NOTES BY “ LORGNETTE."

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1749, 13 September 1905, Page 30

NOTES BY “ LORGNETTE."

Manager Westmacott was hailed before the police magistrates at Hobart a few days ago (says “Jacques”) in answer to a summons which set forth that he allowed the theatre to become overcrowded. A farcically constructed act of Parliament makes it imperative that in order to secure a conviction the police would have to count how many people were in the house on the date on which it was alleged to have been overcrowded. This was termed a “practical difficulty/’ and Mr Westmacott escaped. It is wonderful how the proverbial coach and four can be driven through Tasmanian acts of Parliament. Mr Hall Caine’s new play “The Prodigal Son” was produced simultaneously at Drury Dane Theatre, London, and the Amsterdam Theatre, New York, on the 2nd inst. In London the principal parts are cast thus:—Oscar (the Prodigal), Mr George Alexander; Magnus (his elder brother), Mr Prank Cooper; Helga, Miss Nancy Price; Thorai Miss Lily Hall Caine. Por the American production Mr George Tyler has engaged Mr Aubrey Boucicault for the Prodigal, and Mr E. J. Morgan (the original “Christian”) for Magnus. Mr William Gillette, tlie well known American actor makes his reappearance in London this month at the Drake of York’s Theatre, in a play entitled “Clarisee.” The Australasian tonr of the Strand Farcical Comedy Company is limited to twenty weeks.

The excellent programme presented to Satrons at His Majesty's Theatre has been rawing crowded houses nightly. The Valmore Sifters are heartily applauded for their contribution "I'll he Your Rainbow.'' The serio items by Mi6s Ivy Goodwill, "Barney''; Miss Mabel Lynne, "I Want a Man Like Romeo,'' are nicely given. Mr Bob Scott's comic song, "Brown Coon Brigade,'' was an acceptable number, anjd Mr Charles Stanley received hearty applause for hie singing of "Bid Me to Love.'' The illustrated songs, “Mamma’s Boy,'' "Always a Place for You,” afforded Mr Charles Howard excellent scope, and his efforts were enthusiastically received. The Driscoll Brothers provoked hearty laughter all the time they occupied the stage, and had to return repeatedly to bow their acknowledgments. Mr Fred Riven hall upholds his reputation as the universal favourite, and has to contribute his budget of half a dozen 6onge before the .audience allow him to depart. Miss Celia Mavis made a first appearance on Saturday evening, and was deservedly applauded for her contributions. The Rollos in their original musical comedy, "Deceit Discovered,” proved what capable artists they are, and their efforts are ever-welcome. The Messrs. Fuller announce another new and novel attraction for Friday evening next, when the Modern Milo will make her first appearance, Cruickshank. the caricaturist, will also make his initial bow. A noteworthy feature of the production is the employment of two tableaux to steep the audience in the atmosphere. Thus the opening of the play shows a mountain side, with a shepherd and his dogs gathering in the sheep and driving them into the valley below, indicative of the pastoral lives led by the Icelandic protagonists. The last act opens with a wonderfully realistic Snowstorm, through which like Mathais in "The Bells,” the Prodigal returns to the fold. In bettween these and other scenes of ragged stormy life in Iceland, and in striking contrast to them is a vivid presentation of the gaieties of life under the blue skies of the Riviera. The whole play is said to be charged with strong dramatic scenes which readers of the novel may well imagine. The 425th performance ■of "Veronique” was celebrated at the Apollo Theatre, London, on the 15th July. The next attraction at this theatre will be "The Gay Lord Vergy,” an English version by Mr Charles Brookfield of "Le Sire de Vergy,” a comedy with music which has proved successful in Paris. Mr E. Ascherberg, who will he responsible for this production, has engaged the distinguished French actress, .Mile. Lavalliere, to appear in the leading female part.

Mr Stoll, at the Coliseum, has taught London the art of stage arrangement. He surrounds a song "turn” -with a wealth of scenery, a crowd of beautifullydressed choristers, and some electrical and lime-light effects that make of every number a gorgeous! musical comedy spectacle. . *■ The Carl Rosa Opera Company will be resuscitated next season, and among the singers engaged are Miss Hana Marr, of New York, Miss> Lizzie Burgess, Miss Ina Hill (of the Royal College of Music), Miss Doris Woodall (a former student at the Royal Academy), Herr Julius Walther, Mr Edward Wynn, and Mr A. Winckworth. New revivals of "Tannhauser” and "Fidelio” are promised. Mies Nance O'Neil who is at present appearing at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, closed her recent Brisbane Season with a production of Henrik Ibsen's play "Hedda Gabler.” In referring to the performance the Brisbane ‘’‘Courier” says:—ln the line of heroines Miss O'Neil has impersonated there have been more interesting characters, but it may he questioned whether there has been one which the gifted actress has represented with more consistent and sustained dramatic power. The Ibsen play is largely an acquired taste, and Brisbane people have not had much opportunity to rise, or perhaps some would say descend, to the Ibsen level, for the Norwegian writer, in dealing with social problems, does not mince words or stand upon ceremony. The first to present two of his plays was Miss Janet Achurch, who appeared first in "A Doll's House,''* and afterwards in "Hedda Gabler,” a number of years! ago at the Theatre Royal. Mists Nance O’Neil is the only other actress to play Ibsen in Brisbane. The drama, as will be remembered, is a peculiar one. All the characters are strongly outlined, and their individuality is preserved in a very distinctive way. Jorgen Tesman, the student and bookworm, is a natural figure, but his illstarred wife, Hedda, is a study in character which it would be difficult to match outside the pages of sensational fiction. It is possible that an uncongenial marriage, a love of power, and a fierce burning jealousy, might produce a Hedda Gabler, but there are incongruities in the character which are difficult'-to reconcile with the probable. Hedda had a contempt for her learned husband, and a heavy sense of boredom; she had' a vehement desire to have a hand in the shaping of a noble destiny; she was hard and pitiless; she could stoop to deceit; but she was too proud to place herstelf in the power of another, and she purchased her freedom at the cost of her life. An extraordinary and not a lovable character, this part was played by Miss O’Neil as one who had a thorough grasp of its inner meaning, and who exhibited every light and shade of motive and action. S> impressed were the audience with her impersonation that the curtain had to be raised repeatedly in answer to their applause. And the accomplished actress wag supported by a cast which did not contain a weak member. Miss Jane Marbery’e Mrs E'lveted was distinctly her best performance. Mr Andrew Robson's Tesman was a splendid natural study of the most natural character in the play; Mr John Glendinning's Assessor Brack was full of power; while Mr Gaston Mervale's Eilert Lovborg left nothing to he desired. Mrs Bracy as Aunt Julia, and Miss Ricca Allen as Bertha, the servant, were both very effective. The piece was carefully mounted, and it was very favourably received.

The attention of persons who desire to purchase theatrical properties is directed to the advertisement of the Petone Operatic Society in another column. Mr Harold Ashton who has gone to Brisbane ahead of Miss Tittell Brune, hopes to return to New Zealand with Miss Nance O’Neil. "The Walls of Jericho” celebrated its 275th performance at the Garrick's Theatre, London, on the 12th July, and hag so far proved to be the most successful comedy produced in London this year. It is said that Miss Lilian Russell, the well known American actress, is considering an offer from Mr F. F. Proctor to appear in vaudeville at a salary of two thousand dollars a week, but it is understood ishe demands double this figure. I have to thank a valued correspondent for sending me the following interesting paragraph. —• Dear "Lorgnette.”—The Rollos, society sketch artists, now touring the Fuller circuit, have 'been in the bnsiness longer than the average number of years alloted to the front-rank variety artist. Charles, the male partner of this clever team, is a eon of the well known actor Mr Charles Taylor, of the Taylor-Carrington Dramatic Company, and, when he was last through this country with Carl Hertz, was reckoned a champion domino-mani-pulator. But it is more particularly with the lady member of the duo that this notice is concerned. The first time this writer saw Laura Robert© on the mimic stage was with Ike Smith's Aeola Combination—(somewhere round about twenty years ago)—which included Lackie MacGowan, Bob Underwood, Tom, Will, Bella, Percy, Arthur, and "Pa” Pterman, Laura Roberts, May Glen dinning, George Harrison, Gus Lynche, Johnny Collins, Signor Gonzalo. and the Big Gun pair Qhmy and Aeola "the human cartridge.” They played thirteen weeks (the number sealed their fate before they crossed Cook's Strait) at the Agricultural Hall, Auckland, to the opposition of Bland Holt. Shortly after their arrival in Wellington, they joined forces with John L. Hall, (who used to chase editors with a toothpick) his two sons, Harry and Jack, Hettie Howarde, Charlie Waud, Wal Rockley, H. Lewis, C. Moore, and Watty Price. They played "H.M.S. PINAFORE.” Sir Joseph Porter Bella Perman Captain Corcoran Johnny Collins Ralph Rackstraw Charles Moore Dick Deadeye Will Perman... Bo'sun Bobstay Gus Lynche Bo'sun's Mat© "Leader” Williams Bob Bucket Percy Perman Midsbipmite , Arthur Permian Coo’k Wal Rockly Josephine Laura Roberts Buttercup Hettie Howarde Cousin Hebe Miss Heath Little Hebe Edith Waud Other pieces played were "Alladin,” "Fun on the Bristol,” and "The Debutant,” in which Mis© Roberts played Miss Dufard. Poor Johnny Hall had trouble with the Author's Agent (the late) E. T. Gillon, and the season ended disastrously, but Joe Riley, of .the Post Office Hotel, kept the flag flying. The Majeroni's were playing Victorian Sardou's “Fedora” at the Opera House, and Johnny Hall put up a farce and called it "111-Fed-Dora,” which raised the dander of poor old Jack Liddy (Majeroni's manager). They ; were shortly after touring Westland billed as "John L. Hall and his Jubilee Surprise Party,” and returned to thi© city as the Vokes Family. The next trime I met Missi Roberts was at Morgan's Hotel, in Wagga Wagga, when ©he was a member of the Lynch Family of Bellringers, of which Johnny Collins, (perhaps the beet professional partner with Miss Roberts, and who died in Auckland Hispital two year© back) was a member. When the Perman "family were in Wellington, a theatrical batch—buc'Dhat’s another story. Where are these mummers now? The only one still in th© business in the colony at present is Miss May Glendinning, who some months hack was singing at the local Town Hall. Aa years roll by the theatregoer forgets to-day his stage favourite of yesterday, which remands me that Mabel Lynne, also on the Fuller Circuit was in this city playing in burlesque thirteen years hack.—Old Timer. There was an outbreak of fire at Keith's Union Square Theatre, New York, the other day. It was suppressed, hut not before it had done 75,000 dollars of damage. One afternoon performance had to he abandoned. Harry Baker, the gallery doorman, was suffocated. He leaves a widow and children, whose future has promptly been assured by Mr Keith. Mr F. F. Proctor has added the Griswold Opera House, in Troy, New York, to his list of playhouses. Mr Lewis Waller, who made one of the greatest successes of his life with "The Three Musketeers,” has accepted a new romantic play by Mr Henry Hamilton (who dramatised "The Three Musketeers”), the hero of which is Robin Hoo-d. Robin .Hood will figure as an English IXArtagnan, surrounded by his merry men, as irresponsible, as lighthearted, and as loyal aa the King’s Musketeers of the Dumas romance. Mr N. C. Goodwin was due to open the Lyceum Theatre, New York, this month with "Beauty and the Barge.” "La Reve,” the latest attraction at the London Alhambra, while pleasing enough to rely on its daintiness alone, has the further advantage of possessing a mystery. It has a special descriptive programme, telling in "poetic prose” the story of the tableaux posed, danced, and acted-in dumb show. A Greek girl falls asleep by the seashore after preferring a beautiful shell to the attentions of her lover. She dreams he is drowned, and the sea nymphs take her to him under the waters. She awakes, and he is by her side. Mis© Kittie Lintlley, the Greek girl. Mr Alterman May, her lover, and Miss Ruth Davenport, queen of the sea nymph's, answered their calls before the curtain on Monday night, but the author of the printed "prose poem” was not to be tempted by oft-repeated calls from all parts of the house-

Presiding at a meeting of the London Lyceum Company, held2sat th© theatre on Monday, the 17th July, Mr C. Eve* said he was very sorry the directors had to present an unsatisfactory statement of accounts. Th© estimate© for the alteration of the theatre had been exceeded* and the requirement© of the district surveyor of the County Council involved a further expenditure of a very high sum for things which apparently had not entered into the calculations of their architect. After speaking of the nonsuccess of the houe© both with the twice nightly entertainments and with the one programme a night, Mr Eves reminded hig hearers that the theatre had been closed since July 1. Negotiation© were still pending, and the directors hoped it would, be opened in the autumn, but the policy of the management did not commend itself to him, and he intended to retire after the present meeting. Mr Barrasford, the managing director, said he had done everything in his power to make the theatre a success. He was ready to finance the production of* the ballet "Eixcelsior,” and if he could bring th© old show round he would be only too glad to turn it over to the shareholders. Mr Barrasford assured the shareholders that the directors were keeping any amount of things back from, them. He complained, too, that when the theatre was closed he had been given only a week’s/ notice, and he had himself to find money for the payment of artists. It was decided to adopt the report and accounts and to appoint a committee of inquiry, but the shareholders earn© to no decision as to the acceptance of Mr Barrasford’© offer. Messrs Barrasford, Cooper, and Gladding constitute the inquiry committee. The vicar of Gorleston, the Rev Forbes Phillips, produced on Monday night, the 10th July, a new play at Yarmouth Theatre Royal—th© fourth he has presented to the public—entitled "A Maid of France.” The play, which deals with the period of the Emperor Napoleon, is in four acts, and has a note of romance supplied by the efforts of Napoleon as a matchmaker between a girl he has befriended and one of hi© Old Guard. Miss Hilda Phillips, the author’s sister, played the leading role. Mr Tyler, who is producing "The Prodigal Son” at the Amsterdam Theatre, New York, is one of the biggest and most successful producing managers in the land of the wooden ham. During a recent visit to London he secured two new comedies for Mias Ellis Jeffreys—one by Mr Alfred Stttro, entitled "Lady Clarice*/* the other by Mr W. Somerset Managham (the author of the painful but very powerful "Man of Honour”), called "Lady Frederick.” In both of these Miss Jeffreys will first be seen in America. Mr Walford Bodie, well known as a muSic-hall entertainer, was summoned at Lambeth Police Court on Monday, the 10th July, at the instance of the Medical Defence Union. The complaint against him was that he falsely used the title and description of "Doctor,” "M.D.,” and "Surgeon,” while performing at the Camberwell Palace of Varieties, he not being a medical practioner within the meaning of the Medical Acts, 1858 and 1888. Mr Horace Avory, K.C., appeared for the defendant, and admitted the offence of using the description "Doctor” and "M.D.” Mr Bodkin, for the complainants then described how th© defendant, who also called himself "the Bloodless Surgeon,” treated people on the stage and held himself up before the public as a doctor. By acting in this way—as an ordinary music-hall artiste- —he was adopting -a course which was degrading to the medical profession. For the defence Mr Avory ©aid that Mir Bodie did not pretend that he was qualified to practise in this country. He treated persons by hypnotism and mesmerism, but he had no surgery and charged no fees. He held medical degree© which in America would entitle him to describe himself as he had done, hut while at the Camberwell Palace of Varieties the usual addition of "U.8.A.” was omitted from the bills. The magistrate, Mr Francis, thought the case was one which called for a mitigated penalty. The defendant had no right to describe himself as "M.D.,” and he would have to pay a penalty of J 55, and <£s 5s costs. M. Andre Messager, the composer of "Veronique,” "The Little Michus,” and other popular works, is now engaged on a new opera, to be entitled "Fortunio.” The liberetto of this has been adapted by MM. Robert de Flers and G. A. de Caillavet from Alfred de Musset’s delightful "Chandelier.” This work is to he produced at the Opera C'omique in Paris next April. M. Messager, who is the husband of the popular song-writetr known as Hope Temple, is the manager of the Royal Opera at Co vent Garden. Mr Hawes Craven, the well-known, scenic artist has gone to Paris to work on the scene models under the direction of M. S'ardou, who from his famous library is also furnishing French artist# with invaluable details as to the costumes. In these matters and as a met-teur-en-scene M. Sardou has no living rival. Whenever a successor to ‘‘The Little Michus” is required at Daly s, which from present appearances will not be before Easter, 1908, Mr George Edwardes will produce Merveil louses/* by M. Sardou. This is a comedy of the Directoire period in two acts, in which Miss Evie Greene will make her reappearance. Work on the production is already advanced, M. Hugo Felix having delivered the completed score, whilst Captain Basil Hood is working on the adaptation and Mr Adrian Roes on the lyrics. Mr Tyler, the American impressario, has concluded arrangements for the appearance of Mr Kyrle Bellow at a London West End theatre next year. He will be seen as "Raffles,” th© "amateur cracksman” hero of Mr Horriung's play, which he has been playing for nearly two years throughout the United State©. Miss Beatrice Holloway, the clever daughter of Mr Charles Holloway is ill in Melbourne. Victor, the ventriloquist, recently round the Fuller Circuit is showing at the Melbourne Gaiety

Ai» hinted last week Mr J. C. Williamgon has mow finally decided to extend the repertoire of the talented Gilbert and Sullivan Company, to take in four more of the less known, but fust as attractive examples of the work of the famous collaborators. These new pieces will be "Princess Ida./* "Utopia Limited/' "Trial by Jury," and "Th© Sorcerer," the last named two will as usual constitute a double bill, and rehearsals for both of them have already begun, and they will probably be performed during the forthcoming visit of the company to Adelaide and West Australia. Of "Utopia Limited,” little is known in Australia, but Mr Prank Wilson, the baritone who was a member of the cast when the opera was produced at the Savoy, speaks in very high terms of praise both of the libretto arid score, and indeed goes so far as to say that personally he neVer wishes to have a better part than the one allotted to him." In all probability the Western trip of the company will be followed by a -season in Sydney, but arrangements to that end have not yet been completed. July and August are always recognised as the very slackest part of the theatrical year in London, and indeed at the beginning of last month only three theatres were giving purely dramatic fare, while only a jew others devoted to musical plays were open. But at those few, several of Mr J. C. Williamson's', pieces were still drawing large houses. Chief among these were "Veronique" which has passed its 500fch night, "Lady Madcap” with more than half that number of performances to its credit, "Tber Spring Chicken," "The Little Miehus, and "Leah Klesehna." Two others only just withdrawn were "Monsieur Beaueaire," and "The Dictator.” The latter has had a remarkable career. Mr Charles Erohmann brought Mr Willie Collier and his company from New York to play a few weeks season in London, but so strong an attraction did it prove that, it was kept on for months. Indeed Mr Collier reopens in it towards the end of this month, prior to appearing in Augustus Thomases farce "On the Quiet" —the Australasian rights of which Mr Williamson also holds.

from the Methodist Sunday school to the musical comedy stage is a long step, but in the course of her comparatively brief life, Miss Margaret Thomas, who has made such a decided hit as Nanoya in "The Cingalee.” has accomplished it. She is a- real Welshwoman—until she was ten years old she never spoke anything but Welsh, and even now filings songs- in that language whenever she has two or three of her compatriots gathered together. She never thought of becoming a personage on the lyric stag© and had determined to devote her ambitions to the concert platform. But when out here with the Farkina Foldesy Company, Mr Williamson saw m her an ideal voice and appearance for the chief part in "The Cingalee/' and she accepted his offer. Curiously enough Mr George Eldwardes recognised similar possibilities in her, and asked her to play "Verdniquc." ©he refueod—without a regret she says hereelf —but she is to play the part when the present run of "The. Cingalee” comes to an end, and her ideas as to her future •have undergone a change—naturally enough when her undeniable aptitude for light opera work comes fix. b© considered. „ '

The Knight-Jeffriee Dramatic Company commence a season at th© Melbourne Princess. _ on the 23rd with the romantic play "His Majesty's Servant." During the season "The Darling of the Gods,” and possibly the new version of "David Garr.ck/' which they have recently added to their repertoire will b© played. Still on the war-path for novelty. Mr Ben Fuller has secured for the patrons of His Majesty's Theatre, commencing on Friday next, something decidedly new and attractive in a young lady who chooses to be known by the somewhat inept title of "The Modern Milo.” Milo’s entertainment consists of posing as various classical statues, more or leefe draped and undraped, and her tableaux vivante •are all artistic and pleasing, f By an ingenious stage arrangement even the mutilated Vonus is excellently rendered. The "model” is a fine specimen of the shapely feminine, and there is nothing coarse. or objectionable in the show from beginning to end. It may be regarded as an agreeable and entertaining illustration of art, and will give much pleasure to art students, especially to those whose early artistic education has been neglected and who are now too old and •bald-headed to seek in the studio that instruction which may be more pleasantly secured from the front row of the stalls. Between, the various! poses "Cruikshank, the Caricaturist," gives some specimens of lightning sketches of well-known characters. The artist does his work in the circle with an etching-needle on a blackened lantern slide, and his lines appear enlarged upon a screen on the stage. His pictures are happy Caricatures, and the dual entertainment of Milo and Cruikfihank meets with hearty applause.

Mr Forbes Robertson begins this month his management of the Seal a, -the handsome new play-house erected on .the site of the old Prince of Wales' Theatre, London. He is to present a fourfact play, the work of an author wholly iniknown, whose name, it is notified, dfe "still held in reserve."

Plays adapted from books, botb new and old, are again “all the rage.” Mr W. B. Maxwell, with the aid of George Paston, has dramatised his “Ragged Messenger/'’ which Mrs Fiske will produce in Ameriea next season. Mrs Humphry Ward is arranging for the production, also in America, of “The Marriage of William Ashe/'’ Mr Vincent Brown’s Remarkable novel, “A Magdalen’s Husband,” has been adapted by Mr Sutton Vane, and will be staged simultaneously in England’ and America. ! Of leesi recent books, Mr E. B. Benson has turn- . bd his “Dodo” into a play, and MisS ‘ jHelen Mathers hag collaborated on -a Version of “Coming Thro’ the Rye.” Go-. Ing back still further, to the classic®, Mr \ Michael Morton has laid a dramatist’^, hands on “The. Newcomes,” and “John, Rutherford/’ the author of “Th© Breed of the Treshamg,” hae dramatised “Elstmond.”

Mr George Musgrove is expected hack in Melbourne shortly. Miss Maude Beatty has sailed from Sydney for Manila. She will play right through the Eastern Circuit—the Philipines, India and China —'after which she will try her luck in America. The "Western Pacific Herald” of Aug. 11, has the following notice of the well known and po-pnlar Black Family, who have just returned from a most pleasant and successful tour of Fiji" The Black Family gave another of their delightful entertainments in the Recreation Hall, Nausxri, and the large audience was kept thoroughly entertained throughout. At the conclusion Mr Black returned thanks in a neat little speech for the universal kindness he and his family had received in Fiji, and trusted to have the pleasure of being here again in twelve months' time. They left Nausxri for Levuka, Ba, and Lautoka in the Adi Rarogo on Tuesday, and as the music from the orchestra sounded over the waters as the steamer departed, one felt that he was losing, not only clever entertainers, but * personal friends, so well had they ingratiated themselves with all. They can rest assured that the residents of the Rewa will welcome them heartily on their return." Miss Viola Allen, the famous American actress has accepted a new play by Mr C omyns Carr, entitled "A Lonely Queen." It is described as a romantic drama, in blank verse, and is in four acts. - > AUCKLAND* THEATRICAL NOTES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The popular American Comedy Drama, '“Sunday," formed a fitting piece with which to bring to a conclusion the very successful Tittell Brune season in Auckland. On the termination of the piece, the audience cheered and .applauded in no unmistakabl© manner. The mere fact of raising and lowering the curtain several times failed. to cause the dispersion of the audience, and at length Miss Brune, amid tumultuous applause stepped* down t> th© footlights and made a happy little valedictory speech. She thanked the Aucklanders for their great appreciation, and their equally great welcome. ©he loved them for the great warm hearts of their people, and hoped to see them again before long. In faefi in the familiar words of Juliet she would say to them: "Seay but a little, and I will come again." Cheers again burst forth on the conclusion of Miss Bruno's speech; and the curtain fell for the last time. West's Pictures and The Brescians are repeating their southern successes at His Majesty's this week, and large audiences have been delighted with Mr Wert’s beautiful films, and charmed with the music of the Brescians Concert Company. A wonderful circus performance by Te r sch inoff’s highly trained dogs and ponies was loudly applauded, while the adventures of a troupe of Indians and Cowboys, including ,an attack on a stage coach was an equally popular film. Of the humourous pictures the palm must bo awarded to that representing a chase for a supposed leet child. .Excellent as ajl Mr West's pictures are, he has out Heroded-Herod., so to speak, in the remarkable series of coloured scenes representing "A Trip to the Sun," by fourteen members of the Eccentric Club. Nothing so good as this has been seen here before, and the extraordinary adventures of the members of this club were watched with the greatest interest. In addition to the fantastic realism of the pictures, one isi left to wonder at the patience of of the artist who could colour by hand some 14,000 films. The Brescians are a highly gifted organisation, and their musical programme was as enjoyable as the pictures. Altogether a bright and unique entertainment. Several new artists are at present appearing under the Fuller banner at the Opera House. Mr George Pagden, a comic vocalist has created a good impression with hi© songs, and the same may be said of Miss Kitty Stanley's contributions, particularly. her solos: "May Bo" and "Good-Bye, Sweetheart, Gocd-Bye." The acrobatic performance by the Trevors {Ted and Cora), in conjunction with Fred Alton was a refreshingly clever "turn" and earned unstinted approval. Leonard Nelson's! comic songs rank among the best heard at these popular entertainments. Hi© most pronounced successes thia week are, "Meet Me at ©t. -uouis," "Girls, Girls, Girls/' and "The Man Behind." The old favourites, Frank King in M 3 new songs: "New Zealand's Bonny Boys” (music by Mr Ben Fuller), and "The Jockey's Sweetheart,” and Signor Torzillo, the harpist, in "The Harp that Once," meet with a great reception nightly, while the rest of a talented organisation contribute in no small degree to the amusement of the many patrons of the Fuller entertainments.. Mr Percy Denton, who has been in Auckland for the past few week©, was accorded a. benefit at the Choral Hall, on Monday evening, September 4th, when a large audience was present. Mr Denton's numbers were Robyn's "Answer,” and encore number "Where’s the. Girl” from "Rip Van Winkle." Both items ; were spendidly given. . . Later in the evening he appeared with Madame Wielaert in the operatic duet. "A ch© la morte" from "T 1 Trovatore,” and concluded a fine programme with his wellknown humorous impersonation of the Premier. The artists taking part in the programme included Madame Wielaert. Mis© Madeline Knight, HerrWVielaert, Dr Hugh Keith, and Messrs G. E. Bagnail, C. W- MacGowan, T. E. Midgley, and G. E. Poore. Mr Denton proceeds to Sydney, where he intends inaugurating a series of Saturday popular concerts in the Town Hall. Th© Black Family of musicians are still doing the suburban halls with considerable success. Their' programme for the next week or so, embraces concerts at Remuera, Northcote, Newmarket, Howick, Otahuhu, Manger e, and Dev onport. Devonport Amateurs intend staging "La Mascotte” shortly. .. Two concerts given this week with the object of raising funds for this end, have drawn crowded houses to th© Oddfellow's Hall.