NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1636, 8 July 1903, Page 28

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

Mr J. C. Williamson's New English Comedy Company will commence its Wellington season at the Opera House on Saturday evening with the farcical comedy "Are You a Mason?" Mr Wil_ liamson has an especially strong company engaged to interpret the piece. Mr George Giddens is principal comedian, and the company includes that old favourite, Mr Cecil Ward. The lady members of the company are all said to be exceptionally talented. "Are You a Mason P" had a successful run at the Shaftesbury Theatre London, and it has also been received with great enthusiasm in Sydney and Auckland during the recent __ seasons in those cities. In describing the Sydney production "The Don," in Melbourne "Punch," says: "The new leading lady, Miss Ethel Knight Mollison, takes us back to the days of Blanche Stammers and the first London Comedy Company. Her personal charms are cast in the mould of refined beauty. Her figure is elegant, slender yet beautifully formed, her face expressive, her voice soft and musical and her whole demeanour intelligent, unaffected and graceful. Miss Mollison relies upon her charms of style and upon the quiet gentleness which, combined make her a delightful actress, who understands repose as a fine art. "In nxy opinion the most artistic feature of 'Are You a Mason ?' as we have it at the Palace, is th© Mrs Bloodgood of Miss Eileen Munro. It is a 'mother-in-law' part on conventional lines, but to which Miss Munro gives distinction by crisp and clever acting. In ordinary hands the strong-willed and unamiable wife of the genial old humbug, Amos Bloodgood, would not command the attention of an audience, yet without dropping into caricature - and without unduly forcing herself into the foren ground of the picture, Miss Eileen Munro invests the character with interest and importance. To natural humour and easy manners th© actress adds the intelligence of thought and style which softens with ladylike grace the whimsicalities of her part, and almost® Bits it to the level of elegant comedy. Miss Olga. Beatty Kingston, a s Annie Perry, and Miss Molly Pearson. a« Lulu Perry, have small parts, in which they are equal to the task of being graceful in looks and manner without being eloquent in speech. As beautiful women, they lent a personal charm to the performance. "Mr George Giddens' art is genuine even if it is old-fashioned. A noisy comedian Mr Giddens is not, yet there is a rollicking heartiness in liis style and manner that warms the heart. As lie plays it, there is a convivial, portwine flavour about the part of Amos Bloodgood. Mr Guldens has the true low-comedy air in his walk and gesture, and his voice is in perfect keeping with bis person, and seems to lazily flow from a mind 'charged with fat thoughts and unctuous conceits.' With many opportunities to indulge in extravagance, Mr Giddens kept liis mirthful disposition well under control, and did not score a single point by a direct appeal to the 'gallery.' Mr George Desmond is nicely placed as George Fisher, the stockbroker and amateur actor in love with Annie Bloodgood. Face and figure stood well to Mr Desmond in thei scenes wherein he is disguised as a girl. A brilliant actor might have made more of the part than the newcomer i s able to make of it. This, however, it is the due of Mr Desmond to' say—he was sufficiently vivacious without being in the least degree vulgar. From first to last Mr Desmond was a gentleman, and amid the fun and frolic of the l second and third acts there wa<s a sense of security that no offence against good taste would be committed.

“Mr Cecil Ward, as the hero of 'Are You a Mason ?’ was not overshadowed by any of thp new arrivals. The inclusion of the Australian actor in the cast as Frank Perry secured an element of strength which would otherwise have been wanting. Mr Williamson may, of course, have some other London actors: in reserve, but it may be made a question whether any of the- new men could have played the part with the confidence and finish which Mr Ward exhibited on Saturday. Mr Herbert Jarman has what can only be described as a ‘'music hall turn’ as Hamilton Travers, a brokendown tradesman. Wide as are tb e bounds of broad farce, it ig going a trifle too far to work’off this scarecrow in bad circumstances a.s a figure in modern society. Imagine if you can (outside of the theatre) a walking beer-barre] intruding himself into the company of ladies and performing taproom antics in th© 'mornin groom-’ of a gentleman’s recidence. The German authors are in all probability innocent of Hamilton Travers. He is a product of s London 'humour.’ Air Lawrence Hanray is satisfying as the stolid and stupid farmer Halton.” There were a large number of friends and admirers of Miss Nellie Stewart and the members of Mr George Mus,grove’s Company on the wharf on Saturday evening to witness the departure of the Warrimoo, by which steamer they were passengers for Sydney. As th© steamer cast off enthusiastic cheers were given for Miss Nellie Stewart, Mr George Musgrove. and the members of the company Fullers’ Entertainers continue to show to full houses at the Choral Hall. Last Saturday evening Mr Jack Steele made his re-appearance and got a good ''hearing.’’ Miss Amy Blackie is a great favourite and has to respond to numerous recalls every evening. Tim Howard, Ted Herberte, Harry Hart, contribute popular' items to the evening’s amusement. -On Monday evening Mr Fred Bluett had a great reception on his first appearance. Mr Bluett has got a lot of "new goods” which he delivers well. The "Sydney Referee” says Little Fanny Power, who has gone to London with Mr Harry Rickards, "is the cleverest music hall child at present on the Australian stage.” Miss Powers is no doubt a clever artiste, being* a splendid dancer and fair mimic, but in the opinion of "Lorgnette” she is not superior to Little Vera Kearns,” who can hold her own with th© best child ai*tiste s , that has yet visited New Zealand, both as a singer and dancer. The Westminster Glee and Concert Party will pay a return visit to New Zealand about September.

Miss Nellie Stewarfg favourite text, like Sir Henry Irving's, must surely be, "But the greatest of these is charity." Miss Stewart's donation of twenty guineas to the Wellington. Hospital is another instance of the many acts of charity and kindness which she is continually doing. It was Miss Stewart’s intention to visit the Hospital last Friday, the 3rd inst., but she was too unwell to do so. Writing to the secretary of the Hospital Mr Charles B. Westmacott, manager of Mr George Musgrove' R "Sweet Nell" Company ,says :—“I am in. stracted to express Miss Stewart’s great disappointment at having been too indisposed to visit your Hospital yesterday. Miss Stewart wishes to mark her grateful appreciation of the many kindnesses shown to members of her profession on the part of your institution, towards the funds of wliich Miss Stewart hopes the enclosed cheque may be of some small assistance."

Business at the Theatre Royal has improved considerably during th© past week. Mr Dix has got a very good bill on this week and ail the "turns" go with, a "snap" not often seen nowadays. Mr George Dean is singing several new songs in his best possible style. Mr Steve Adson i :9 also very successful in his efforts. Mr Tod Calloway ha,s already established himself a favourite with the Royal patrons. Miss Emmie Smith and Miss Jessie Thorne are also satisfactory in their contributions. "And there are others in the programme” worth seeing.

Mr George Musgrove has definitely decided that liig Comic Opera Company will be his next venture in New Zealand. During the tour "The Fortune Teller," "The Serenade," and "The Wizard of the Nile" will be produced.

Mr George Callender, who was with the Heller's Mahatma Company for fourteen years, is now managing Mr Clement. Wragge's lecture tour. In a letter dated Brisbane, June 24th, George says:—"Dear Lorgnette,—"lt is sometime now since I wrote you, and it wa B I think from India with the He!tiers. After the Helliers's tour of the East they returned to Scotland and have settled down there, having made enough to keep them all the rest of their lives, I, myself, being their manager-agent for fourteen years don't feel inclined to settle down yet, so I returned to Australia and have managed to get Mr Clement L. Wragge, th© well known Australian meteorologist and astronomer for a lecturing tour. I intend to bring him over to New Zealand shortly. I will drop you a line from time to time and let yo-u know my movements."

The Maggie Moor© Comedy and Dramatic Company staged the comedy “The Widow from Japan” at the Sydney Palace on Saturday evening the 21st June. The plot of the piece turns upon the difficulties which Bartley Swift gets into by making love to an English actress at Tokio, and not disclosing the fact to the young lady whom he marries two years afterwards, and who has decidedly romantic notions about first love. The actress—Maud Muller —afterwards marries Mrs Bartley's father, who was a widower, carrying on business in Japan, but he soon dies, and his relic announces her intention of visiting her relatives a;t Hastings, in England. She arrives, but, owing to a mistake on the part of the featherbrained Swift, she is mistaken for the governess, who is expected about the same time. Swift is kept on tenterhooks all through for fear his wife should discover his former attachment to his stepmother-indaw, and all sorts of funny complications arise, and are intensified by the incursions of an eccentric Frenchman, who is in love with the widow, and has followed her from various parts of the world. Finally when Mrs Swift has been pretty well cured of her romance, the widow dresses "fetohingly” as a Japanese lady, declares her identity, and everything end s happily, even the extrefaiely buxom widow securing another partner for life. "The Widow from Japan” (says the Sydney “Morning Herald”) is decidedly a bright comedy. Mis Moore, as th© widow, was of course the central figure, and she looked extremely well. In the course of the piece she sang several songs, and had to respond to several encores. Miss Moore was well supported bv Miss Osgood Moor© as Blanche Swift, Miss Etliel Bashford a 9 Mollie Miller, and Miss Madge Herrick as Miss Miller, the maiden aunt of uncertain age. The male characters were suitably filled by Messrs S. A. Fitzgerald. V. Scully, M. Moss. J. F. Forde. W. H. Welch, and J. P. West.

Owing to the success achieved by th© Neill-Frawle.y Dramatic Company at th© Melbourne Princess with "Arizona” it has been decided to commence the Sydney season with the same play. "Arizona” is a drama of the Wild West, military in flavour, insomuch as the leading characters are officers of the United States Army, and the action takes place near the frontier post, Fort Grant. Colonel Bonham, commanding here, has a wife too susceptible of .attentions from other men. She becomes compromised with the scrape grace of the regiment, one Hodgeman, whose regards -are mainly fixed upon her jewel case. On the eve of the elopement the pair are bowled out by the hero, a young West Point subaltern. Thi 9 youngster (Lieutenant Denton) behaves with spirit, recovers the jewels from the libertine, and places him temporarily under arrest. The crisis of the plot occurs when Hodgeman, by an astute unscrupulous trick, turns the tables upon his adversary, malting the colonel believe that Denton himself is guilty of the intrigue. The young Lieutenant is found in the company of the colonel’s wife, the jewels are in his possession, consideration for the woman seals his lips ag to the true fects. In the manner of its representation in Melbourne, the "Leader” says there is much to admire. Carrie Moore has an ambition to leave comic opera for the more legitimate stage, in imitation of Nellie Stewart, gays an Australian paper. It does not follow that' she will achieve the same success, but she will be sacrificing less by th© change.. Miss Nellie Stewart’s position in comic opera was certain when she made the step, but Misg, Carrie Moore has yet to make a name as a great artiste, v-

"Rippling, easy, and irrepressibly vivacious,'’ ls a Melbourne press notice of Miss Mary Van Buren a ;s Madam© Sans Gene, in the recent production of the Slay by the Neill-Frawley Company at telbourne Princess’s.

"A Man" writes as follows to the Sydney "Sunday Times": —"The hat nuisance in theatres cont nues, and the discourtesy of women with it. A young lady who attended a matinee at a Sydney theatre the other day bad some experience of this. She had removed her own hat in order not to cause annoyance to persons sitting behind her, but found that her riew was obstructed by a beautiful confection on the head of a lady in front. Naturally a request was preferred that this lady should re. ft move her hat. She proceeded to do so, but changed her mind, and calmly sat through the performance well knowing that she wa, s spoiling the pleasure of another. Do you know many lad es like that? I am ashamed to admit that I have heard of a good many ladies of the sort described. It seems to me that the theatre authorities are not doing their duty when they allow a peson sitting in one seat to deprive another sitting behind of an uninterrupted view of the stage. It should not be left in the power of ill-bred or selfish women to spoil the pleasure of other theatregoers, simply because they wish to display showy headgear, or are afra d that they do not look too well with bare heads.'

Miss Lily Dampier is still suffering from the iliness which mad© itself manifest some tim© ago. As a result her father, Mr Alfred Dampier, ha s had to alter all h : s arrangements. .Miss Pat-tie Br wn's second husband is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Her former one was a re-staurant-keeper in Brisbane. There is a. bit of difference in the parts, but Mis* Patt’e is versatile. Talking with an interviewer about American farcical comedy and itg threats to thrust the productions of England and th© adaptations of other countries off the boards, Mr Willoughby (Willoughby and Goach) observed that America produced a crisp and direct class of humour which went straight home. It put into three words what other schools of humour, expressed in three lines, and the location of th© fun imposed no mental effort. Thus there is not a syllable or a second of time wasted —in fact, it is a superficial class of entertaining, at the same time being legitimate. Berlin has a new sumptuary ordinance* Not only are hats not to be worn in its concert rooms, but they must not even pass the doors but must absolutely be dep sited in the wardrobe room, s before their owners can enter the halls. The new American Novelty Company being imported by Mr Georg© Stephenson. of Dunedin, and engaged on his behalf bv Mr Fred Duval in San Fiuncisco, is led by St.in and Evans. They are bringing out three of the latest American comedy successes. "Mamma's Nwv Husband," "Brown's in Tow”,” and "Where is Cobb?" The artirtes include Douglas and Ford, the Bieknells (who do a specialty on the lines of the famous Dart-os).’ Miss Margaret Marshall Mr Glias. Bates (described asi "the only living old man"), Messrs Balph Bates, Claude Hunt, Mick Brown, and a specially selected chorus. Mr C. R. Bailey ’i s to be treasurer for the company. The essentially bright performance of "Madaim© Sane; Gene" given at Her Majesty's disposes one to overlook various incongruities (says the "Australasian"). It is a. comedy with one "show" part, in which Rejane, an artiste with an immense rang© of expression, made a shining success. Ellen Terry did by no means so well, although delightful in some of her moods. In Mel. bourne Mrs Brough worked with feverish zest.in the character, and surprised Tier admirers, although it was palpable that her effects cost too much effort. Miss Mary Van Buren,, of the NeillFrawley Company, presents a different reading. She is rippling, easy, irrepressibly vivacious, whether as the dainty laundress of th© revolution or. the Duchess of Dantsio at Napoleon's singularly shoddy Court. The Sieole-Payne Bellringers will tour th© West Coast of th© South Island be. fore appearing in Wellington. The Black Family will commence a season at the Exchange Hall on the 16Lli inst. The company has just concluded a most successful tour of the West Coast and Canterbury towns'.

A very old performance of "Othello” was that given by an actor, or alleged actor, named Kemble at Windsor (New South Wales) in the early fifties. Kemble had no company but he advertised his show vigorously, and some kind of an audience rolled up at the old courthouse, where th© bench did duty as a stage. Kemble emerged from the magisterial room with one side of his face black and commenced a.dialogue between Othello and lago. While reciting Othello ho turned the dark side of his countenance to the audience. The public stood it for about five minutes; then without waiting to see what Desdemona would be like, it threw almost everything portable at the show. The company left by the back door, and fled with one-half of itg.face black, across the South Creek bridge and vanished into tße bush. Kemble dropped out of stage life after that, and ended his days selling matches in Sydney streets. —"Bulletin.’ Latest advices from Copenhagen state that the condition of Dr Henrik Ibsen remains .unchanged. There is no prospect of his recovery, and he is very feeble. He may live for months, but his state is such that he also might expire at any moment. Out of respect to Dr Ibsen and his family the papers at Christiania have hitherto refrained from publishing any information about the grave state of the distinguished dramatist’s health. Miss Ray Jones, who left Melbourne on April 7th for London by the R.M.S. Victoria, was upon the arrival of that vessel at Marseilles presented by her fellow-passengers with a diamond and ruby ring as a mark of their appreciation for her kindness in entertaining them on the voyage. Miss Jones, it will be remembered toured New Zealand some months ago with one of Mr Riekards’s companies.

On Wednesday evening. Mr Haddon Chambers’s play "Delores’ was staged for the first time in Wellington, and as played by Mr George Musgrove s company it was a signal success. Mr Chambers s drama is an adaptation of the Danish play "The Jar sens,” and it served to show Miss Nellie Stewart as a dramatic artiste of the highest standa'd. In fact it is safe to say that M:ss Stewart has few superiors as an exponent of the finer qualities of dramatic art. Her pourtrayal of the character of Dolores is exceptionally clever, and in the second scene Miss Stewart reaches tha f altitude of dramatic which culminates in a triumphant Mr Haroourt Beatty scored decisively i’ l the of Herbert Gai burn. His perf irniance. was as brilliant in conception as it was clever in execution. Mr E. B. Bussell gave an able impersonation of the pa it of Uncle Beddington. Miss Emily Levettez made an excellent study of Mrs Garburn. Miss Edith Stewart was very successful as Dora. Mr W ebster Lawson’s Allan Hargreaves was also a fine performance. Mr Alfred Tapping won golden opinions for his impersonation of the diffic-lt part of Strange, the 3 urnalist. All the other parts were well played. The drama was staged in the bert possible manner.

Last evening Miss Nellie Steweart bade farewell to Welli’gton theat e-goers and New Zealand gene-ally. For ..the occasion a double bill was presented, namely, "A Country Mouse” and “The Pantomime Rehearsal.” The Opera House was packed to the doors, in fact a g eat many had to be refused admission. Miss Nellie Stewart’s im Tiers nat on of A gel a Muir was an exceedingly powerful one and further emphasised what has already been said about this most versatile artiste. Her reply to the Hon. Archibald Vyse. "I think marr ed people are always good. I’m sure those I ve me. in London have been extremely g od; particularly the husbands, wh - have aB said they would do anything for me. fairly brought down the house. To the Duke of St. Kits, Angela Muir is "grassy,” "pastoral, and b ttorcuppy” whilst to the Hon. . Arch bald Vyse she is a wild fl wer, a little riverside forget-me-not tliat bas strayed i to the stifling atmosphere of a fa eing h use. Miss Stewart’s impersonation of Angela was an xiii Qualified success, anu warranted a<ll the applause bestowed ■upon her work. During the evening Mi s Stewart was the recipient of several handsome floral tribute from her Liends and admirers, Mr Har court Beatty gave another masterful perfo mance as the Hon. Archibald Vyse. The rest of the characters in the play were pourtrayed in an able manner. In I he Pantomime Rehearsal” several members of the company showed to advantage. Mr J. C. Williamson’s Company are doing an immense bus; ness m me towns along the line from New Plymoutn to Wellington. hundreds using unaole to obtain admission so great is tne desire to see "Are You a Mason F” I he receipts are record ones, surpassing anything that has ever been tan on D.y any previous company. The cometty seems to go like hot cakes. The New Plymouth "Daily News” says:—"The theatre was crowded in all parts, every available epaoe for sitting or standing being occupied and considerable numbers being unable to gain admission. There are occasions when the actual falls short of the anticipated in theatrical matters, but the production of ‘Are You a Mason?’ was not one of these. Its mirth provoking characters had not been overestimated one whit, and throughout the whole play laughter reigned supreme. Fortunately there were short intervals between the acts so that on the fall of the curtain one could have a brief respite, otherwise many of those present would have found the strain severely tax their physical powers. The company is one composed of perfect artistes throughout, and is without doubt the best that has been seen at New Plymouth.” Women are all actresses. What makes actresses so fascinating and attractive to men i R that they are women twice over. —Max O’Roll. . Yielding to the desires of many of his friends and also to his own wishes Mr Williamson has practically decided (sovs the Sydney "D»iTy Telegraph”) to take part in the performance at the opening of the new Her Majesty’s Theatre, on August Ist. The re-awpeara"ce of Mr Williamson will give an additional interest to an otherwise important event. Personally the occasion w’ll be an interesting one for him, as the elate fixed for the re-opening will be the 29th anniversary of his first appearance in Australia,*” and referring to this he says:—"You see, I have spoilt the best part of my life as a theatrical manager in Australia.” It was to be gathered from a statement made by Mr WiFi* ms-on a few months ago that should e favourable opportunity occur he would hke to appear again, and herein is g ven another instance of the peculiar charm that the stage holds for thc-se who retire, or try to retire, from its aparently fascinating environment. This e'rcumstanoe, together with the fac. s that the new and handsome theatre will be ready sooner than he anticipated, and that bis Royal Comio Opera Company, now enjoying a prosperous season in West Australia, will not be able to return until the middle of August, has i’ financed the manager in coming to the decision to 01100 uxor© fao© th© Mr Williamson has not definitely decided in what piece be will appear, but it will be either Dion Boucioault’s "Kerry” (which the author himself played here), or "Rip Van Winkle,” and the actor s liking for the latter character will probably result in it being selected. If the choice settles upon "Kerry,” another short piece will have to be played with it. "Rip,” says Mr Williamson, "is one of my favourites, and as I have not played it in Sydney for 20 years, I should very much 1 ke to play it once more. The version is the dne I secured from Mr Joseph Jefferson, and you will notice that the veteran is still playing the niece in America.” Mr Williamson’s last regular engagement took place in Melbourne, and there was an interesting and dramatic incident in connection with it. It was the final appearance of the Gaiety Company, headed by Miss Nellie Barren and Mr Fred

Leslie. There was an immense audience, and Miss Farren, who bad been stricken with paralysis in Sydney, viewed the performance from a box at the Princess, but when the curtain finally fell there were the customary enthusiastic calls for the company. Miss Farren was conveyed from her box, and when the curtain ascended she was seated in an arm chair, surrounded by ber company. "Miss Farren, who was in tears, received a tremendous ovation,” says Mr Wil_ liamson, "In fact I have never seen a more enthusiasts aud dramatic scene m a theatre.” Since then Mr Williamson lias only appeared once, at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, on the 20th December, 3899. an occasion which marked the termination of his partnership with Air Mtissrrove. TTie proceeds vr&ve devoted +o charities, and a sum of .£3050 was bonded over to them as a result. Mr Will’’am son was presented with a silver service and an address by the Mayor of Melbourne, which was signed bv the Governor a host of prominent citizens. The company to supnort AT’’ V 7 Pli am son vr'll be drawn from his three dra ,v *a-tic companies, and it should therefore be a very capable one.

The Wil 1 ou.sh by-Gen ch Comedy Company commenced a tour of Queensland ar Brisbane h’S* - Saturday evening. The last En°ii c ‘h mail brings news that Air Musgrove’s "Bell of New York” company, under the management of Charles Thorburn recently-cele-brated i ! 's 2000th performance at the Grand Theatre. Birmingham, to a full and very enthusiastic house. Pinero’s earliest problem play wa° “The Profligate.” which d’ffered from "Tanqueray” in its bearings on the duty of the soxes. "The Profligate’s” giddy bachelor past accounted for all the trouble in his married life, but Pinero couldn’t make a convincing character of the respectable penitent sinner. The n-lay had merely a success of novelty in England, nor was it any good to Brough and Roucicault in Australia.

Pope aud Saylos’s Minstrel and Vaudeville Company continue to give entertainments: in the suburbs of Adelaide with a fair amount of success. In describing the production of "Tim Night Birds of London” by Air William Anderson’s Company, at the Sydney Lyceum, a contemporary says: —"Mr Anderson has the good fortune to have a company that is wonderfully even in merit to present the play. Air Robert Inman, as a persecuted hero (Eric Joyce), who is branded with infamy through the machinations of a scoundrelly cousin (played effectively by Air H. O. Willard), was of course entirely in his element, a,ad Atiss Ivy Garrick played the part of Marion Joyce with a tenseness that is not commonly met in. melodrama. In fact she threw herself into the character so absolutely that in the second act she provided an uncatalogued sensation by fainting on the stage. However, she phickily kept going, and sustained a singularly tryitig* part with. a. success that was cordially recognised. Air Bert Bailey and Miss Ethel Buckley deserve special mention for the admirable manner in which they supplied the light comic relief. Among others in the cast who contributed in no small degree to the success of the revival were Air J. H. Dunn, Mr Lawrence Dunbar, Air Stirling Whyte Mr Temple Harrison Miss Ada Guildford, Little Pattie Hughes, and Miss Gladys Hughes.” Previous* to leaving Sydney on one of his periodical visits to Europe and the United States. Air Harry Rickards was given a farewell supper at the Tivoli Theatre. In response to the toast of "Mr and Mrs Harry Rickards and Family,” the actor-vocalist referred to the fact that history was repeating itself in his departure once more from amongst the friends he saw around him in search of novel attractions and new artistes. Competition was so great, and the demands of Australian theatregoers s o exacting, that those excursions to the Continent of Europe, London, and the United States formed the very foundation of such an enterprise as the one he conducted. In spite of this, lie was able to keep many old friends around him—(cheers) —and he was sure that on his return at the end of the year he would find "all well” under the managem°nt of Mr J. 0. Leete, who was fully em, powered to act for him. (Cheers.) Mr Rickards also referred gratefully to' the presentation that evening of a very elegant pair of silver plated entree dishes, inscribed "presented to Air and Airs Rickards by a few friends a, s a token of esteem, June 21st, 1903.” Who says Edwin Geach of the deli-cately-poised moustache present copartner with Willoughby of the glad rags, is lucky? Geach (says "R. 8.” in the "Bulletin”) once ran war correspondent, Donald MacDonald, on a war-lectur-urg tour. At the outset emaciated Alao. t> f“Ladysmith was a good show artiste, but, before half the lectures had been delivered, Geach found tlxe gaunt one running to fat on liis hands, and losing ca»ce as one who had suffered much and starved on locusts and wild honey. Later Geach, with Willoughby, took over the Arnold show, and before any pelf had accumulated the plague closed up Sydney Criterion and carried off two members of the company. This blotted out that particular season and cost Geach over four figures. The plague-driven and much-disinfected company, after a season in Melbourne, made for Maoriland. Geach was in advance. The first individual to greet him at the Bluff was the income-tax agent, and the last at Auckland to farewell the departing manager was the income-tax collector! Returning to Sydney the Geach-Willoughby Company caught the back-wash .of the drought. Finally Geach was struck by Bent’s railway strike and compelled to close his show for several nights. Mr Fred Bluett, who 1 made his reapr pearanoe with Fuller’s Entertainers at the Choral Hall on Monday evening, met with a cordial reception. The Mark Hambourg Concert Company is. a decidedly juvenile combination. Mark Hambourg is only twenty-four years old; Boris Hambourg is sixteen; Miss Mabel Batchelor is sixteen; Mr F. Boyle is sixteen. Air John Lemmons, the flautist, is the veteran of the comJ? *Mr' Charles R. Sweet and the Jackson Family were at latest advices appearing at the Empire Palace. Liverpool.

Hill and Silvainy, whose marvellous bicycle act is one of the finest ever witnessed in the colonies, will commence a short season with Mr P. R. Dix next Tuesday evening. It will be remembered that Hill and Silvainy made two appearances with Mr Rickards’s company at the Wellington Opera House on the last night of the season a few weeks ago. Their performances at the matinee in the afternoon was the means of filling the Opera House, about the only time that the Opera House was well patronised during that memorable thirteen night’s season. In referring to their recent appearance at the Auckland Opera House, "Musico-Dramaticus” says:—The "turn” which commands first notice is a bicycle act presented by Hill and Silvarjvy (under special engagement from the Folies Berger es, Paris), which for sheer daring and sensationalism surpasses most of its kind. The male performer in this wonderful act goes through a series of feats upon a bicycle of .the old "boneshaker” pattern as a preliminary. which alone are of an astonishing nature. They are nothing, however, to what follows. With absolute sang froid and a total absence of fear the lady performer proceeds to climb upon the shoulders -of her intrepid partner, and whilst ho performs the most difficult evolutions round the stage, first on two wheels and then on one, allows herself to be perched aloft and balanced in the most hazardous positions. The bicycle is brought to a standstill, bearing both performers. The man lifts his feet from the pedals, places them on the tire of the big wheel and with his daring co-performer rises to a standing position, arrived at which the lady, standing on his shoulders, lets go his hands’, and lifts one leg high above her head. Thus she stands poised for one perilous minute, then leaps lightly to the floor, and both bow low to uproarious applause. The concluding feat is. however, the most daring of all. The male bicyclist mounts a fl’glit of stairs, springs, on to the pedals affixed to a single wheel, rides at a breakneck speed down the steps to the stage, and circles round te the footlights. Amidst dead silence the plucky little lady performer then walks up the stairway, is joined at the top by her partner, who receives his pedalled single wheel once more from an attendant. Then the daring nair shake hands, the lady is hoisted to* her partner’s shoulders, and amidst intense silence, during which the onlookers hold their breath, and find their hearts beating at an accelerated speed, the man springs at his pedals, the wheel moves forward, and with its living double burden is precipitated down the steps. Only when the stage is reached and the two smiling artistes bound from the wheel and stand bowing in safety at the footlights' is the tension relaxed, and then follows call after call, cheer after cheer. It is, in truth a great act, as neat and graceful as it is courageous and exciting, and it holds, the spectator simply spellbound. Business at the City Hall. Auckland, where Air Walter Rivers is running a vaudeville entertainment, 'is said to be "only fair to middling.” Queensland at the present time is being overrun with circuses. No less than four combinations! are at present touring Ban anal and. namely. Wirth’s, Fitzgerald’s. Baker’s and Eroni’s.. It has been stated in several papers that Air William Anderson contemplates sending his No. 2 Company on a tour of New Zealand. Such is not the .case. In a letter, dated .Sydney, June 26th, Mr Michael Joseph informs "Lorgnette” that Air Anderson’s No. 2 Company had just completed a successful tour of Queensland, and would go on an extended tour of Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. Air Charles. AlcMalion goes to the East as business manager of Mr Charles Pollard’s Australasian Comedy Company. Miss Ada Lawrence (Airs Wilson Forbes) goes as leading lady of the combination. "All the world’s an anvil,” said Bichard Mansfield, the American actor, after being stung by a critic in "St. Paul” recently; "and all the men and women merely knockers.’Q Last Friday Air Harold Ashton handed "Lorgnette” the following letter, which he had just received from an Auckland lady. The epistle speaks for itself, and is as follows: —"Grey Lynn, June 39th, 1903. Dear Sir,—While attending that most amusing play, "Are You a Alason ?” which your company was performing at Auckland recently at His Majesty’s Theatre. I had the misfortune to laugh off and lose a good silver belt. Inasmuch as the misfortune is to be attributed to the rnirth-provoking qualities of the performance, I think I am fairly entitled to have my loss made good at the expense of your company. You may use this incident for advertising purposes, provided (1) that you give me as good a silver belt as .1 lost; (2) that my name or anything to disclose my identity is withheld. I am, yoursi truly. M. F.” Mr George Matheeooi is touring representative of Air J. C. Williamson’s Concert Company, which is at present touring Queensland. The combination includes Air W. A. Peterkin, Alias Emily Foxcrofts, Miss May Mukle. Herr Benno Scherek, all of whom will support Miss Ada Crossley during her forthcoming tour of the colonies. D’Arc’s Marionettes commenced a tour of New Zealand at Invercargill on the 26th June. The combi-nation intends visiting all the towns of any size, and will play a season in Wellington in due course. Mr J. C. Bryant is business manager.

Mr William Anderson’s next venture in New Zealand will be a tour of the Maggie Aloore Dramatic Company, which will be under Air Anderson’s direction. Air Michael Joseph will in all probability come along with the combination to look after Mr Anderson’s interests. In a plebiscite for beautiful actresses taken recently in London, Miss Grace Palotta comes very far down on the list. I s tliis due to her absence from, the London boards, -or do Australians really know a good-locking woman when they see one While a member of the Royal Comics, Miss Palotta was worshipped as too beautiful for earth.

Several Australian papers, with a habit peculiarly their own. refer to all colonial actors and actresses who make any kind of a success on the stage aa "the Australian.” Harry Roberts, Harry Jewett, and several others that "Lorgnette” can name are all styled Australian, though New Zealanders by birth Miss Violet Elliott, who was round New Zealand with the World’s Entertainers, has gone to England to try her luck.

Mr Tom Almond, who is billed as "The Australian Novelty Dancer,” was at latest advices appearing at the Temple Theatre, Detroit. Air P. R. Dix’s Touring Company is doing first-class business in the Manawatu district.

"I’ve got to go now, ’cause I think it’s goin’ to rain,” is the title of one of the latest popular coon songs in America. A court in Berlin. Germany, has derided that the Central Theatre must refund the money which a man expended for seats from which he was unable to see the entire stage, ruling that the purchaser of a ticket is entitled, to a place from which he can observe everything that transpires -on the stage. On Shakespeare’s birthday the Lyceum Theatre was submitted to public competition at the Mart, London. The auctioneer (Mr I’Anson Breach) was inclined to be a little opologetic about the coincidence, declaring that the date chosen for the offering of London’s Temple of Shakespeare had really been selected at random.. Then he dived into the history of the present theatre, which was commenced about 1830 and opened in 1834. Thus, for nearly 70 years, the Lyceum has been the home, first of English opera then of equestrian entertainment, and ultimately and most successfully, of the legitimate drama. New structural alterations are required, which the company which owns it are disinclined to carry out. The famous house in Wellington street, of course, goes back far beyond the thirties. It stands out on part of the site of the home of Burleiall, the Elizabethan statesman, whose eon taking the title of Lord Exeter changed the name of the mansion to Exeter House. Eventually a portion of the place was devoted to the purposes of a menagerie. Then the beasts of prey gave wav to the members of the Society of Arts, who, in turn, succumbed to the demand for theatrical and musical entertainment. Later in the 18tli century the building became the homo of patriotic panorama, and Madame Tussaud later on, occupied it with the first of her waxworks. A successful auctioneer is too wise to weary his audience with many details. So it happened that the theatrical history of the Lyceum was but briefly touched upon. A few of the honoured names associated with its triumphs were feelingly mentioned. The house was spoken of as hallowed ground, and the hope was expressed that someone might yet come forward to Dreserve it to the drama, notwithstanding that the site, already valuable by reason of its proximity to the Strand, is likely to become further enhanced by reason of County Council improvements!. Air Breach put the value of freehold land in the Strand up at least <£3o per foot, and suggested that the theare and adjoining buildings, with their three frontages, must be worth, at least, .£ls per foot, or upwards of .£350,000. The property was nevertheless, "put in” at £150,000. By bids of <£sooo a piece the figure wa s carried up to <£200,000. at the attainment of which round sum there was slight applause. Two other offers carried things up to £210,000, and then bids of <£2ooo each were taken. There was a halt at .£218,060, then a steady competition up to £240,000, then another breathing space and at <£244.000 the speculative energies of the audience appeared to be exhausted. "I am not prepared to sell at this figure,” said the auctioneer, and he proeeded to buy the property in at £260,000.

Aiiss Ellaline Terriss. writing in the current "National Review,” on the subject of the stage as a profession, giivea some very good advice to stage-struck maidens. The chief requisite to success on the stage is, according to Miss Terriss, personal magnetism.. Alere elocutionary powers are of but little use. "The number of young ladies, and also m©u, whom I have seen come to the theatre totally unfitted, physically very often, for this stage, and say, T have been studying with Mr So-and-so for a year, and he say# I am quite prepared for the stage now/ is not only disgraceful, but wicked in the extreme. It means a year’s tuition feea to the teacher, but what does it mean to the poor young lady, who is, as I say, very often physically unsuited for the parts in which she has been coached)? Only heartbreak and despair at the end of that year, and perhaps the means of her being made quite unsettled for life; whereas, had she not been encouraged by those who must have known better, she would have married and settled down without any regrets as to what she Las been deluded she might have been. .In nearlv all cases the sign over the teacher of acting’s door can be interpreted, without the aid of a dictionary, into 'Enter, and I will teach you how to succeed —with the methods by which I have failed.’ ”

The following 1 is the cast of characters in the American drama "Arizona," which! has been successfully produced in Met-, bourne by the Neill-Frawley Company, and which will be one of the company s principal attractions during their New Zealand tour: —Henry Canby, Mr Jeffrey William; Colonel Bonham, Mr Harrington Reynolds; Sam Wo-ng, Mr Frank Crossley; Mrs Canby, Miss Susie Vaughan; Estrella Bonham. Miss Mary Von Buren; Lena Kellar Miss Valarie Brenton; Bonita Canby, Miss Evai Depnison.; Miss MacCullach. Miss Christine Hill; Dr Feulon Mr J. R- Amory; Captain Hodgson Mr Harry Pli miner; Tony Mustano. Mr Hugh J. Ward; Lieutenant' Hallock, Mr Arthur Garrels; Sergeant Kellar, ’Mr Wallace Shaw; Lieutenant Yeung! Mr Harrv McLennan; SergeantMajor Cochran. Mr C. R. Stanford; Guigley, Mr John Bruce. Acts 1 and 4.—Court yard at Cabby** Ranch, Ar aval pa Valley. Arizona. Act 2.—Drawing-room., Colonel Bonham's quarters, Fort Grant, Arizona^ Aot B.—D ininsroom. C anby's Ran on.

New Zealand, theatregoers will after all have the pleasure of witnessing Air George Musgrove’s superb Shakespearian productions which have caused inch a furore in Meloburne. During the N-w Zealand tour, which commences, at A .ar-land about the end of October, A jXlttwaimer Nighßs Dream and As lev Like It" will he Performed by the comi>any. It is not likely that Tw Night" and "Borneo and Juliet .which the company have in rehearsal will *>e played, the cost of carrying such a large quantity of scenery for the four production* being too expensive. The North Island tour of the Black Family of Musicians will commence at the Exchange Hall, Wellington, on Wei nesday evening next, the 16th mst. Ihe season will be limited to three nights, after which all the towns of any size in the North Island will be visited. The company consists of the following artistes:—Miss Nellie Black, contralto, violiniste, pianiste, mandolimste and trick violiniste; Miss Elsie Black, vocalist, violiniste, pianiste, mandoliniste, flautiste, and danseeuse; Miss Doris ist, flautist©, violiniste, and mandoliniste; Mr Bertie Black, cornetist, ’celloist, basso, mandolinist, novelties and dancer; Mrs J. Black, pianiste and orpianiste; Air J • Black, Scots comiqne, violinist, mandolinist, clarinet, and basso. In describing a concert given by the family at the Dunedin Princess’s on the 26th May the "Otago Times'" says: Last evening’s concert by the Black Family was an unquestionable proof of their ability to afford a most enjoyable entertainment of a diversified character. The public were evidently aware of this fact, and flocked to the Princess Theatre in large numbers, all parts being filled to overflowing. Miss Nellie Black, who is well known in musical circles as a young lady of considerable musical talent and great promise, contributed in a large degree to the success of the concert. Starting in the first part with the song, "The Last Dream," which was sung with taste and expression, she next gave a violin solo presenting difficulty of execution, with, great skill, and her name again anpeared in two places in the latter pan*‘. “Oh, Dry Those Tears, to which an organ and ’cello obligato was supplied by other members of the family, was sung by her with much feeling, and she subsequently entertained and amused the audience with imtiations on the violin of a. variety of instruments very cleverly. ... • A mandolin quartet of popular airs was another item in which members of the family unitedly appeared with success- . . . Mr Bertie Black proved himself an extremely versatile musician afterwards by playing on a, number of more or less nondescript"* instruments improvised out of articles commonly in household use. These consisted of American brooms, bellows, etc. . . . Mr J. Black him. self contributed a couple of humorous songs. . . . Aliss Elsie Black, a younger member of the family, played a fiuf° solo with wonderful correctness for a juvenile player, and was of great assistance as accompanist, which important part she shared with her elder sister, Alisa Nellie Black.