AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 661, 24 October 1884, Page 22

AMUSEMENTS.

The Marionettes bad an exceedingly large gathering of youngsters at their afternoon performance on Saturday last, and the Theatre on Saturday eveuiug was quite full, a large number of the audience hailing from the Upper aud Lower Ilutt districts and intermediate railway stations. Including the matinee, no less than 2500 persons visited the theatre on Saturday. The extravaganza “ The Beauty and the Beast,” with its beautiful scenery and lively melodies and songs, was highly appreciated, while the antics and villainies of the clown and his aged accomplice, the pantalooD, were of course, as usual, hugely enjoyed.

A good house greeted the change of programme presented by Webb’s “ Marionettes ” Monday evening, despite counter attraction. In the first part of the entertainment, novelties were provided in the shape of a Japanese polebalancer, a troupe of Celestial warblers, a chair equilibrist, and an Italian Scaramouch —whatever that may be. In every instance the performances of the “ little people” were almost perfect and certainly natural as life. The Christy Ministrels, who submitted a new set of jokes and some very well sung solos and choruses, kept the audience well amused for a few minutes, after which the piece de resistance was presented. This was a fairy pantomime, embracing the familiar adventures of the fabled Red Riding Hood—wolf, granny, and fairy queen complete. The harlequinade which followed, was replete with new eccentricities by the wicked clown and deluded pantaloon • and the transformation scene was well worked and equally well received. A song by Mr Harland, who has a really fine voice, concluded a most enjoyable entertainment. The Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club gave their first performance in aid of the funds of the Wellington Cricketers’ Associatl m Monday evening at the Athenseum, and, as was fully expected, attracted a large and fashionable audience, the hall being crowded. The talent possessed by this club is so well known that it will almost suffice to say that the club acquitted themselves throughout in their usual excellent style. The first part of the programme opened with an overture chorus specially composed by Mr George Robertson, which was performed for the first time by the orchestra and company, and received with marked applause. The six ballads and comic songs, as well as the finale, “ Poses Plastiques," comprised in the first part of the programme, were encored, - the various performers - being Messrs E. J. Hill, Sydney Nicholls, J. Prouse, Charlie Leon, and J. W. Hill. The second part was also well applauded, and the various pieces well performed. Mr J. M. Clark in the recitation “ Betsy and I are out,” Mrs Parsons in the song “ The broken pitcher/’ Miss Parke 3 in the song “ Anear and afar,’’ and Mr Morris Fox in the character song “ The girls at the school,” were encored, a 3 were also the amusing “ Remarks upon temperance,” by Professor Leon. On Monday evening next another entertainment will be presented, including the favorablyknown farce, “ Done on both Sides.” A very pleasant evening was spent Monday night at the Wellington Working Men’s Club, an entertainment being given by a portion of the staff of the s.s. Doric. The business introduced by the Christy Minstrel Troupe, to say nothing of the step dancing of Mr Taylor, was far beyond amateur talent. Mr McLeod’s tenor voice blended excellently with Messrs Hardy, Southcote, and Walker’s singing, the harmony of voices being very much admired. Mr Liddy, agent in advance for Miss Genevieve Ward and Mr W. H. Vernon, arrived at Invercargill on Monday by the Rotomahana. He will at once make arrangements for his principals’ appearance in the chief towD3 of New Zealand. By the same steamer the Pollard Juvenile Comic Opera Troupe (33) also arrived. They play a short season at Invercargill, and then proceed to Dunedin. Webb’s Marionettes had a good house Wednesday, the performance being again very successful. One of the features of the programme is the fine singing of Mr Harland, whose ballads are well worth going to hear. The Wellington season will close to-morrow evening, and the company will open in Mas* terton on the 27th.