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New Zealand Mail, Issue 704, 28 August 1885, Page 15

There was another good house at the Theatre Royal last Friday evening at the second exhibition of Mr Lingara’s Diorama of Scotland and the Soudan War, and those present expressed as much satisfaction with tbe entertainment as on the previous evening. The order of exhibition of the pictures of Scotch scenery was

reversed, those of Glasgow coming first. All were much admired, and the applause was frequent. Mr David McAndrew ia a capital lecturer, and enlivens his audience by his effective singing of Scotch songs. The rest of the performers acquitted themselves exceedingly well, Mesdames Hayward and Lingard, aud Messrs J. C. Ferguson and F. Hayward, proving themselves accomplished vocalists. Mr Ferguson as formerly came in for a great share of the applause. The entertainment given last Friday evening at the Athenaeum Hall, in aid of the fands of the Wellington Press Library, was very well attended. The items on the .programme were gone through with great spirit, and met with well-deserved applause from the audience. At the conclusion of tbe concert, the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept up until an early hour this morning. Judging from the attendance, the Press Library will no doubt receive a handsome addition to their funds from the proceeds of the entertainment.

Notwithstanding the counter attraction at the Exhibition Mr Lingard’s Diorama of Scotland drew good houses on Saturday, both in the afternoon and evening. The pictures were as much admired as ever by the spectators, who showed their approbation by repeated applause. The musical entertainment was also well received, and Mr David McAudrew’s explanatory lecture was a carefully prepared and clear commentary on the different scenes displayed. Mr George Leiteh, of the “ Silver King ” Company, arrived in town on Monday by tpe Te Anau, bringing with him the scenery and mechanical effects belonging to the plays “Lights o’ London ’’and “ The Pearl Divers.” Mr Leiteh has come on ahead of his company, in order to make complete preparations for these productions. Tbe scenery is said to be very elaborate, and, judging from the critiques of both these plays in tbe Auckland papers, theatre-goers here have some rich dramatic treats in store for them. But it is hardly necessary to look to Auckland notices for commendation of the performances of Mr Leiteh and his excellent company, for their long season in this city must still be fresh in the memories of the Wellington public. The company open here on the 3rd September next, in the “ Lights o’ London.” Meanwhile Mr Macmahon, the business manager, and one of the proprietors, has gone to Sydney to procure fresh novelties.

The attendance Wednesday at Mr Liogard’s Diorama of Scotland and the Soudan war was not so good as on previous evenings. The spectators, however, were thoroughly pleased with what they saw and heard. Arrangements have been made by permission of Mr Lingard for the performance at the Theatre Royal, next Wednesday evening, of Mr G. S. Thomas’ Exhibition Industrial Cantata. Popular prices of admission will be charged, and the reeult will no doubt be a large audience. The first part of the evening will be devoted to a ballad concert, aid in the second part the cantata will be reproduced by the same performers as on last Saturday afternoon.