"JACK AND JILL."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14133, 7 August 1909, Page 6

"JACK AND JILL."

Mr. J. C._ Williamson's Pantomime Company, numerically the strongest that has ever toured New Zealand, is duo to arrive in. Auckland to-morrow morning, and front midnight until Monday evening will be occupied by scenic and light reheasals, in which all the spectacular effects will be tested. Tha Southern success of "Jack and Jill" has. been phenomenal, as were the Sydney and Melbourne seasons. A special train , has been engaged to convey tho company and scenery to Auckland. The numerical strength is so great that tho big ensemble at tho final curtain will, marshal over 150 people on the stage. This is the biggest pantomime force that has ever been in Auckland. It includes a clover team of comedians, headed by Mr. J. M. Campbell as the " dame," and Mr. Fred. Leslio as Baron Bounce. Tho principal boy, Miss Stella Gastelle, is new to Auckland. Miss Betty Ohls (the Jill of tho production) has many ardent admirers hero. A number of old favourites will appear, notably Mr. Victor Loydell, Mr. Clyde Cook, Miss Nance Maher, and Miss Olga Grey, all of whom havo parts suited to their varied talents. The ballets of " Jack and Jill " are more than ordinarily jrorgeous, and • the chorus is said to be the best J. C. ."Williamson's management has yet sent on tour.

• TIYOLI THEATRE. '-4V y! Business still continues to be very good at the Tivoli Theatre, largo audiences being - present every evening, The last opportunity ; of seeing the [-porting picture " All Blacks v." Kangaroos " will bo afforded to-day at the matineo and at night. Mr. Hay ward, has 3 decided to introduce vaudeville items into ; the programme in future, the first per--.i formers, who appear on Monday night, being the well-known trio, " The Harmonious Huxhams," musical sketch artists with a fine Australian reputation. There will be no ad- . vance in prices, and no extra charge for. early doors. A complete change of pictures will also be shown on Monday. •

ROYAL ALBERT HALL. . The recent tempestuous weather docs not appear to have affected the attendance at . the Pathe Pictures, for night after night large numbers i,re drawn to see the fine '-r programme presented. " Where Is My ;. : Wandering Boy?" is first favourite this week. >>£•§ A matinee is advertised for to-day. " V OPERA HOUSE. Fuller's Pictures Company gave their popular programme' last night for the last time i ' before an appreciative audience. At ; the ;7 • matinee to-day an entire change will bo : given. "La Tosca," as given by . Madame Sarah Bernhardt and her Parisian company, is the principal attraction and a demonstration of the stage which cinematography- has 1 reached; it is a wonderful film. . Among • other pictures to be shown are "Picturesque ■ Auvergne," "A Cure for Rheumatism," J?AV; 1 Home at Last," "Patent Glue," '-Church if Robbers," " A Bogey Woman, *Sni "Tho Bees* Eviction." The cinephono will give ; some fresh records.' ' • ' < l

"THE ARMADA." . 'MfMi The charming cantata; "The Armada," was repeated in St. Matthew's' schoolroom last evening, when, despite tho wet weather, there was a large attendance. As on the first occasion the performers were greeted with success, and came in. for frequent ap- , .® plause. "The Armada" will performed at tho All Saints' and. St. Barnabas' (Mount2. Eden) parish halls later in tho month. PONSONBY SHAKE9PERE CLUB. The PonsonTTy Shakespere Club gave 0r.6. of its popular readings;' in the Leys Insti- ' tute last evening to a very large audience.'Jgjfj The : play selected for the evening " was Twelfth Night," . which was recently given with considerable success. The cast was the same as on the last occasion, and with the practice which members have had in. the interim a finished performance was V.' given: The cast was as follows:—Orsino,;#>»3 Mr. T. U. Wells; Sebastian, Mr. P. H.!. Harris; Malvolio, Mr. H. Hemus; Sir". Toby Belch, Mr- Dyson; Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Mr. Graham; Feste (a ' clown), Mr. r; < E. T. Hart; Fabian (sea captain), Mr. A.:';s Alison; Antonio Valentine, . Mr. J. H. Gregory; Olivia; Miss Alice Gillett; ; Viola, Mrs. Turner; Maria, Miss M. M. '• Sloaae."i^-^

SOCIAL AT BIRKENHEAD. The Presbyterian congregation worshipping in the Foresters' Hall, Birkenhead, held a successful social in that building on Wed-, nesday night, the building being filled, and many unable to sain admission. The Rev. ito/ Robey occupied the chair. The following contributed to a splendid programme:— McCullough, Mr. T. Simpson. Mrs. Howard, Miss Peggy Bain, Mr. D. Hall, Mr. ' Alex. Campbell, Mrs. Russell, Mr. H. Broady, it Miss Gooch, Miss Geddes, Mr. E. Clarke, Mi»3 Melville, and Mr. Robey. Miss Keyes played the accompaniments. Refreshments were •f; handed around during the evening. _ The;;, u proceeds are to be utilised by the ladies m organising a sale of work to liquidate thevg: ; | debt on the church site which has been secured at Birkenhead. Jo 4

/ DEVONPORT DRUIDS. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the. Devonport Lodge, No. 35, U.A.0.D., a din- • g ner was held at the Masonic Hall, Devon- .. port, Wednesday night. Over 100 mem- ; • bers of the Order sat down to a sumptuous r : repast, after which a programme of excep- ; tional excellence was provided. The follow-' in contributed items:—Messrs. W. Firth, A. Wool ley, A. W. Clark, A. K.- Wriglev, J. A. Mitchell, F. M. King, E. W. Alison, ; and A McElwain, and the Apollo Quartette ; ■_ (Messrs. J. Mitchell, A. K. Wrigley, T. H. Simpson, and J. W. Mitchell. This quartette party (a new combination) gave some delightful quartettes in an excellent manner, - their _ voices blending admirably. Special .-" mention must also be made of the flute solos by Brother A. K. Wrigley, who, in addition, gave a very fine Tendering of Blumenthal s "Evening Song," also the recitations by «. Brothers F. M. King and E. W. Alison, "he : 'j humorous items of Mr. McElwain created roan of laughter, and Mr. G. H. Woolley fp performed the arduous duties of accompanist in a very praiseworthy manner. Several :.y toasts were honoured during the evening. ?;j

ODDFELLOWS' LODGE. i The usual fortnightly meeting of jho Aroatea Lodge, No. 69, 1.0.0.1'., of •J c V r Zealand, was hold at the Foresters' H»lj, Birkenhead, on Thursday. The regular business of the lodge being despatched, the second round of the euchro competition was played, Brother Osmond coming out first, and Brothers Bell and Wilkinson tying for .second position. At the next meeting there will bo initiations of candidates, and t "° degree master and D.D.G.M. will attend to confer degrees. . . •