ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5731, 28 October 1905, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THU WALLS OF JERICHO." That a well-compact play of modern life, interpreted by a cast of all-round excellence, has the power of attracting mid satisfying a New Zealand audience is almost a truism in theatrical art. .lithe Opera House last night the BioughFicmming Comedy Company’s presentation ( f Sutro’s rather melodramatic play, “The Walls of Jericho/’ was watched with absorbed interest throughout its four admirably constructed acts. In the part of Jacob Frobisher, Mr H. Flemming ample opportunities for the expression of every note in the gamut of human passion; and in a character-study that is nvade the medium for speeches that are almost the length of sermons Mr Flemming is to bo congratulated on hia naturalness and restraint. His denunciations of Smart Mayfair tell by their stern sincerity. Miss Beatrice Day, too, had a part of much subtlety to sustain. Her society-mannered woman who yet loved her child throughout retained the sympathy of the audience. • Mr Brough had but to be his inimitable self; his acting lifted the part of Hanker Bannister to an importance it evidently did not have in the intentions of t«e author. Whether all Queenslanders are angels, and whether all society in London is rotten, what Lady Alethea and their child did with themselves when they got to Queensland, and whether they over came b ck to Mayfair—and all these questions preso*, tho doings and morals of the “V-mart set’’ furnish ft background that places thia play in a category of its own. Tf is a presentation of one uhaee of mo ’orn civilis'rtion that ai! should see. It will bo repeated for three nights. MRS BROUGH AS.U'NIOBE.” Acting upon a universally expressed desire—both by letters and'verba! messages— Rie management have decided that the (W*peon is not to close without Mrs Brough appearing amongst her admirers. and it has been settled that the distinguished artiste shall make two appearances—on Wednesday and Thursday next—in her favourite character. “Niobe.” These will bo the last nights of the season. The box nlans will bo on view at Holliday’s on Monday morning. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. There was a large audience at His Majesty’s Theatre again Inst evening, when the last performance of the present programme was given. There will be a complete change this evening. . Amongst the new artisis to appear will bo Ajax, described as the "flexible marvel.”’ Ho will go through a number of contortion acts, assisted by Madame Ajax. THE WESTMINSTER GLEE PARTY. Mr Edward Branscornbe’s Glee and Concert Party appeared before n large audience at the Theatre Royal last evening, the numerous items being received with decided approval. There will be a special matinee this afternoon. A complete change of programme is announced lor every concert.

JESSIE MACLACHLAN. Air Frederic Shipman, manager for -Miss Jessie Mad rich lan, arrived in Wellington yesterday from the South. He is arranging tor the Scottish singer’s farewell appearance in this city on November .9th (King’s Birthday) and 10th. SHAKESPEARE CLUB. A public of "King Lear’’ will be given by the Mellington Shakespeare Chib next Tuesday in the Concert Chamber at the 'Town Hall. Following is the cast of characters: Lear, Mr J. IV. Joynt; King of France. Mr W. F. Kennedy; Duke of Burgundy. Mr Mowbrav: Duke of Cornwall, Mr Muston; Duke of Albany, Mr F. ,1. Jones; Earl of Kent, Mi’.M. E. Pock; Earl of Gloucester. Mr I>. H. Allen; Edgar, Mr J. S. Baldwin; Edmund, Mr Marcus Marks; Curan, Mr J. Murray; Oswald, Mr u. E. Fuller; Fool. Mr J. V. Solomon; Goueril, Miss Ccderholm; Regan, Mias Butler; Cordelia, Miss Palmer. Incidental songs, for which music has been specially composed by Mr J. V, Solomon, will be sung by Mr J. F. Carr.

The Council of tho Academy of Fine Arts gave an "At Horae’’ at the Art Gallery yesterday evening when there was a large attendance. Music was provided by King’s band. To-day (Saturday) is tho last day on which tho exhibition will bo opdn, and the charge for admission up till 10 p.m. has been reduced to sixpence.

Tlie Potone Operatic Company will play "H.M.S. Pinafore’’ in the .Upper Hutt Hall to-night.