ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5730, 27 October 1905, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

BROUGH-FLEMMING SEASON. “THE WALLS~OF JERICHO.” Tho stage is distinctly enriched by Alfred Sutra's play,. “Tho Walls of Jericho.” It is a vigorous contribution to contemporary drama. Its initial production in New Zealand by the> Hrongh-Fiomming Company last night was a groat success. The verdict was very definite, and there wore several enthusiastic curtain calls.

The dramatist lias put in the nutshell of foni- intensely interesting acta a kernel of fierce denunciation. That section of society yclept tboi “smart set” is the object of his attack. There is fine, biting, satire in every aspect of the play. The characters are real, their actions and their, words faithful to life, and the illusion of the playhouse is well-nigh completely obscured in the natural working out of the story. There is an outsnoken honesty, a fearless blindness about the work that at times nearly approaches to bitterness. “Society” is pictured in flimsiness, its . pursuit of pleasure, its gambling, scan-dal-loving, cigarette smoking women, and its drawling dandies. It is held np to such ridicule that it totters on its foundations, and collapses under tint scorn of one manly man. That is tho crux of the matter. The contrasts are magnificent. There is a deep humanity running through tho play that lifts it high above mere -satirical fancy, makes it solid, sound, and altogether admirable. “Tho Walls of Jericho” is a masterpiece of construction also. Tint situations are skilfully conceived, powerful and forceful. Dramatic scenes accompany every act, and the curtain falls each time upon episodes that keep tho interest at fever-heat. Tho onlooker is hard put to it to satisfy himself as to which phase of tliis fine play ho most admires its daring revelations of human weaknesses, or its eloquent probing of tho depths of human nobleness. In any case the result is distinct. Tho piece is unique—one that tho multitude should sec. If no more admirable play has boon produced locally of recent years—and that is what wo are disposed to consider—with equal certainty there haa> not been one that has received a mora genuinely excellent interpretation. Miss Beatrice Day, in her impersonation of Lady Alethoa Frobisher, at once took a place in the esteem of a discriminating audience. Tho character is that of a woman brod and born in the. atmosphere of “fashion.” Sho is mated to a man upon whom everything in her environment grates. When his disgust' breaks bounds Alethoa finds herself in hot opposition. For a while she stands firm, upholds her own shallow life against her higher ideals, but little by littlo tho good heart beating beneath, a veneer of artificiality assumes control, and on tho vorgo of a final parting from her husband, after a stormy quarrel, she gives in and goes with' him to live his life. It is quite inn>ossiblo in a notice necessarily restricted to analyse fully tho various phases of such a character. What can be said, however, is that Miss. Day gave a portrayal that was without blemish. Tho nonchalance of tho frivolous woman o lt fashion was a splendid foil to her latoc work. Mr Herbert Flemming as Jack, Frobisher, (the Australian squatter with a loathing for shams and follies) was likewise a most notable success. His resource, his dramatic power, and no, less his remarkable reserve force, worecapital. Mr L’icmming completely carried tho audience away in some of his' more strenuous situations. Admirably tender did ho make tho scenes between Frobisher and his wife—in short a deeply convincing and a deeply interesting study of a cleverly written role. Sir Robert Brough, as Jack’s Australian “pal” Hanbcy Bannister, gave a characterisation that was an artistic blend of comedy and seriousness. His part was a thankful one, and bo extracted from it all that bis many opportunities allowed. Miss Emma Temple was happily cast as Lady Westerley, one of tho few women in tbo story witu a “heart.' 1 ' Her scenes were played witli accomplished cusp and earnestness. Miss Winifred Fraser was excellent as a young girl imbued with the trivial ambitions of the “smart set." Mr Edgar B. Payne as Lord Stcvonton, an impecunious, money-borrowing, marquis with a doubtful ideal of. honour, was exceedingly good. The character was an ob-ject-lesson, and tbo actor made every point. Mr Carter Pickford as a dandy and would-be lover of Lady Alethea’s, bandied a difficult part with ability. The character made openings for two of the most striking situations, which, word by tho way magnificently acted. The whole of the minor roles were artistically treated. Apart from tho genera} high quality of the play and of its representation should bo noted tho skilful stage management, tho beauty of the dressing, and the handsome soenia effects. “Tho Walls of Jericho” will ba repeated each night this week, and should have a most successful run. HIS MAJESTY’S. The programme inaugurated last Saturday is still attracting good audiences to His Majesty's, and , those artistes who appeared for the first time on that evening aro becoming old favourites., Miss Beatrice English, who has made a good impression during the week, was excellent in her solo last night, and gained further applause for her work with Mr John Fuller in the duet “Oh, Maritana.” There is an abundance of comic songs in tho programme, item? being contributed by Boh Lloyd,. Ted Stanley, and Leonard Nelson. Fred Graham and Miss Ncllia Dent, who are established favourites with Wellington audiences, went through their musical sketch as briskly as usual. They will appear for tho last time to-night. To-night tho programme will bo repeated for tho last time, and tomorrow will mark tho first appearance, of Ajax, who,, assisted hy Mine. Ajax, will contribute a contortion “turn.” THE-iTRE ROYAL.

The popularity of the Westminster Glee and Concert Party is by no meant waning, and last evening’s programme, which included an interesting selection of Scots songs, was well received. For to-morrow a special matinee for children is advertised.

A concert in aid of the funds of St Peter’s Club was held in the club room, Ghuzneo street, last evening. Songs were contributed by Misses Xortb-Bar-rett, and Evelyn Archer, and Messrs Leslie Hill, Stanley Rankin, C. Ihompson (comic), and S. Lord (comic); a pianoforte solo by Miss C. Simpson, two violin solos by Mr Duncan Gillies, and a recitation bv Mr S. Tingcy. Miss C. Simpson played tbc accompany ments.