EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4289, 23 February 1901, Page 5

EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. After a succession of melodramas at the Opera House, the production of Harvey’s celebrated domestic play, “Shall Wo Forgive Her?” came as a refreshing change. “Shall We Forgive Her f” is a powerful piece, and nearly every figure in it is marked by some peculiarity notable enough to create what is known in tho language of the theatre as a “character part.” Very excellently did the members of Mr Stanford’s company rise to the occasion. Mr Stanford was not quite convincing enough, perhaps, but there were many touches of nature in his Oliver West. As Paul Elsworth, Mr Chalmers showed his great technical powers to advantage, and the same may bo said of Mr Cath-cai-t’s doctor. Miss Conroy’s Joanna was a study of rare intelligence and strength, while Miss Watts-Phillips, as Aunt Matilda, worthily maintained her reputation. Miss Gresham’s performance was genuinely pathetic. The comic element was in capable hands, and all the minor parts were ’.veil sustained. Tho piece will bo repeated to-night. “PEPPER’S GHOST.” “Pepper’s Ghost” created a great deal of delight and wonderment when first produced in England some years ago, and even now it is one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Owing to the enormous quantity of scenery and mechanical necessary to tho production of the illusions, the piece has not before been produced here. On a recent visit to England in search of novelties, Mr Northcote secured this as a clever, ,novel and attractive entertainment. It will open at the Opera House on Monday.

The entertainment given at the Choral Hall last night was enthusiastic- j ally received. Tho blaok-visaged hu- j morists of the minstrel circle gave their j jokes arid songs with much success, j Tho ballads of Miss Jeannie Joljnston j and Miss Bessie Young were encored. j The variety faro provided by tho Dix Gaiety Company at the Theatre Royal attracts large audiences nightly. The gymnastic endeavours of tho Patterson Bros, and the Wingate Sisters are watched with interest. The picnickers journey to Day’s Bay under Muldoon’s auspices and sing songs and danco dances'to tho entire satisfaction of tronsAn exhibition of giant children will take place at Messrs Mooch, and Co.’s auction rooms this evening. The children, Ruby and Wilfrid Westwood, have been on view here before. They have since been showing in Christchurch and Dunedin, and will shortly leave for Australia to commence a tour of the world. They arc the children of a wellknown resident of Fox ton, and weigli seven and fourteen stone, -although they are only three and seven years old respectively. The employees of tho Wellington City Tramways held an enjoyable “social” in the Victoria Hall. Newtown, on Wednesday evening. Each employee was presented with a double complimentary ticket for the function. Dancing was commenced at 9 o’clock, and was continued until the sunlight’s rroldcn gleam appeared. Excellent music was supplied by Miss Hawthorne. During the evening Mr W. Williams made presentations to the sports officials as follows: —Mr J. W. Pike (handicapper), silver sovereign case; Mr W. J. Jorirensen handicapper), tobacco pouch; Mr J. O’Connor (best collector), watchbox and c garette-holder; Mr J. W. Callao-hau (treasurer), clock. In making the presentations Mr Williams spoke m high terms of the valuable assistance which the recipients had given the committee in. carrying out the arrangements for tho picnic, sports and social.” The committee consisted of Messrs W. Williams, J. Kirkwood, J. O’Connor, T. Dineen. J- Harcourt, J. W. Callaghan and H. Phillips (secretary). It is proposed to make the “social” an annual affair, to follow tne picnic, which is held on Christmas Day.