a song, and Miss Barthow, A.S.M., gave a nianofortc solo. Messrs. IT. Bullin, H. Pearee, E. 0. Farrom. .). A. Sniithsoii, A. Ridgeis. and J'. W. Mitchell rendered songs, and Mr. A. McElwain gave a humorous recital. Mr. Cato played the accompaniments on the piano, and Mr. F. miner the violin. A '.dance followed the musical program me. FA'RNELL FIRE BRIGADE BALL. The 23rd anniversary ball in connection with the Barnell Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell. last evening. There were upwards of 50 ' couples • present, and the bright-coloured uniforms of the firemen lent additional interest to the scene. A first-class band was i in attendance, and all appeared to thoroughly, enjoy themselves.

METHODIST YOUNG MEN'S CLUB. The Onehttnga Methodist Young Men's Club gave a conceit, on Thursday evening, when there was a large altendaee. An interesting programme was submitted, 1 heitem* being as follows,:—Overture", Miss Whiter: song, Mr. C. Suowdon: violin duet, Misses Bennett and V. Burden: song. Mis.-. Robinson: cornet solo, Mr. Graydon ; song, Mr. E. .Sutherland: duet. Messrs. ('. Suowdon and M. Kennie; reading, tin; Rev. .1. Mill-* .Stoops. B.A. ; sonar. Mr. K. Sutherland; 'cello solo,-Mr. Whiter:, song. Mr. M. Keiinie. The programme concluded with the humorous dialogue. "A Matrimonial Bureau," by members of the club. MY. A. .1. J'oi»le presided over the pro- . ceedings.