NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1775, 14 March 1906, Page 28

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

A crowded house greeted the first appearance at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night of the Volteous (Jack and Dora). The act of these performers proved conclusively that it is a mistake to suppose there is nothing neAV in the Avay of aerial trapeze work. They carry it to a remarkable pitch. An intrepid and sensational feature of the performance is that termed the “iron jaw” act. Mr Volteen swings his partner around in mid-air, suspended from his teeth, at a furious speed that causes the spectators to experience a thrill. Fresh, sensation is created Avhen Miss Volteen, on a higher trapeze holds a second one upon which her partner performs soma hazardous feats. The daring of both performers is equalled by their skill and dexterity. Mr Frank King made his reappearance, and sang a couple of descriptive songs in a manner that produced continued applause. Miss Phyllis FeAvell sang nicely “Mandy Bell.” Mr Harry Davas Avas successful in a c-oniio song “Castle on the Nile.” Miss Motoena. Moore contributed a song and dance, and Avas ivell received. Mr Jack Hagan had to respond to frie recalls. Mr Carl Collier proved hie versatility in a banjo item, and gave a good imitation of a preacher. In addition he had to do the hat trick and some funny acrobatic Avork The Golden Duo finished the first part with “The Lily of the Valley” in their usual dainty manner. Miss Cecil e Stephano sang “Asleep in the Deep (very prettily illustrated), and, by request, “For 'Sale, a Baby.” Miss Pearl Lovell had a great reception, and Avas called upon to sing three or four of heir up-to-date songs. The Bmvers gave & sketch'- reminiscent of Uncle loins Cabin. The “Australian Nugget,” Miss Clara Keating was .again a prime favorite, her singing of “Children of the U S.A.” proving most enjoyable. ihe performance concluded with Jack Haversion of the farce On the F Mr Fred Rivenhall, who Raves_ Auckland to" gan Francisco by the Sonoma. Rivenhall, , quickly th. bet in his line of .-who' visited AusM.1&3 Marion. 111 ’ ora j 3 i e first London tralia included Fred Gaiety Compaq, j* was in the bill Knpiri when the mart Wiener Tagblatl” learns Milan that a duel with, swords has §£? “h fought there to- two female music-hall singers, who had fallen in love with the same man. Tho one, tho Baroness del Fucco, was Abounded in tho face, the other, Signora della Vieosa* h a A hoi* Idrfc arm hurt.

As was predicted the Holloway Dramatic Company {who made their appearance last Monday night in. Wellington ak, the Gprea House under the direction of "Edwin Geaeh) received a great welcome by a most enthusiastic audience, and scored an instantaneous triumph, which augurs well for a record season. Their opening piece "Two Tittle Vagabonds’'’ '(which in former issues has "been •detailed in plot through .these columns) lacked nothing that skilful acting and capable stage management could give, for the company is a well-balanced one, and full justice was done to the beautiful and touching scenes and incidents that surrounded the vicissitudes of the Two Little Vagabonds. It is essentially a play for the people'—aplay that no one can see without being the better for it. With its great pathos, and human sympathy it stands alone in all its •grandeur—never failing to exercise an -elevating and refining influence. Its moral tone is -entirely good and' the lessons it inculcates are wholesome. In the present production M'ss Beatrice Holloway was excellent in her character of "Dick,” the little boy, whose frenzied father in a fit of jealousy and revenge gave Mm to a burglar aud whose sweet purity of nature was unsullied by the atmosphere of crime, cruelty and wretchedness by which it was surrounded. Miss Holloway's acting was natural and effective.* She was ably supported by Miss Mabel .Russell as the waif “Wally.” Mr Robert Inman gave a finished portrayal of George Thornton, the misled father. Mr Godfrey Cass interpreted with forcible expression, the part of Captain Darvllle, while the three viilian®, Bill Mullins, Dido Bunco, and The Cough Drop, were capitally done by Messrs J. P. O’Neill, John Has ford, and Wilton Welch. Miss Ethel Appleton found ample scope for her histrionic abilities in the part of Marion Thornton, tiro wronged wife, being natural and convincing to a degree. Miss Alice Dsorwyn was exceedingly good in the- part of Barbara Scarth. All the minor characters were well-filled and everything from beginning to end was perfectly accomplished. Mr Holloway’s staging of the piece was first-class. Messrs Ricketts and Vaughan, tb© scenic artists, having surpassed themselves, and the mechanical changes were admirably done. The performance went without a hitch, and justifies hearty commendation to all concerned particularly to Mr Holloway l-nmqelf who personally directed the production. Miss Abb e Taylor, directs -the orchestra. “Two LSl.tie Vagabonds” will be repeated to-night and until further notice. Mr William Anderson's Pantomime •Company is at present being played to good business at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. Mr Bernard Shaw, the dramatist, continues to be the most fantastic figure -amongst English literary lions. Here is •the latest .Shaivism. Seme one Offered to send Mr Shaw a box -of game, but Mr Shaw replied that he would rather die than live at the price of bloodshed. So the anxious donor offered flowers. "Surely you must be fond of flowers, Mr Shaw?” "So lam of children,” he replied, “but I don't cut off their heads and stick them in a lot of pots around the ream."

Mr Harry P. Lyons, touring manager for the Great Thurston, left Sydney by the Chinugtu, for Manila, en route for Hongkong, Shanghai, Japan, Saigon, Java, Straits Settlements, Burma, and India.

The New Zealand tour of Mr William Anderson’s Pantomime Company will extend over fourteen weeks. Mr Charles Kenningham lias terminated his engagement with Mr J. C. Williamson’s Repertoire Company. His place has been filled by Mr Walter White, who was hi® understudy. The John F. Sheridan Company finifffied hi® Wellington season last Saturday evening, and is now working overland to Auckland, where a season commences on Eter Saturday. Mr Joe St. Cla r who was for a long time a member of Mr J. C. Williamson’® "front of the house” staff, is now touring manager for the Moody Manners Opera Company. This is one of the largest musical organisation® <on the road, and when in a few weeks’ time tbe two companies join forces at the Sheffield festival, an aggregate of nearly 200 people, choristers and principals, will be under ■one baton.

London’s museum of Irving treasures is at the Aldwych Theatre. Mr Seymour Hick®, who has decorated the corridors and the lounges at the Aldwych with many theatrical relics, purchased at the recent Irving sale a large number of personal mementoes of Sir Henry, and these have found a permanent home in the oak supper-room at the theatre, where Mr Hicks proposes to hold his "first night” reunions. The public are shortlv to be g : ven an opportunity of inspecting this interesting collection, for Mr Hicks proposes in due time that all persons booking seats at the theatre ©kail be able, on payment of a small additional charge, to pass by way of the royal entrance to the supperroom and view the treasures, the proceeds being given to theatrical charities. Amongst the most interesting objects which were shown to a “Morning Leader” representative by Mr Seymour Hicks are the chair which Irving 3ised in his dressing-room *at Bradford on the night of hi® death, the jewelled snuff-box, and the bag which he carried as Shy lock, the real Waterloo medal which he wore in his famous irapensonation. his doublet as Benedick, hisdagger as Macbeth, the fencing foils of Hamlet, and many of the character costumes of Sf most notable parts. In addition to the Irving mementoes, Mr Hicks has Wribute! to the collection Kean s faSknred sword, Sir Joshim Reynold s mamting of * Garrick, Zoffany s picture ox Mrs Garrick, and the late Fred Leslies *Tress cutting” book, $§ too. an interesting collection ot old. Gaiety programs, theatrical autograph , souvenirs, and menu cards. Mr Lest q. {Mr Frohman’s London representative! gave to Mr Hicks Garrick’© cane, and Mr J. L. Toole has sent to him the. fpnarled walking st'ck whi*'h he used xn “The Buitalfields Weaver.” J

Mr J. T. Grein, in an .address to the members of the Amateur Players' Association, London, interpolated a pungent and characteristic epigram; —"The actor manager who had one eye on his duty and the other on the till should not be blained. Art and the till, should be brothers but not Siamese twins.” Wirth’s Circus and Menagerie is doing immense business in Western Australia. The rumour goes (says the "Critic”), that the much-boomed Douglas Gerrard returns almost at once to London. They set this .sudden change of plan down to lack of appreciation on the part of the Melbourne Pross. - It points -one moral — booming beforehand is fatal. Had nothing been heard of the young lidsh actor, and had he worked into leading roles without trumpet-flare or bugle-blast, the Metropolis would have risen and acclaimed him a good artist and a pleasant figure on the stage. As it was, people spoilt him beforehand, and brought about a reaction in his disfavour. His photographs were too plentiful, and the interviewer made him a fop and a ranter. He is neither, but the public doesn’t change its mind easily. So that’s how things are. "The Rogues of the Turf” will be the next production selected for representation by the Holloway Dramatic Company during this season in Wellington, which unfortunately is limited to twelve nights. "Rogue-3 of the Turf” is .a sporting drama written by Max Goldberg in four acts, and deals with the da-ring exploits of an adventuress (whose matrimonial -experiences are many and varied) .and the love .affairs of Nellie Flaxman. The presence of horses on the stage and the hurrying to and fro of jockeys, bookmakers, trainers, and stable-men will give the scene a reaT.stic idea of the racecourse. For stage realism and a true racing picture nothing better has been seen since the memorable production of the "Flying Scud.” We append a brief outT'ne of the plot. At the opening of the play an adventuress known as Marion, undeterred by the fact that she lias already been married to two men who- are still living, fascinates old Sir Gerald Heathcote, a wealthy baronet with a weak heart. He makes her Lady Heathcete, and cx©eutc e a will leaving all his property to her, including his racing stud, which contains "Forest King,” the favourite for the Manchester Cup. Captain Dudley Clifton, the cast off nephew of the baronet, and a blackleg of the turf who ha-s "done time,” then puts in an appearance, and, knowing the details of Marion’s former life, he bargains for half the property in the event of Sir Gerald Heathcote’s death. The worthy couple are, however, detected by the baronet, who sends for his lawyer, and by a codicil revokes j/s will .and bequeathes everything to hi.s ward, Arthur Somerton, eon of an old friend, and who is in charge of the racing stable. Sir Gerald immediately afterwards dies from the shock -of the discovery -of liis wife’s perfidy, and Marion .and her confederate, unaware of the revocation of the will, assume proprietorship cf the estate, and discharge doe Flaxman, a trainer, who has grown old in the service -of the late baronet. Clifton has nefarious designs up-oar Nellie Flaxman, who is affianced to Somerton, and in order to remove the latter, lie bribes Moses Solomons and Bill -Slair, two unscrupulous villains, to murder him, but they fail in theilr attempt. Finding subsequently that she has been dispossessed of the property, Maiion and Clifton devote their energies to neutral sing the chances -of "Forest King” fordhe Manchester Cup, but their design i-s frustrated by Flaxman .and his daughter, and Clifton is allowed to "nobble” an outsider for the race. The mistake is discovered on the course, and the resourceful Marion then drugs the j ockey—who, by the way, is her first matrimonial victim, Somerton being the second. At the critical moment, when "go to the post” is ringing, young Sam Flaxman, an apprentice, mounts the favourite and triumphantly steers him to victory. With this scene, which will be carried out in regard to details and accessories, the drama comes to an end. In "Rogues of the Turf” Mr Charles Holloway will make his first appearanco this season in his original creation of Joe Flaxman (the old' trainer). -Speaking of his performance at the Criterion Theatre. Sydney, a contemporary said:—Mr CCharles Holloway, who was warmly welcomed, played Joe Flaxman the central figure, and gave a. delightful sketch of the bluff incorruptible old trainer. Flaxman’s deep affection for his pretty daughter is one of the strong points of the character, and here Mr Holloway acted 1 with appropriate pathos. That he still retains the power to hold the sympathy and interest of the audience was amply proved in the scene where the trainer, on the eve of the great race which is to be the crowning triumph of his life, describes the struggle as in a prophetic vision. The audience was electrified.

Miss Hettie Muret, who was for a long time a member of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Koval Comic and Musical Comedy Companies, is playing second lead with Mr Charles Frolnnan’s “Catch of the Season” Company on tour. Miss Marie Lloyd, who always exhibits a nice discriminating taste in the matter of the titles of her songs, has, says the “Pelican,” just secured a new one of which she hopes much, called It isn’t what you see—it’s what you Think. The overland tour of the Charles Holloway Dramatic Company was a financial success. „ Mis® Ada Peeve gets <£sooo from manager Hyman for a seven weeks’ season at the Empire Palace, Johannesburg. “The seats should' be a good distance apart, leaving plenty of room for the inevitable late-comers to pass in without disturbing the people who have the good sense and politeness to arrive punctually » Mr Charles Hawtrey on “The Ideal Theatre” in “Eondon Opinion.” Mr Willard, in an English exchange, says that commercialism, when associated with the stage, is only a bad habit. It ig a habit, nevertheless, which quite a number of otherwise respectable people cultivate, and an equal number would ■display no marked objection .to following in t? bad the chance.

Mr Percy Denton has finished his engagement with Mr Harry Rickards, and lias joined Mr Frank Clark’s combination at the Melbourne Gaiety. The Modern Milo and Cruikshank, the caricaturist, have sailed from Fremantle for London.

Mr W. J. Luicoln, touring representative for R. G. Knowles, is expected to arrive in Wellington to-morrow to arrange for the forthcoming season at the Opera House, which commences on the 36th inst.

Mr Allan Hamilton’s tour of the New Society Entertainers, Madame Lydia Yea-mans-Titus and Mr Leslie Harris, commences at the Athenaeum Hall, Melbourne, on Saturday, April 14. Then follow visits to Bendigo, Ballarat, Adelaide, etc., the season at the Palace Theatre, Sydney, commencing on Saturday, May 28. One of the most popular songs in Mr Leslie Harris’ repertoire, "The Penny Paper” (composed and sung by the entertainer himself) lias been specially "commanded” on three occasions by His Majesty King Edward. The late Clement Scott wrote of him: "There need be no hesitation in affirming that there is but one Leslie Harris; and that, furthermore, lie is by far and away the best monologue artist at present to be heard, not even barring the great George Grossmith himself. Leslie Harris is not only a first-class mimic and conversationalist, but ho is also a cultured musician. He has a most useful and serviceable voice, a genuinely musical voice, and he plays like the veritable virtuoso he really is. I have seen all sorts and conditions of society entertainers from Fred Maecabe downwards for the last five-and-twenty years, and I assert without fear of contradiction, that no one in that time has anything like come up, in an all-round way, to Leslie Harris. But you must see him and judge whether I have exaggerated his ability or not. I am certainly willing to stand or fall by your decision.” The Wellington season commences at the Opera. House on the 22nd September. The th.rd production of the Holloway Company at the Opera House, Wellington, will be Frank Harvey’s problem play, "Shall we Forgive Her?” In reference to which we cannot do better than quote verhatum .an Auckland contemporary’s detailed notice -of the performance given three weeks ago during their successful season in that city: The Holloway Dramatic Company produced Frank ‘Harvey’s popular play, "Shall We Forgive Her?” ,at the Opera House last evening. The piece was followed with the closest interest from beginning to end, and called forth that hearty and enthusiastic response from a sympathetic audience which this talented company knows so well how to obtain. The house was full, and prepared for an enjoyable evening. It was net disappointed. The play contains all the ingerdients necessary in the making of a wholesome, cleanly, harmless confection of the sort, .and in its way taught a lesson which may be learned with profit. Grace West (Mir,.3 Elfchel Appleton) has lived in Queensland in relations with Noil Garth (Mr W. J. Holloway) that aro sufficiently described by .a character in the play as "no worse for not having the cackling cf a few words by a parson” to authorise them. Then she returns to England, marines, and would have lived happy ever after but for the return of Neil Garth. Her husband disowns her, and casts her out on learning of her past; the shock hastens on impending blindness, but a reconciliation, brought about by the Rev Paul Els worth (Mr R>. Inman), follows in the last act, and the husband, Oliver A Vest (Mr Godfrey Cass), receives his sight. Also his jealous housekeeper, Johanna Lightfoot (Miss Mabel Russell), is confounded, and Neil Garth disappears into permanent obscurity, assisted thither by the parson’s boot. The characters were most capably interpreted, and a close following of melo-dramatic traditions brought with it the certain reward of hearty sentiments from all parts of the house; also the audience was quick to discern, and swift to condemn, the oblique morals of Johanna, who described herself with iteration as a "Clir-r-r----istian woman,” and the coarse brutality of Neil Garth, Mies Appleton’s -work was well done, .and -so, too, was that of Miss Russell’s, unpleasant task as it was. Mr Holloway, as Neil Garth, was always a good study. Mr Cass, as the temporarily blind husband, was exceptionally good. The drab tones of the play were much, relieved by the liberal splashes of colour of brighter hue, imparted by Miss Alice Deorwyn as Aunt Martha, Miss Beatrice Holloway as Nellie West, and Messrs W. J. Taite and W. Welch as James Stapleton and Reggie Walton respectively. Mr Inman’s study of Paul Ellsworth, the parson, was most satisfactory. Mr Pat Bathurst played the King in the Christm,as pantomime "Jack and Jill” at the Lyric Theatre. Liverpool. Mr Edmond T. Sayers, who was several years ago a resident of Wellington, lias been engaged by Mr George Courtneidge for his next production. According to Mr Austin Brereton, in the book of reminiscences which has just gained a timely republication, Henry Irving, in a little over two years of liis early career, sustained the enormous number of 428 characters.

A young man, believed to be the son of a well-known manufacturer, forcibly carried off in a motor-car Mine. Ratzy, a star artist at a suburban music-liall in Paris. He had been paying her pressing attentions for a long time, but she resisted his proposals. Recently he waited outside the stage door with a motor-car, which he had filled with choice flowers, and when the lady came out he, with the assistance of a" friend, forced her into it. She took the whole thing as a joke, but when the car stopped at the door of a night restaurant in Montmartre she protested and threatened to call the police. The crestfallen young man then released her. Mme. Ratzy declined to prosecute him. “Acting, good or had is chiefly a matter of opinion,” says Mr George Alexander in the “Delineator.'” Mr A. E. Greenaway is a member of Miss Nance O’Neil’s Company at present touring America.

"An actor, of course, on the stage, should have no politics. A good political song is by no means easy to get, but in the piece which will be produced at the Aldwyeh after 'Bluebell’ has been withdrawn I shall introduce a song entitled “Mr Chamberlain,” which I think is one of the cleverest of its kind I have ever come across.”—Mr Seymour _ Hicks on "Theatres and the Election,” in ‘‘London Opinion.” The term “Australian,” as a badge in vaudeville, is becoming highly popular. In current bills there are to be found Los Rupertos, "The Australian Nightingales,” at the Ealing Empire; Mr E. Ford, "The Australian Sundowner,” at the Metropolitan; Ivy Valesco’s "Australian Stage Circus,” at the New Gaiety Theatre, Dundee; and the "Four Australian Meistersing’ers,” at the Duchess, Balham.—“British Australasian.” A crowded house, enthusiastic to a degree, welcomed the Knight-Jeffries Company back to Sydney for their final season on Saturday, the 24th February, in "Comedy and Tragedy,” and "David! Garrick,” wherein Miss Maud Jeffries and Mr Julius Ivnight respectively, are seen to so much advantage. The New Zealand tour of the company just concluded was on the whole a remarkably successful one. At first the general election divided public attention, with the natural result that the theatres suffered to some slight extent. But as soon a® the political excitement had quietened down the old popularity returned in full measure and the rest of the tour was a kind of triumphal progress. Indeed their concluding visit to Auckland was Mr, J. C. Williamson declares, far and away the best they had ever played there. A® soon as "Leah Kieschna” is fairly launched on a career which is -certain to be prosperous, Mr J. C. Williamson’s dramatic company will torn its attention tc "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall.” Miss Tittell Brune has already become sufficiently acquainted with her part to express a very favourable opinion, as to its possibilities, while a long cast will give many opportunities for good work to the rest of the company. The following are the dates and arrangements for the remainder of the New Zealand tour of Mr George Stephenson’s Musical Comedy Company:— l New Plymouth, March 19th, 20th, and 21st—Pieces, "Bill Adams,” "A Moorish Maid,” and "The Dandy Doctor.” Hawera, 22nd—" The Skirt Dancer/’ Wanganui, 23rd, 24th, and 26th —"Bill Adams',” "The Skirt Dancer/' and "A Moorish Maid.” Marfcon, 27th—" The Skirt Dancer.” Feilding, 2Stli-"The Skirt Dancer.’’ Dannevirke, 29th—" The Skirt Dancer." Hastings, 30th and 3lst—"The ’Skirt Dancer” and "Bill Adams.” Napier, April 2nd —"A Moorish Maid.” Masterton, April 3rd —"Bill Adams.’’ Wellington, April 4th to 11th—"AMoorish.' Maid.” Christchurch, April 14th to 19th—"A Moorish Maid.” The company leave Christchurch on Friday, April 20th, for Sydney, where they open at the Palace Theatre on Saturday, April 28th, for four weeks. The attraction of course will be the HillBirch work "A Moorish Maid.” Mr Harold Ashton, who journeyed to America in quest of attractions for Mr J. C. Williamson, has been one of the busiest men in the land of the wooden, ham and wooden nutmeg since his arrival in San Francisco. By last week's inward San Francisco mail "Lorgnette” received the following interesting letter: ' . Washington and South Western Limited, Southern Railway, en route New Orleans, 2/2/1906. Dear "Lorgnette,”—l am just trying to scribble this off in a railway train going at the rate of somewhere about 50 miles an hour. There is a mail closes at New Orleans for Australia > I belie*© very shortly after we are timed €££ arrival. I have only been in America for just over three weeks but since then have travelled a good deal and seen a good .deal, and generally speaking hope to do such business as may result in some good attractions visiting New Zealand next year. To talk about this year is almost ridiculous so far as first class attractions are concerned, as their plan® have been arranged long ago. Thing® to me seem to be booming theatrically in New York and Chicago, and the theatres are packed nightly both in drama and musical comedy whilst with the Grand Opera Company in New York the ticket® are being told by the "scalpers” on the footpaths at 10 dollars each. Then? are some special to big successes in th< dramatic line, notably “The, Lion aid the Mouse,” "The Squaw Man,” and "Man and Superman,” for all cf v*Aioh Mr J.C.W. has obtained the Australian rights. The last is one of Geo. Bernard Shaw’s plays. It is a brilliantly written work, carrying a strong interest throughout. There are many old friends over here. I have foregathered with Cecil Ward (playing a good part in "T/lA Squaw Man”), W. F. Hawtrey (who ope? 9 in New York in some new play this week), Harry Roberts, who has been four years with Belasco, and i® regarded as one of the finest young actors in America. A If. Woods and Maud Williamson (who have, I believe, sailed for London), Cuyler Hastings (who is waiting for a good part before he will accept engage, ment). Miss Marie Narelle, the Sydney soprano, who has made a big name for herself in Gi'eat Britain and America. She tell&jne she is going out to Australia again in March or April next for a tour. All the people mentioned wish to be remembered to their friends in Australia and New Zealand. Believe me they all look lovingly towards our place, and I think longingly too. Mr George Dixon and the New Zealand football team arrived in New York while I was there. I heard they were staying at the Astor Hotel so ’phoned there. Afterwards found it was Astor House. Tried to catch Mr Dixon on the ’phone six times in one morning but failed and had to leave for Washington that afternoon. Exceedingly sorry I could not get them. Nothing more to say now old -chap, except to send kind regards to all inquiring friends.

A friend in -writing from Auckland says:—“l am never very optimistic, but I think ‘A Moorish Maid’ will be one of the biggest successes known in the 'city of the beautiful harbour’ for many years/-’ Messrs J. H. and N. Tait will next Tuesday evening at the Town Hall introduce to Wellington amusement. lovers the latest achievement in moving pictures entitled “Living London. the film is some six thousand feet m length showing some 280 realistic scenes of the Big Smoke. Excellent business has been done wherever the pictures have been shown in Australia and New Zealand. In speaking of the first . exhibition m Dunedin, the “Witness’ says: The latest show or entertainment Living London,” which is under the direction of Messrs J. H. and N. Tait is one of the very best picture shows that has ever come before the public here, met with hearty appreciation from the outset. The eeries of the great metropolis itself comprised- a great number of individual views presented in sections, and judicious care had evidently been made in their selection with a vfevv to comprehensiveness in covering as wide a range as possible. As the pictures move rapidly along, teeming in many cases with life and animation —now a sea of upturned faces or of vociferating vendors of everything under the sun, now an endless string of vehicular traffic, —the effect is impressive and inspiring. For those who have not been fortunate enough to see London, to look up the Strand in the •flesh or gaze on the Nelson monument, '.'Living London” is as interesting as it is instructive and surprising. To those who have trod the London streets it must be still more interesting in its revived impressions. The greater part of the entertainment is occupied with the pictures of London, which are run off continuously with scarcely a break. Almost every variety of street and market scene is included. The observer the Tower bridge open and close, sees the Pool of London stired by many a craft, can look upon the historic Tower of London and see to singular advantage the beautiful and imposing Houses of Parliament. He can study London type to his ■'heart’s content, and will find its. appearance very human. Some particularly interesting market scenes were shown, and in some of the panoramic views a not altogether inadequate conception of the impressiveness of the architecture of the heart of the world’s greatest city could be gathered. “St Paul’s from Ludgate is a prospect not to be forgotten. The pictures themselves, it must bo added, are admirably clear and well lighted and shown, and are as free from flicker or ind : stinctness as any seen here They can be looked at without the palpable strain on the eyes so often felt. In addition to the “Living London series the programme, not altogether injudiciously—for there may bo too much even of a good thing—opens with a miscellaneous series of pictures all well worthy of inclusion. In serious vein, “From Christiania to Cape North” and ‘The Famous Fountains of Versailles” were ot particular interest, while a very .fine, series indeed depicted scenes within Creusot’s French steel works, the varying stages of steel manufacture being shown bo luridly, speaking literally, that it made one almost hot to gaze upon the furnaces. A most popular and wellshown picture was the French Grand National Steeplechase, and in this part of the programme some three of four new and very amusing films served to lend variety to the programme. The only other element in the entertainment besides the pictures last evening consisted of two ballads very acceptably rendered at appropriate intervals by Mr Sydney Monk, and most cordially received. The audience was throughout very appreciative. ’Speaking once again of the pictures of London, one may remark that the "roart’ of London that we have heard of. as pretty continuously manufactured behind the stage last evening, was not conducive to a perfectly effective concentration at all times on what was before one, though at times very realistic. Mr R. G. Knowles who is at present visiting the South Island with success will commence his Wellington season at the Opera House on Monday evening the 26th inst. In addition to the brilliant comedian who supplies the major portion of the entertainment there will be many pictures projected in a particularly uovel mannefi and introducing certain film 6 claimed to be superior to most that have been seen in this country. One in fine colour effects, representing the dream of a motor car, is 2000 ft. long. A picture of the King and Queen on the steps before Dublin Castle was obtained order unusual circumstances. The King is shown as a quiet English gentleman, smoking a cigar, talking to the Queen. In the opening performance Mr Knowles will sing at least seven, of his most popular songs, including “The girl, the woman, and the widow,” and “All the girls are loveiiy-oveiiy.” Mrs Knowles will perform special banjo selections. In his second programme, before the ter-

ruination of the season, Mr Knowles will introduce his audience to “The trifles that trouble the traveller.” The entertainment promises a distinctly novel show. Bostock and Wombwell’s Novel Circus and Menagerie is doing first-class business fin the South Island. The show is at present playing a season at Dunedin, after which the principal towns en route to Christchurch will be visited. On the termination of the Christchurch season a tour of the North Island will he commenced at Wellington. Speaking of the combation the “Melbourne Argus” says:—“Messrs Bostock and Wombwell’s variety show presented an excellent programme, consisting largely of music, acrobatic tricks, and juggling. A troupe of six Japanese contributed some amazing balancing and other tricks. A diminutive boy was balanced on the feet of a more robust athlete, whence he was tossed through the air in double somersaults. A Japanese woman did marvellous pedal tricks, with a barrel and boxes, and also ascended a rope at a difficult angle, gripping it with her toes. Her slide to earth was watched with breathless silence, followed by hearty plaudits. A very uncanny item was the performance of M. Menier, described as the human ostrich, who ate a candle, coal, and fire, afterwards lighting his gaseous breath. Gungit and Dolwi, musical clowns, extracted harmony from various strange instruments, and Signor Bertani climbed unsupported ladders, keeping them upright by constant motion. Jarvis and Campbell contributed an extraordinary and graceful juggling performance, and Will and Tim, cakewalking tramps, excited much merriment with their fantastic tricks and ad, miration by their cleverness. The concluding item was a performance of four lions in a cage, under the direction of Marco, their trainer.” Hnge salaries are still to be obtained by theatrical players as well as by music hall performers. Some months ago the leading comedian in a musical play was credited, in a fresh production, with a salary of ,£2OO a week. That figure will actually represent the salary of Mr Harry Fragson, of Drury Lane, when he appears at the Royalty Theatre, London, in the spring. Mr Fragson will appear at the Royalty, under Mr Gaston Mayer’s management, by arrangement with Mr Arthur Collins; for Mr Fragson has been secured for Drury Lane for the next four years. Miss May de Sousa, the delightful Cinderella of th : s year’s pantomime, has also been engaged to play the loading part in Drury Lane’s next Christmas production, which is now under consideration. A novel spectacular representation of “Alice in Wonderland” was at first thought possible for tho 1266-7 display; but there are so many interests involved in that production that the idea will almost certainlv fall through. It is stated that Mr John S. Sargent’s portrait of Miss Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth has been offered to the National Gallery of British Art. It wdl be remembered that this picture at, the Irving sale failed to find anyone to give more than <£l2oo for it, but since then Mr Dnveen has bought the painting and now wishes to present it to the Tate Gallery. It is understood that Sir Charles Holroyd, the curator, has accepted the gift; if this be so he is to be congratulated on securing such a treasure.