ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4825, 1 December 1902, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE WRONG MR WRIGHT.” That this merry comedy, which is now being performed at the Opera House Uy tiio W illougbby-Goach Company, baa “caught on, was demonstrated by another big house on Saturday' uigbt. Air Willoughby, as Air Singleton Bites and tho wrong Air Wright, was tho life and soul of tbo piece, and the fun,was fast and furious from the commencement, until tho tangled skein was unravelled at the finish. Alias Barton, as the lady detective, Aliss Appleton, as Miss Bonds, and other members of the talented company shared in the honours of the evening. “Tho Grey Parrot” was given as a curtain-raiser. Two more performances of “The Wrong Mr Wright” are anncwincsd. THEATRE ROYAL. An attractive programme was that’ provided by' Air Dix’s Gaiety Company at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, and the frequent outbursts of applause and imperative recalls with which tho performance was liberally interspersed amply testified the appreciation of tiio audience. Air Ernest Fitts ably discharged the duties of interlocutor and stage manager, and was well supported by Messrs Clark and Cowan as end men. Alias Jennie Johnston gave a sympathetic interpretation of the popular ballad “In Friendship’s Name,” and was heartily applauded. She afterwards contributed some other sentimental sengs with equal success. Messrs Clark and Cowan elicited roars of loiughter by their comicalities. “Chorine” and “A Dream of Paradise” were given by Mr Fitts in a style which thoroughly maintained his reputation, while Aliss Olive Lonton - discoursed some serio-coraics m a manner which secured enthusiastic applause. The final appearance of Messrs Callahan and Alack, tho Irish comedians, in their entertaining playlet, “The Old Neighbourhood” was made tho occasion of a great ovation, which, eloquently testified to the popularity of those able exponents of incidents in Irish, peasant life. As on previous occasions, Alack played a number of Irish melodies on tho union pipes, while Callahan performed on the flute and piccolo, and their excellent musical contributions were loudly applauded. It was generally admitted that there has been no more acceptable- turn at Dix’s lor a long time. Somo bioscopio views and an amusing farce, entitled “School,” brought the entertainment to a close. This evening “The Three Casinos” will appear in a new musical burlesque, introducing the singing dog, and playing musical instruments, many of have never been heard before here. Tomorrow night Aliss Ida Roslyn, Little Vera Kearns and Air .1. Kearns will be added to the company. DEAN'S WAXWORKS. Tho Choral Hall was re-opened on Saturday evening by a company ob variety artists, under tho managementof Air George Dean. Tho hall has been fitted up for a waxworks show, and ns added attractions there are penny-in-the-slot machines, somo excellent cosmoramas, and several other “sido shows” of an amusing nature. Every day and night this place of amusement will ho opened to tho public,_ and at night there will he the additional attraction of a variety entertainment given by quite a number of old favourite professionals. At the opening of tho season on Saturday night there was a very large audience, and the programme provided met with hearty approval. Two well-sung descriptive songs by George Dean were vociferously and deservedly encored, and somo whimsical negro ditties by Aubrey Douglas and .Martyir Hagan awakened demonstrative applause, Little Lillian Loftus, a young old favourite, who will ho a “star” in. her future years, sang a quaint conceit that amused the audience. The Mahers —a couple of Irish comedians -who dance elegantly and sing with untutored originality—gave a novel tom. Hearty receptions were given to all tho items on the programme, which was further contributed to by Mr Williams, and the Alisses Lucy Frazer, Marie Woodford and Ethel Gwynne, AHss Olivo Fitzsimmons being tho accompanist. “Tho Waxworks” afford an excellent sixpennyworth to all who like their entertainment to he light and airy, and noi doubt there is a successful season in. store for the proprietor At a meeting of representatives of the combined Catholic parishes of Wellington, it was decided to . hold the annual picnic on Boxing Day at tiio. Bellevue Gardens, kindly lent for tho occasion by Air A. R. Lodder. Messrs J. Hyland and H. AlcKeowen were appointed joint secretaries. An organ recital is to bo given at eight o’clock to-morrow evening by Air Maugham Barnett in St. John’s Church.