NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, 22 January 1902, Page 26

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

The farewell season of the Brough Company comences at the Opera House on Monday, the 27th. The first production will be Mr R. C. Carton's comedy in three acts. "Lady Huntworth’s Experiment,” which will be staged for three nights. Captain Robert Marshall’s military comedy, in four acts, entitled “The Second in Command.” will be played on Thursday, Friday and Saturdav.

Rowley’s AN axworks and London Company have, since visiting this town two years and a half ago, toured South Africa and the Old Country with great success. Mr Rowley and company arrived by the Mestralia on Wednesday and lias brought with him some of the latest novelties and a lot of new figures. Mr Rowley is now on the look-out for a suitable building in the city, and as soon as arrangements are completed will open for a short sea-on.

Air Pollard has engaged the Opera House for a four week’s season, commencing on the 14th July.

Air Tom Pollard has completed arrangements with Air J. C. Williamson for the production at an early date of The Rose of Persia. ’ "l he Messenger Boy. ’ and "San Toy." "The Alessenger Boy” has not yet been produced in Aus- * * * * •

During Air Harry Richards’s trip to America ho engaged artistes whose salaries amount to the respectable sum of £40.000, covering a period of four vears. These artistes will also play P. R. Dix’s circuit, which goes to show that there is to be no lack of artistes for some time to come.

Among the artistes engaged by Air Rickards. Derenda and Breen may be mentioned as two of the cleverest yet imported to Australasia. They are styled the Comic Club Juggling Rings, and have performed in all trie principal theatres in the world. Their clubswinging proved to be simply a revelation in Australia. These clever artistes will appear on P. R. Dix’s route during the coming year.

• * * « « Another artiste engaged by Air Rickards is AJlle. Lotty, whose posse plastiques have been described as the rage of the last two years in all the principal towns of England. America and the Continent. This fascinating French artiste arrived in Auckland from America on Monday last cn route to Sydney, where she plays a season prior to appearing with Air P. R. Dix.

The Allisons have joined Air Harry Richards’s Company at the Sydney Tivoli, where they have made as "big a hit as marked their first appearance at the same house about three years ago. They are considered by the’Sydney Press the neatest and most refined specialty double that has visited Australia. AVe trust to see those artistes through New Zealand in the near future under Air Dix’s banner.

* .# * » if. Information has been received from Auckland stating that the now theatre in that city will bo easily completed by Boxing Night, 1902. Air P. R. Dix has already received numerous applications from well-known theatrical managers for vacant dates.

Among the now artistes booked by Air H. Rickards may bo mentioned Colby and Way, the funny ventriloquist and the “Dancing Roll” : the Lundgreens, who do a marvellous mid-air comedy act; Air George Alexander, comedian : Weston and A’ost, comedians; the Caselli

Sisters, clever soubrettes and legmania artistes; Gallando, lightning clay modeller; and the Jackson Family, who do a wonderful musical act. • • # *

Air Harry A. Gribben, who has been touring the English provinces as Hooker Pasha Tn “The Alessenger Boy,” has been engaged to play the part of the Emperor in “A Chinese Honeymoon” at the Strand Theatre, London. Air Gribben is a native of AVellington, and was understudy for the late Air E. T. Lonnen when the Gaiety Company visited New Zealand some years ago. t < t « •

Ali* nnd Airs Brough, since their advent on the Australasian stage, have each played from 250 to 300 roles, and as they have been constantly on the go, it is not surprising that they should think themselves entitled to a good long spell. Their future movements are not definitely settled, but it is, alas! absolutely certain that they will never be seen again on this side of the world’s stage after their coming retirement. I take this opportunity (says “AlusicoDramaticus” in the “Auckland Herald”) of expressing keen regret at the loss our stage is thus about to incur. The Broughs have periodically brought us into touch with the best works of modern playwrights, and their productions have invariably been of such a nigh standard that we can ill afford to spare them. Alay their future career in other spheres be as prolific of honours as it has been in this part of the world. I wish them well most heartily, as also does. I am sure, the large playgoing public. • • • • •

The Hawtrey Comedy Company will commence a twelve nights’ season at the Opera House on the 17th February. The opening piece will be “A Alessage from Mars.” This is how the critics speak of “A Alessage from Alars”: —“lt raps selfishness of every sort and kind severely over the knuckles. It points a dozen morals and adonis a pretty tale. It is a dramatisation of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” in short, made for everyday use. Dickens’s Scrooge is transformed into young Horace Packer, a conceited, grasping, self-centred young Londoner, who refuses to take Lis pretty fiancee to a dance because he doe.sn t want to go in the snow again. After the girl has departed, chaperoned by her aunt, in the highest dudgeon, young Packer falls asleep in Lis easy chair, and is visited by a messenger from Alars, who puts him through such a set of paces that by the time the pretty girl comes home again he is a completely transformed character. It would be spoiling a good night's fun to enter into further particulars of the plot. It is one of those rare comedies which, while it keeps the front of you shaking with laughter, manages meanwhile to keep cold chills running up and down your back.” The farcical comedy "Tom. Dick and Harry.” and the oneact play “A Highland Legacy” will also be produced during the season. • O # • *

Fitzgerald Brothers’ Circus and Ale»agerie, after a successful season of twelve weeks in Alelbourne, visited Adelaide for six nights, and did enormous business. The combination is now touring Tasmania, after which New Zealand will most likely be visited. The veteran Harry Lyons is in advance. • * * *

It is stated that before the curtain went up on the opening night, "Aladdin” had cost Air George Alusgrove close on £SOOO. * * • • •

It is reported that Aliss Nellie Stewart v ill play the name part in “Sweet Nell of Old Drury” when that drama is produced by Air George Alusgrove’s dramatic company. **' » • 6

Aliss _ Lillali AlcCarthy, Air Wilson Barrett s leading lady, began her stage career with Air Ben Greet’s provincial companies, where she played leading parts from the beginning. Before that she had recited in public a good deal at different towns in Gloucestershire, her home, and had also appeared as Lady Alacbcth in a performance at the Independent Theatre in aid of a fund for a statue for Afrs Siddons’s grave. Mr Barrett first saw Aliss AlcCarthy as Paulino in the Ben Greet production of “The AA’inter’s Tale” at Alanc-hester, whither he had travelled for that purpose. Ho engaged her to create the part of Berenice in “The Sign of the Cross” in London, but illness prevented the lady from playing the role of the haughty pagan during the first week’s run. On her recovery, however, Aliss AlcCarthy took up the part. A tour in America followed, Aliss AlcCarthy playing Alorcia, the other artistes including Aliss Boswell, Air Carter Edwards, Air Gill and Air Daniel AlcCarthy, who had thrown up the law to go on the stage with his sister. Aliss AlcCarthy played Mercia (a part which she loves) 500 times without break. On her return to London she played Berenice for six months at the Lyric Theatre, and then came to Australia with the Barrett company on its first visit. From here Miss Alaud Jeffries, the leading lady, went to America on a visit to relatives, and Aliss AlcCarthy took her place in the company on its return to England. AA hen Aliss Jeffries returned from the States, Aliss AlcCarthy loft Air Barrett to accept the part of the heroine in “The Absent-minded Beggar” at the Princess r l lieatro, where she remained six months. She also appeared with Aliss Julia Neilson at the Garrick Theatre in “Change Alley,” and then

rejoined Mr Barrett permanently as leading lady. • • « # »

On the conclusion of the New Zealand tour, the Wilson Barrett Company will play a short, farewell season in Sydney.

Mr Harry Gray, the Australian “Little Tich,” has gone to Manila under engagement to Mr J. Barnes, of the Twentieth Century Entertainers. Alias Alaluena Aloore, a clever little serio and dancer, went by the same boat to the same manager. • • * •

Aliss Alaggie Aloore, at the Alelbourne Gaiety, is doing good business with the old favourite, “Struck Oil.” • * * * •

The pantomime “Alice in Wonderland” is drawing crowded houses to the Sydney Theatre Royal. By special arrangement with Alessrs Lee and Rial, of the World’s Entertainers, the billiard table gymnasts, Kelly and Ashby, are now included in specialty features of “Alice.” Air Williamson has also reinforced the show by the addition of a harlequinade. * * * * *

The well-known musical play, “The Belle of New Y’ork,” was revived at the Century Theatre, London, on the 27th November. Air Albert Whelan, who played the character of lehabod Bronson when Air Tom Pollard produced “The Belle” in New Zealand, was allotted the same part, in the Loudon revival, and “The Stage” has the following to say about his performance: —“Air Whelan plays his part on the old lines, but has. perhaps, even a more remarkable voice than his predecessors, and an accent upon which one could sit down, it is so very substantial. He has also a keen sense cf humour, and it struck me that some of his ‘gags’ (if they were ‘gags’) are new.” # * * * *

Air George Alusgrove has secured the Australian rights of “A Chinese Honeymoon,” a play which has been successfully produced at the Strand Theatre, London. • * * * •

During the season of the Brough Comedy Company, which commences at the Opera House on che 27th inst., the comedy in three acts, “Sweet and Twenty,” by Captain Basil Hood, will be produced. The basis of the play is the love of two brothers for one girl. The lads are sons of a kind-hearted vicar, whose character is simply but strongly drawn. The elder son, Eustace, is intended for the Church, the younger. Douglas, is in the navy. Beside these the household is made up of a bright little boy named Chris, a man of odd jobs named Prynne, and a valued domestic named Ellen, of whom all are very fond. Into the life of the household comes Joan Trevelyan, mirthful. sweet ami twenty. Both boys fall in love wit n't his winsome lass, and the sailor lad. who is on the eve of departure on a lengthy cruise, bravely relinquishes to his studious brother his chance of winning Joan. Eustace, who feels that he has a poor chance of securing a love bestowed elsewhere, makes a poor return for this sacrifice. Douglas returns in disgrace, having been dismissed tlie navy, and though the kind old father would have the lad stay and face all that village scandal could accomplish. Eustace makes the disgraced sailor fee! that- duty means exile. In the wanderer’s absence Eustace descends to misrepresentation and deception to gain the place he feels his brother holds in Joan’s heart. It is here that the influence of Ellen is exerted, and through her intervention happiness comes to the sailor and his lass, and Eustace is saved from his fall from grace. * ft a «

Bland Holt is still drawing crowded houses with “The Span of Life” at the Theatre Royal. Alelbourne.

Aliss Florence Perry, who was a' member of Air Tom Pollard’s Opera Company when that gentleman produced “The Geisha” at the Opera House, is now leading lady with Mr George Edwardes’s Gaiety Company at present touring South Africa. Of her performance in “San Toy,” which was produced at the Good Hope Theatre on December lltli, the “Cape Times” says:—“The feature of the evening was Miss Florence Perry’s admirable performance as San Toj. Her vivacious manner quickrt won the hearts of the audience, and long before the curtain was rung down at the close her place as a favourite was assured. AATiile she sang with much sweetness and effect throughout her success was very largely due to her acting. She acted every minute, every second—not artificially or with laborious exactitude, hut naturally and spontaneously. She is endowed with the gift, or has cultivated it, of being able to do nothing and look as if she were desperately anxious to do something—and she does it gracefully. A striking example of this was provided during the singing by Air Thorley of the song Lotus Land. San Toy has nothing to do, save for the most, part, recline in a chair (in which, by the way, she is almost lost) and look pretty. ’But she docs it with consummate skill, an easy pose, a witching expression, a look in the eye, a turn of the l, an ,i. delightfully studied. The same is true of her entire impersonation. Her opening song, “It’s Nice to be a Boy Some-

times,” brought down the house, anA her other numbers were equally app re . ciated. ?

“The Great Millionaire” finished it* run at the Drury Lane Theatre on Saturday, 7th December. The theatre waa to be re-opened on Boxing Night with the pantomime “Blue Beard.” • * * * a

It has just been held by a Court in the State of Jersey, U.S.A., that theatre managers are within their legal rights in opening their houses on Sundays. • • • * •

Air H. H. Arincent, probably the finest stage manager Australia has even seen, returned to Sydney by the steamer Sierra. He will be associated with his old chief, Air J. C. Williamson, who welcomes in Air George Alexander’s right-hand man a valuable ally and a fast friend. Air A r incent was hard put to it to get the electrical effects needed for “Ben Hur” to Australia, hut being a man of infinite resource, shipped them as personal baggage. This course was rendered necessary owing to the trouble among railway men, and if Alp Auncent had not acted as he did. the effects could not have reached Australia for months. This would have meant the postponement of “Ben Hur,” and a considerable loss to Air A’lncent’s principal Air Williamson. As it 5 is, Air Ahncent lias already set to work with the rehearsal of “Ben Hur,” which will he staged on Saturday, February Ist. As he is a hard worker and a stickler for detail, the “Ben Hur’’ production may be expected to eclipse everything previously seen under the Williamson regime. • • » • s

By arrangement with Air George Alusgrove, the Lotto cycling act Las been transferred from the pantomime “Aladdin” at the Princess’s Theatre, Alelbourne, to the Bijou, where the World’s Entertainers are showing to good business. The wonderful riding of the Lottos (says the “Leader”) rouses the audience to admiration, nob untinged with fear for the safety of the bold riders. On a track raised to an angle of 60 degrees the Lottos pass, repass and almost touch each other at a terrific speed. Illustrations of trick riding are executed under these conditions. Nothing like it has ever been seen before. * * * 6 •

“San Toy,” after making a record lcr a musical play with 800 odd performances, has been withdrawn from Daly’s Theatre, London. It is to be succeeded by a new comic opera, for which Alessrs J. T. Tanner, Lionel Alonckton and Howard Talbot are responsible. *****

The Brough Comedy Company during the three nights’ season at Napier this week produced “Lady Huntworth’s Experiment,” “The Tyranny of Tears,” and “Airs Dane’s Defence.”

AVilson. Barrett was once playing in Dublin, and the time was shortly after the Fenian outrage at Clerkenwell. “Little did I expect," said Barrett, “the perfect furore of cheers which greeted my first, appearance. Every speech waa received with a torrent of applause, and being at the time a young man, I certainly felt myself a person of considerable importance before I got through with the first act." He enjoyed his triumph so much that he confided to “props.” at the theatre. “A very warm audience,” ho said. “Yes, sir, very warm.” “Are T rish audiences often as warm?” “Not often." “I saw they seemed to like my acting very much.” “The actin’ ?’’ returned “props.”; “it is not. that, at all, at all. They are after takin’ you for tho brother of Barrett! that was hanged yesterday.” • • » • <

Probably no actor made an earlier debut than tho late Colonel Mapleson, who appeared in ‘‘Henry VIII.” at Drury Lane on 31st May, 1830, before he was a month old. A play bill belonging to Nelson Lee has been found by a writer in “Alusical Times” bearing a pencil note, “Mrs Mapleson’s infant was carried on for the christening scene.” Mapleson’s own account of the incident is amusing. “Shortly after 1 was born,” he said, “our house caught fire. The cradle with myself in it was hoisted out of a second storey window to save mo. I was carried into Drury Lane Theatre, into Stage-manager Harley’s room. In a rehearsal of “Henry A T 111.,” in which Edmund Kean and Airs Siddons wore performing, a dummy baby had been prepared by the property man for the scene of the baptism. It was so flattened and puffy that Kean could not keep serious. So Harley suggested, ‘Try a real baby.’ I was brought behind the scene for and behaved so well that at the solicitation of Kean and Mrs Siddons, my mother and Afadame Anna Bishop (who was a sort of second mother to me), I was engaged for a regular performance. I received an honorarium of one guinea a niglit for my appearance. The piece ran twenty-ono nights, and I received t/vyenty-orio guineas, and these I have still, and shall always keep them.” The last .sentence used to make Alapleson’s hearers sceptical of the whole story. * « » • *

Air Wallace Brownlow is at present a member of tho World’s Entertainer# Company at the Melbourne Bijou-

Miss Jennie Eeiffarth, who is a mem--Inr of J. K • Emmet and Lottie Gilson’s company, tripped and fell on the of the Columbia Theatre, Frankfort Ind., just prior to the departure of the latest American mail. It was thought at first that one. of her arms was broken, but the injury proved to bo a sprained elbow. Miss Iteiffarth will be remembered as one of the original "Trilby” company which visited Us. , * * * «

Maggie Moore says that if Brough and Boucicault had gone to America when in their prime—about 1890—they wmuld have made a fortune twice over, as even Daly’s fine company was not to be compared to theirs. *** * • .

There is not- much sentiment amongst American showmen. It is all a game of poker, and if one of the parties gets a bad hand he pays over the stakes and smiles. Mr J. H. Love, the manager for Messrs Lee and Rial, the "World Entertainers, arrived in Melbourne last year, and engaged the Bijou Theatre. A few weeks ago a dispute arose between Mr Love and Messrs Lee and Rial. Love’s services were dispensed with. Then lie showed his cards by informing Lee and Rial that they would have to leave the Bijou Theatre after thirteen weeks. "No,” replied the ,World Entertainers, "we have a lease for two years.” "Look at the lease,” calmly replied the wide-awake Love. "The contract with Mr Wilson was made with Mr Love. lam legally the lossee of the theatre for two years.” Matters have since been settled by Mr Love drawing from Messrs Lee and Rial £lO a week above the rent payable to tho landlord. Everybody smiles (a Melbourne paper asserts) and says ‘good business.” B #« 4 * •

Miss Grace Lane, a Melbourne ‘girl,” lias scored heavily in Sydney Grundy’s new comedy, "Frocks and Frills,” at the London Haymarkot.

Stage managers are being continually applied to by young women desirous of entering the profession, and in the majority of cases the applicants have nothing more than the desire to recommend them for the profession they are so eager to enter. These stage-struck young people should take to heart what Mrs Kendal has recently described as the qualities necessary for an actress. Hero it is:—“The face of a goddess, the strength of a lion, tire figure of a "Venus, tho voice of a dovo, the temper of an angel, the grace of a swan, the agility of an antelope. To these qualities must be added great imagination, power of concentration, exquisite enunciation, a conscientious spirit, a loyal disposition, plenty of courage, a keen sense of humour, a high ideal of morality, a sensitive mind, and an original treatment of everything! An actress should bo capable of being a kind sister and daughter, an excellent wife, a judicious mother, an encouraging friend, and an enterprising grandmother! These,” wound up Mrs Kendal, "are the only qualifications necessary for a stage oareer.” *****

“Quality Street,” Mr J. M. Barrie’s latest comedy, is said by the critics to bo the “richest ore in the ‘Little Minister’ vein he has yet struck.”

The Christchurch season of the Wilson Barrett Company commenced at the Theatre Royal last Wednesday evening. The iiouse was packed to overflowing, many people being unable to gain admission. “The Sign of tho Cross” was the piece staged, and of tho performance tho “Press” says:—Mr Barrett’s conception of the part of Marcus Superbus was not only very artistically carried out, but evinced dramatic power of the highest order, coupled with a judicious uso of it. Without attempting to draw comparisons between the impersonations of tho character which we have already seen hero and Mr Barrett’s pourtrayal, it may he pointed out. that Mr Barrett’s conception differed entirely. And there can bo no two opinions on the point that Mr Barrett’s conception is the truly artistic one. Of course, the more showy and declamatory impersonation is one which, perhaps, would appeal to many very strongly, hut by tho thoughtful student of the drama there is no doubt that tho finished and powerful—tho more so because till the culminating point tho passion was repressed—dramatic picture of Marcus Superbus given us by Mr Wilson Barrett will be recognised as one of the highest forms of dramatic art we have yet seen. Mr Barrett drew with consummate skill a delineation of the character of a patrician Roman.indulging in the vices of the times, not because ho was innately bad in himself, but because it was, as it were, the fashion. The keynoto of the play, the gradual but sure influence gained by the pure character of Mercia, that silent appeal to the better qualities of Marcus, which culminates in his sacrifice, and which make him impervious to the r rt *T* of Bcrenice ’ was brought out Wi ~M r ‘ Barrett strongly all through. While tins was so, thero was no exagSKior" ?V locs , not mako Marcus a r ’ but rat her the refined offiIfevnuJT ° n - V ' vl,en the culmination events forced Marcus into a display ° f Dass,on Mr Barrett evinced tS

the audience that when the exigencies of the play demanded it he ™ equal to the greatest height of tragic power. This was most noticeable in the scene with Nero, where he asks for Mercia’s life, and in that with Berenice, where he so bitterly reproaches her with the despicable part she plays in the matter. These were given with an intensity and tragic fidelity which was almost startling. The remarkable scene which closes the third act with all its weird excess and riot, culminating in that with Mercia, in which she repulses Marcus, was played throughout with wonderful delicacy by Mr Barrett. Indeed this, perhaps, was the greatest of his series of artistic successes during the evening. Iu the final scene, Mr Barret brought out very finely the struggle which agitates Marcus when he is called upon to choose between death with Mercia and loss of her. Taken as a whole, Mr Barrett’s performance of Marcus Superbus is a magnificent dramatic picture, delineated with rare skill, and one which affords an intellectual treat of the highest order. That the audience recognised the artistio talent which was the feature of Mr Barrett’s acting was proved by the enthusiasm—unusual in Christchurch—with which he was greeted, being cheered again and again. Miss Lillah McCarthy’s Mercia was a worthy companion performance to that of Mr Barrett. The character is one which, requires careful handling and delicate shades of- pourtrayal. Both these attributes were present in Miss McCarthy’s representation of the part. This was particularly noticeable in the scene in tho third act, where she is reviled by the riotous revellers, the calm, serene, pure Christian girl being depicted in strong relief to the wild orgie with which she is surrounded. Miss McCarthy was also very good in that act in which Marcus declares his love for her, whilst the final act, both with Stephanus and Marcus, was played with great pathos and power. Another character which stood out conspicuously from the highly artistic way in which it was played was that of Steplianus. This was taken by Miss Boswell, and no finer picture could be given of the youthful Christian full of fervour, hut who is still humanly weak. In the scene where Mercia’s exhortations to Stephanus to go boldly forward and die as" a witness to the faith cause him to regain his courage, was admirably given by Miss Boswell. The character of Berenice is one requiring a great deal of power in order to represent satisfactorily. Though a butterfly of fashion, Berenice is a woman of strong passions, and it is not often the actress impersonating the part is equal to the successful pourtrayal of both phases of character. Miss Edytli Latimer, however, succeeded admirably, and her scene with Marcus and with Tigellimis, where he tempts her to betray Marcus, were strongly and artistically played. Miss Daisy Belmore was very happily cast as Dacia, and gave an excellent performance of the feather-headed Roman beauty. All the other lady characters were well filled. Indeed, the great charm about the performance was the fact that down to tlie smallest part each was played with care and success. As with the part of Marcus, so with Tigellimis there is considerable difference in pourtrayal. That of Mr CarterEdwards, whilst as a whole good, lacked the bringing out in the relief, the craftiness, the tiger-like cruelty which made Tigellimis so apt a tool for a tyrant like Nero. There was an absence of this, and therefore the part did not stand out so distinctly and vividly as might have been the case. Mr Majeroni gave a soldierly interpretation of the part of Licinius, and Mr Geo. Barrett made a good deal of the effeminate Philodemus. The Glabrio of Mr Man-

ning, though lacking the sententious character of one of his predecessors in the part, was yet an excellent performance. The character of Nero in the hands of Mr Athol wood was carefully played. All the details and peculiarities of the part were well given, and Mr Atholwood was specially good in the scene where Marcus pleads for the life of the Christian girl. Mr Glieen is entitled to high praise for his meritorious performance of Favius. The piece was finely staged, the dresses and mounting being excellent, and the singing of the hymn was given with much effect. *****

Some thirty or forty of the Afrikander rebels have been engaged by Buffalo Bill to run a sort of Boer Wild West Show, proceeding from Vienna to the United States. *****

Why has “Love Has Come From ’Lotus Land” been cut out of the Australian production of “San Toy?” (asks Melbourne “Punch”). It is one of the most charming numbers in the Chinese musical comedy, and with the “Rhoda” song went far to ensure the success of “San Toy” in London on its first production. *****

The fraternity of the sock and buskin in England hail as tho opening of a new era the first performance given before the King at Sandringham' one evening in November last. The mummers who were honoured by command to appear for tho first time before Edward VII. were Mr Seymour Hicks and Miss Ellaline Terrlss and their Vaudeville Com-

pany, and Mr Dan Leno, the first musio hall artiste to receive a Royal command, and the one best entitled thereto. “Scrooge” and “Papa’s Wife” were the contributions of Mr Hicks’s company on the tiny*'stage only 18ft square, while the side-splitting Dan obliged with “The Building Society,” “The Huntsman,” and “The Beef-eater” and his criticism of the “Minstrel Boy.” All the performers found the Royal audience of about 500 a thoroughly sympathetic one, winch laughed heartily and freely. • The principals were delighted with the entire absence of formality and stiffness with which they were received by the King and Queen, who presented Miss Terriss with a brooch, on which rose, thistle and shamrock were entwined; Mr Hicks with a pair of links with a crown _ set in diamonds and the initial ‘E’ picked out in similar stones; and Mr Leno with a handsome scarf-pin with the letter “E” set in diamonds, surmounted with a crown of the same stones. *****

The long run of “The Second in Command” at the Haymarket Theatre, London, was brought to ail end with a moniing performance on New Year’s Day. On the following evening Mr Sydney Grundy’s new play, “Frocks and Frills,” was produced. Owing to Miss Winifred Emery being obliged, under medical advice, to take some months’ rest, her part in “Frocks and Frills” was played by Miss Grace Lane, a talented young actress. *****

Mr Ha rry Plimmer and his wife were at latest advices in Chicago. They are touring with Melbourne McDowell in the Fanny Davenport repertoire. *****

“Tlie Derby Winner” is to succeed the “Span of Life” at the Royal, after which comes “The Price of Peace.” for which preparations aro already being made.

P n the withdrawal of the pantomime “Aladdin” from the Princess’s Theatre, Melbourne, Mr George Musgrove will stage “Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” with Miss Nellie Stewart in the name part. During the Sydney, season of tlie pantomime Miss Rose Hamilton will replace Miss Stewart as principal boy. *****

ilie latest report concerning matters theatrical (says a Melbourne exchange) is that Mr J. (’. Williamson lias gone into partnership with Messrs Lee and Rial, which accounts for Joe Brown, who was agent in advance for the No. 2 “Florodora” Company, being now attached to tlie Bijou Theatre. *****

Although “San Toy” is drawing immense houses in Melbourne, it is doubtful if it will eclipse "Florodora,” the boom in which was greater than that in “Tambour Major.” *****

Goodwin and Miss Maxine Elliott closed their London season at the Comedy Theatre, on the 30th Novemher with the 103rd performance of ‘When lie Were Twenty-one.” *****

Apropos of the recent sudden death of Mr Arthur Lewis, our London correspondent writes—Mr Lewis, who belonged to the firm of Lewis and Allenby, married in 18G7 Miss Kate Terry, whose reputation at tlie time of her retirement seemed likely to surpass that of Miss Ellen Terry. Their beautiful house, Moray Lodge, at Campden Hill, Kensington, thirty years ago was the scene of brilliant entertainments, thronged by the most distinguished personalities in artistic, musical and dramatic circles. In late years, Mr Lewis fell upon hard times, and had to relinquish his mansion for a more modest dwelling in Cromwell road. Mrs Lewis made a brief but unsuccessful return to the stage in 189 G. Her daughter, Miss Mabel Terry-Lewis, although lacking her mother’s ability, has been a very pleasing figure in some of our modern society plays, notably the “Gay Lord Quex.” Mr Lewis was considered by Sir Arthur Sullivan the unconscious originator of the Savoy series of operas. In his bachelor days the Moray Minstrels gave entertainments at Moray Lodge, and after supper Du Maurier and Harold Power sometimes organised short musical plays. For one of these performances in 18GG Burnand wrote tlie musical “Box and Cox,” and persuaded Sullivan to contribute the music. It was given several times at Moray Lodge, Sullivan improvising the accompaniment on tlie piano, and it was not until tlie eve of the “Punch” benefit for Bennett’s children at the Adelplii in 18G7 that Sullivan sat up all night to score it. Box was played by Du Maurier, Cox by Harold Power, and Sergeant Bouncer by Arthur Cecil.