ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4880, 4 February 1903, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE WILLI AM,SO AT COMPANY. “ IF I WERE KING.” Entirely different in scene and action from the popular “ Sherlock Holmes” is tho drama which was p-ro-kluccd by tiho Williamson Company la st evening. “If I Were King ’’ narks In-.ok to tlio bad old days of “ the universal spider,” Louis XI., a period uJ deli is full of romance and fascination for tho present-day reader, who O’.aJ.y licaxs of tlio swords and capes and tlio chivalry of tlio thing. Every perse 'll 'accounted a man wore a sword; and every roguo claimed sufficient honour, or seemed to bo sufficiently touchy to sot ;it in action at least two or three times wiiilo ho strutted his brief space bof :<ro tlio biographer. That is why' the .middlc-ago French play is so popular. Whatever tho ingredients may bo, tho concentration of honour and wine, and tho motif of women are a delightful foundation for many of our most engrossing dramas. Who, for instance, tliat lias been thrilled by the (.dun and tho picturesque dash of “Tho King's Musketeers.” could refuse to bo .attracted by Air Justin McCarthy's .nsninisocmocs of their predecessors in tho gayest of all courts? But there is not only the glamour of tho court and tlio clash of swords to commend his powerful play to tho taste of those who lovo to hear of a chivalry they believe is dead. There is genuine drama besides. When tlio swords aro sheathed und tho lights aro low the interest is still intense, for tho dialogue is of tho best; and when glare and clamour Jaa.ro ceased the quieter passages still hold tho audience. “If I Wore King ” is full of action and brilliance, and contains scones of engrossing interest. Tho mounting is particularly good, and tho tableaux, especially 1 iboso .at tho close of the first and second acts, aro striking in tho extreme. The company is fortunately ono of merit. Francois Villon, tho poot who aspires to tho saving of Franco, is in aide a very fine character by tho dramatist. As ho says, part of his philosophy to laugh and lovo in the same breath, and Mr Cuyler Hastings docs these things with entire satisfaction. Villon ivas really a thorough rascal, but tho dramatist makes a hero of him, and the- part is one well suited to an actor witli the ability to carry out tho deception. ’ Tho honours of tho piece fall to Air- J. B. Atholwood, who imparted to tho presentiment of Louis Onziomo all tho imbecility, the slyness and tho sorry wit of that miserable monarch. Air Thank Hollins, as. Noel do Jolys, Air H. H. Stewart, as Tristan I’Hermito, and Air Edmund Gwonn as Robin Turgis, Avcro the more conspicuous of tlio i nalo characters. Tim leading female character is that of Katherine do Van, relies, a lady of the court, who confesses her lovo for tho Grand Constable, and congratulates Franco that “a man. has come to court.” Later,' tho> man admits that he is none hut the low-born Villon, and ho is immediately s'3ut empty-handed away. In tho last act, when he has defeated tho Burgundian Army, and is about to pay on tho gibbet the penalty of having wounded big predecessor for her sake, she offers to s •■die for him. The result is as novelists and dramatists would ever have it. Miss Alay Chevalier was) disßnctly snccosfeful in this part, and at times showed an art quite foreign to that required by her part in Sherlock Holmes. Alls;* Minnie Terry’s performance of Mere ‘Villon and Aliss Mabel Cano’s of Huguotto chi Hamel, a wanton, were also capital. “If I Were King” will be produced again this evening.

THEATRE ROYAB. The programme at the Theatre Royal attracted a largo audience again last night. The Schenk Bred.* exhibition, including most difficult and astonishing feats of strength and skill, entirely astonished the audience, and at the conclusion of their “turn” great applause was given them. Miss EWnio Smith has established herself a Livourito and was in great demand. An enthusiastic reception was given Miss Retie He Vella. the graceful serio, and Miss Ethel Clifford, the popular soprano balladist. The contributions of Miss l.da Roslyn, Little Vera Kearns, Messrs Yorke and Kearns and Howard were chdy appreciated. MR POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY. “The Toreador,” in which the Pollard Opera Company will operf its farewell season in Wellington on Friday, is entirely now to theatregoers in this city, and has only been added to the company’s repertoire during the 1 ast few months. This comedy has htien immensely successful in London and in Australia, where its bright music, smart action and brilliant dressing wei'o very favourably commented on. The piece will only lie staged for a limited number of nights, as “Tapu,” by Alfred Hill and Arthur Adams, is also to ho staged. The company’s now tenor, Mr Aylmer, null appear in “The Toreador,” the cast for which includes all the old popular members of the organisation. Tho two scones into which the comedy is divided have been specially painted for the production. Criticisms of the porforma ncea given in other parts of tho colony indicate that “The Toreador” is much tho best thing done by the Pollards in recent years.

Tho competitive five minutes’ speech on prohibition provided keen enjoyment at tho Choral Hall last night. The Dean Vaudeville Company and waxworks continue to.draw largo attendances nightly. Tho Exchange Hall was well filled last night, the entertainment given by the Fra-ser Shaw Company being interesting and up-to-date. Tho biograph picture's and illustrated songs were well received. The programme will bo repeated tonight. ________