THEATRICAL GOSSIP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5832, 24 February 1906, Page 12

THEATRICAL GOSSIP

BOOKINGS. OPERA HOUSE. A'lnn Ilaniiltua Kl. .I'. Sliei'hlaa-* lour) - toll. H» l'» M-ifS 10 . . E Guiieh (lloilo.vay Dramatic Co.)— Mnrcdi 12 t.i ill. . ~ tioorco Ht-jiliciteoa-March 3Ut to April 7 th. J. <;, Williamson— April M to May 2. Mncaialion’ii tlrmaatio < o.—-May ■> to 2t. William Aii'lorron —Mav 28 to .Imie 2... Hairy Kirhired;:-- 11 Id. 20 tu (let. .11. J A 111 la-o.ipli—lo',-. 28 to .lull. 1., lir.T. , , Moyirell ami Ciunn—Juno 'At! to July J. 1007. . Ai! ill ilamiltoii —Sop. 22 to bi-p. -J. IJ-o. Clio; ac Sti-ptioiisini—loo. t to 1* all. -I. A Hull ’Hamilton— l Oct. 10 to Oct. 30, 1007. THLATRK ROYAL. Fullers Kntm i jiiu-ib.

NOTES BY "LOUUNETT::

Tiio cA'ceil l nt programme sulim if te<! li.v mi1,.1,1 Kn! i.rl a: iter-- nt Urn Theatre Koval lm« Keen tl;-' means <>l ilrawinj! i ; (ivvileU lion-in nightly < I ll rlllK Inn euiicnil wcell. tin Thursday evening .Mr Kivenliatl innihi Ilia farewell a|iinnr.ii'tu, ami alter snigilM! I*■ ■> «?"“> binluct of hall-a-iloram ooiiKr. reyciwU ell enlliu , jia--tie. neiid-off. Air < harlea ijmvanl’-. mriK.iiK ot tin- illnhtratc.l bnlhnl -Wall Till Hie Blonds K» By. is an aeii.-iit.iljU? lima, anil a ell merit.* tinapplause it receives. Thu iioldca lino liiivo cslabli ihoti 1 JmnselvDU (>rm favoui-.it-a. ami tln-ir dancing and rinsing in of a high order of merit. I lie Brewers no cml ot* mwrriinout wv»li tu«*ir nH'(ch. Glara r<»'Ufivo* hoa/ty apphiuuo for li (, r of “,Sumuiiio.“ Tbo Hnuly b:atom Ji> Ihoir duet “Beauty's i-W crcalo n favmiriio impression, mid Mi** linn Lovoll’b contributions* uro ontliueia«tirally- rocoivetl. Tb** jprio Jtotim < <m-li-ihnted liy .Mini Ge'De Mai-ne. Mi.s phyllm Ft-well, and )lw Malvina Moot.* xrt» vrry onjovablo, Mr Harry Davis siiisM n-ttno pleasing eoon souks, and .Messrs Jack 11 aimn and C art Collin* tireato hearty laufthter with there comic mii.fta. The perfonoanco olives with tho IntiKlilcr-provimiiiß tarce v tioii!B .Mud.” ~ . , „ . 'Dio John I'. Sheridan Musical Comedy Company have done excellent business durinß the ra»t week. Mm Dooley« Joke” which wan staged last Saturday ctoninß rim for three n igh Is. "" " nlnositay evening the American bUtie.-o "King Dodo" wan presented for the first time in Wellington. and was most favourably received. Tn fact it is one of the beet: piece* in Hie company a repertoire; and Hi" combination in* a whole are seen to great advantage in the pro* dueliiin. Mr Sheridan lias Bot a fine part in Klhb Dodo, and hi* performance prove* him to lie ono of the most veruntile roinedimi* here for some tune. ili;« ileba Barlow score* hiß Annotlo. Mi;*i Hay Jones plays and Rina* nicety a* Angela. Mr Avalon Co - Jard and Mr Tom Curran do coon work in thoir respective parte. Th« other character* are nil wc?ll played. The churns and ballerinas work hard througtiout tho piece. "King Dodo” m mounted in a lavish manner, tho dreioea and scenery being first-clans. This evening tho John T. Sheridan Company will revive tho old favourite. "Fuu on the Bristol" at tho Opera Uohbo. Mr Sheridan will appear in In* inimitable creation of tho Widow O’Brecon." Every revival of this IKipular piece is attended with moro buc- *■<»* tlnm that accorded many now and moro ainbiUoun productions, end wo predict bumper houses for tho four nights on which it is to bo played. It was Mr J. C. Williamson's orltri- ■*" mil intention to put on "Sunday" for a week at Her Majeiity'o Theatre Melbourne. in order, partly at any rate to cive Mis* Tittell Bruno a rest the highly emotional parts of "I,'Aii:lon" and "La Tocca." Hut so excellent lias been (he public's reception of tho romantic -lory of the American miner s foster dattßliter that ho to extend tho revival. Tho circumstance is nil tho more Bratifviiiß in that tho present occasion mark* I ho fourth appearance of the playin Melbourne, and indeed it look* ultima!: an though "Sunday” would continue to be a strong drawing attraction to playgoer* a» long a* Miss Bruno appear* In tlio iiniiui part. On Saturday, tho 17th inst.. "La Tosca” wao played by tho talonled young actree* (or tho first time in Australia, although her acqunintnuce with Sardou's tragic heroine* in n thorough ono a* aho undertook tiro charactor with triumphant success during her career as an American Otar. In all probability "Li-nh Klcschnn'- will follow "La Tosca." making tho third of this Benson’s novelties. Tho Two Krank*. two trick cyclists, open, at Iho Theatre Koynl this evening. Tho Gilbert and Sullivan Company brought a successful eight wooks’ senson nt tho .Molbouruo 'Princess Theatre to a close on Friday, tho 18th, tho last week being devoted to "Patience?." in which tho various members appeared to conspicuous advantage, and to the ever popular "Mikado." the two nights revival of which wore well patronised. In the former Mis* Dolly Castles made her reappearance, and her singing a* Fattened abundantly showed that her recent Tost had much benefited her voice. The company left by tho Loongana on Monday. tho 19th, tor Launceston, and after visits to that town and Xlobart return to Melbourne for a Victorian country tour. .Newcastle will bo tho last town nt which they play prior to their departure for New Zealand, where they open in Wellington at Kastortino. The main attractions of tho tour will of course bo "Utopia Limited." tho threo weeks run of which proved most popular, and "Vcronique," rehearsals of which are now proceeding B tctutily and satisfactorily. 1 After tho run of "Fun on tho Bristol the Sheridan Company will present "TheLady Slavey” for publio approval. In noticing tho first performance of the piece during tho recent Dunedin season, tho "Times" says;—"Tho Lady Slavey" is a musical comedy, full of life, and possessing many of those qnalilieu which go to make n successful bill of fare for patrons of tho stage. Tho singing i* bright and tuneful, and is accompanied bv witty dialogue and clover and attractive dancing. Tho play revolves around the fortunes of an Irish land-owner. Major O'Neill, who ha* become impecunious. and transforms ono of hi* daughter* into a maid of all sorts. An American millionaire in search of a wife come* upon tho econo, and fixes upon the lady slavey, otherwise tho Major’s daughter, ns the object of hi* affections. A mimic halt artist who has a moneyless English lord in tow sets herwlf to CBtitivoto tho millionaire, ns do also tho Major’s other two daughters. Things get ridiculously mixed, greatly to tho delight of the onlookers—the audi-ence.—-hut, of course, in the end the knot in unravelled, and all is right ns rigid should he. Sir Sheridan play* a man’* or men’s nnrta throughout, and a?i Roberts fa haMitT. Jcetns (n footman), or Pier Point Morgan is responsible for a great deal of fun and laughter. He was nhlv seconded bv Miss Heba Bartow, who took the part of Phyllis, tho Indy idnvev. and who well earned the hearty plaudits that greeted her efforla. Mr Avalon Col lard is deserving of praise for hirt consistent work a* the American millionaire, and Mr Tlnpert Julian ployed right un to the nnrt of the Irish landlord. a* Major O’Xeilt. Mies Muriel IVilliam* had n congenial, if difficult, part; no Flo IXonoydew. the music hall arti.-*l, and was at all times graceful am! clever in her interpretation of the part. . Air Robert Noble gave a typical st.-ge portrayal of the character of nn Engli?ih aristocrat to whom birth hail been more pnicrou* than nature; whit*! Mr Thomas Curran a« B 1!!. so frequently railed upon bv the bailiff to "bring in the harrer.” met with encouraging applause. The

c.-imL iv. i-t .1 smoii;' ono. ar.d Iho inflividunl n.c-jiJr-m -.vorLt-l li,.ri!u>niou.-ly to-J-I tlii.;'. ),■;*! ft.1.l rihuti-l t( till' RtHTfvi, ri! tin* W-odurt HKJ. A l-.Ultibr-r ot l'\[ y ilu'ii 'till V'hnlU'. 1‘ V.-OM- Vno ofu! :iu<\ i, | f |r. t ui, j Ist Iho k-r-niTV w fhaninn« .-ii,l offl-rtivo. T’hn iict.o';; .mitfifJitKaiiii inrif Jcjji ,t! mufiic iw iu v< : s accoptab.y i.-ad.-icl by ;t ll f-Iljcavnl orohfjstra. ( Vi- j! c Si "pliaiio. the uolbkiiovvii cmitraHo \o-alisl, will niak“ he r .a *jf •*m fa ti ri‘ at th<* f J li'cat l o JiOyal thin

T!if* minif ''f (JrnrKo Lauri Ijmlm bffjmo diMiai'nHhfiT in oth«T fn'it.H than 1I,»* of vrliicfi tho ,-onior m«-rnbf>r of til-. lala iI V ia t-n vt! M-iac! ; V JOpub*.!' Jill ormiiniMsi. Ha* ion. Latin. tKiijor, to Kivo h m Ins Hu'htful titl< — j, iK * been .r.vanJfil iho tfrholiinfhip Ri voj* Lm tlo. inino to Uie Krado }fn«!erL iri meta|[ur/y at Die Melbourne

S'he-'.l of Mines. * * rr» j) i-; 111 ■'* ii 'h-abTiuiff on in a rt-o-il ficei-’-'d fashion at Her TlHNal je. Svdnev. v.-liero tho Lnval (Vmib* Unera (’oinpanv ate Finuiisß ib.lntv juo-ie to lar-n and very appr«-eia-livo aii'lboi' eat every perforrnan v»*. The Kn yiiL.l<• (Tries Company after a prolonged abi-mv. p tnrn to Sy<ln‘r for I }]<>)]- tarewel! visitwhieli romiHPnrw th s otoniiitf ai tho I'alace Tlmatro, the initial pi.-eos beink' th* bill “David Garricl:” and ‘’Ti’apji’dv and fhnnodv.” 'I-he r.,riei-< reopen the Anekland C+vrn Htm;o this evening v/ith Mr !'te«! Ifv.—nhall. -Mr Tharb-H (toward. I lie Driscolls, the I?anp:'*r Sisler.s, .Miss Xrllio Cower, Mi.,* Vioh.d Crinec. Mires Klsie Hrow!i, ami u contingent trom Australia. Walker am! Hughes left Melbotnno tliis •,v<‘k for a four o: the Fuller (brenit. Tho utir.r.e; enthusiasm was displaced bv the crowded anrlienee which wideonaed tin- firet uppearanec of Mr K. (L Knowles as a mnuoloym* entertainer. From the opening of his “.S mir-j and Storiea of the

pb‘v l.ujnojmus style, he kept hi* and-b-n-e in a continual simmer of merriment. ehamiintf to hursts of sponl-aneouis npjdaiMe whenever ho fjavo them a chance of Him marking I heir appreciation. M r K’nowlefS irt a liorn rucoiitcur, while hhi of comic songs needs tto a'bijtional eoinvnenfiatiou to Australians, who remember him when he wad out hero some years ago as a vaudeville comedian. Ono of the rnrvd attractive feature* of hm really unique entertainment is the use he makes of the hingraph, filrrmfrom which are thrown on the screen at appropriate momenta to illustrate his discourse. Mrs Ivnmvlcvdu banjo playing was also a plearnng juldition, and from beginning tn end tho show is e. thoroughly enjoyable one. fjiiito one of (lie best of its kind ever seen out here. Mr Knmvlen goes to New Zealand at the end <:f the* month and wilt tie there until May next. The end nf Iho year in London U of course given over to pantomime*, but nevorthelo-rs *kOvcral musical comed cs of which Mr ’Williamson owns the Am** tralasian rights wero competing on most favourable conditions with the 4b-ca;x*ii-aldo allractions “ Un December lU>th

■‘Th<, CaU’h of tho Scnion” ha;l i>a.-x?ii it* SCntli iicrfonnancc, "Tho Littlo Michu*" ;va:< wt?U into tho thrro hnn(lrecltj, and "Tho Spring Chiokon" into (ho two. whilo "’llm AVliite Glir.vsanlho--11.11111" with Kl 5, nnd “Tho Blno Moon” with 120 wero still going strong. Tiio Sheridan Company intend prerent. ing "Nnnghty .\;iinj" when "Tiio Lady Slavey" :* withdrawn. "Naughty Nancy” i* in two acts, written by Oliver Hath, ami cornijccil by Ralph L. Lyon nnd Walter Daviileon. Mr Sheridan will play the parts of Josiah Stigga (a company promoter), Matilda Jonca (a woman’s rights party), and a nomkweript. He will bo ably supported by tho full ijtrenglli of hi* jwiwerfitl company. Tho comedy abound* in catchy melodies and screamingly funny situation*. Several brilliant balfeta will bo introduced, including tho Sydney hit, "Pinky. Pnnky, Poo." The whole production i« right up-to-date, and will bo presented for this night only. ’!'■ •.r.- .Macmation’s now* Dramatic Company. niter an exceptionally successful Reason of threo week* at the Prince** Theatre. Dunedin, opened at the Theatre Koval, Christchurch, on Saturday Inst to a bumper house. All tho plays in the now repertoire have caught on with tho lover* of first-class melodrama done in a firnt-rln«f manner. Tho Wellington reason is fixed to commence on sth May. Tho Charles Holloway Dramatic Company commenced n tour of New Zealand at tho Auckland Opera House on the 13th inst with "Tho Two Little Vagabonds." Excellent business is being done. Tn noticing the first performance tiio "Sporting anil Dramatic Review" say*:—The two "Little Vagabonds." tiio centre; of tho play, make good foils to each other—Dick, healthy and impulsive: Waily. weak, but faithful. All the froshnres and vitality of untutored youth, and oil the undisciplined abandon of fluttering rag*, are borno by Mi*s Boatrico Holloway into her impersonation of tho loving and lovablo Dick. Miss Mabel Russell, as Wally, i* also successful in presenting tho sickly hoy. nt first transported with tho delight of having found a homo and a mother, Ini or on shorn of tho filial privilege, yol electing to die for the sake of Dick, his successor. Miss Ethel Appleton boro a heap of violent emotion a* well as an agonised mother could be expected to do. Miss Alice Dcorwfn was a charming Barbara. Tho part ot tho thief, although a now type, was presented in a taking manner by .Mr J. P. O’Neill, and good, sound work was dona by Air Robert Inman (Marion's husband) and Mr Godfrey Case as Captain Darvillo. Tho company produced tho racing drama “Tho Roguo of tho Turf” last Saturday evening. Tho Knight-Jotfrics Dramatic Company left Auckland for Sydney by tho Manuka lust Monday. ’ Mr Richard Stewart has gone to Sydney with tho Knight-Jcllrics Dramatic Company, but returns to Now Zealand ns manager of the Gilbert and Sullivan Repertoire Opera Company, which opens at tho Wellington Opera House ou Easter Saturday. A sketch by G. 11. Sims, recently produced nt London Palace Theatre, introduced n representation of n full-sized rotary newspaper press, running at high speed. This was tho first attempt to roBroaont a newspaper machine-room on the ritish stage.

A split occurred in a leading thcatri. cal company tho other day, says "Tryphena" in tho "Bulletin,” through ono of tho principal* committing matriniony. his accomplice being a chorus chick of rather brief experience. A great rumput* waa caused, but -the tangle of talk round tho subject is eo thick and confusing that tho wisp of truth sinks out of sight. When tho excitement get* off the boil, something definite and reliable may bo gleaned of tho true facts. Air Charles Kenniiighain, principal tenor of tho J. C. Williamson’s Repertoire Opera Company, was quietly married tba other day to Mis* Vera Buttol. ot (h* same company. I have to acknowledge with thanks a copy of tho "Voroniquo Souvenir” from Sir George Tallis. It is it magnificent production, nnd reflects groat credit on all concerned in its publication. Sir William Anderson produced "La Lilly dii Lnmbcmr Major” at tho Theatre Royal, Sydney last Saturday evening with a specially organised company, which includes a stormy chorus and ballot, n military band for tho spectacular tableau showing the entry of tho French troops into Milan, and other adiuncte of Offenbach’s famous comic opera. The Stella of the production is Mies Addio Campbell, a now eoprano. from Bendigo, who makes her debut, and tho cast includes—Tho Duchess Della Volta, Miss Madgo Hope; Claudino, a vivawliero, Miss Evelyn Scott; tho Abbess, Miss Bessie White: Lorcnxa. Miss Ai!sa Sherbrook: Teresa. Miss Edgeworth Tioanns: Capitaino Robert, Signor Achilla Rebottaro; Duo Della Volta, Sir Edwin l/cstor; Marquis Bambini. Mr Harry Qneal.v: Monthabor, tho Tambour Major. Mr Edward Farlay; Qriolct, a drummer. Miss Maud Thornton; Champs, an innkeeper. Mr Walter Rivers. It i* stated that Miss Annio Russell, the American actress, will tour Australia next venr under the management of Mr J. C.'Williamson in Mr G. B. Shaw’s play "Major Barbara." which i* described as a "dihctission in three acts."

Czerny, who Inis met with wondeiful Mir* c Irojn New Plymouth aoutliwanl, •.nil open hi-, .-’outijern tour at Cbsm’ehut'ch on Monday, March tor night'-; Timaiu. J'Jth and Ilth; Dunf-diii. .si;v nipids < fanmem ing l »Ui; Invce .ugi'.l lo lollow. Thence to Nvdnev, opening at L.i-ter.

•‘A hit every timo*’ ospres-es 1 lie hiv'<e‘a ot Carl Hertz's appcaiances at the London Coliseum. Conjuring has to be very good to "lake.” His illusions ale new and original.

It is stated that Mr and Mrs Harry J.'oberts (Mi-s Maggie* Moore) return lo Au-’talia about November. M*ss tbirrie Moore, is t»;ud to he getting ,L'.VI a week as principal boy in “Aladdin" at ono of the Glasgow theatres. Mis.i Moore has been engaged tor the same pice*, at Ulriningbam next: Christmas. Mins Uol'ind daughter of the playwright, and long u leading member in Mr Ocorgo Kigv.old's Anttralia i company, is at work upon a v?>lnusc ni rcmini«?conres, which is likely tc bn publieliefl by a London ftna rmxt season. A great part of it Is devote.'! fo her rocf>llectiorifj of S r Henry Irving, with whom eho frequently appeared in tin* days of her girlhood. Miss Wat*Phillips is at present a member of Mr flcujro Stephenson’s Musical Comedy Company.

Tho posufbilitics of a new and up-to-da(e opera house in London have cays the “Morning leader”) up to lhcprr«-ent lime, been kept in check by Iho natural competition ot that world-lamed homo ot opera in Covcnt Garden. Now, it may he hero disclosed, upon most reliable authority, that, when tho present tenancy of Covent Oaiden opera hou<:o ends, the Duke of Hcdlord is not expected to renew the agreement, but, instead, to pull down the cxisiMm building ami uiilu? the space at present occupied by the theatre for a much-nccxlod enlargement of Covcnt Garden market. This bring* iiito tho world of possible* tilings a ikw opera lioui'o for London; and it may lie Biated that negotiation.!* on b-.'h.ili or the fc.vndicato havo licen airea<ly begun *V»r tho acquisition of an existing them re, which (if tho negotiations arc cartie<l to a successful it-sue) will bo i/mdon’s n rt w liomo of opera. The Duke of IDuford n»c«tt nn.xiouf* to thono responsible for tho scheme in securing cither a site for a new opera house on the Bedford estate or elsewhere; hut ii, is felt by tho original promoter of tho plant Hint a med-rn playhouse, erected under modern conditions ami ofTcrimr Mich supremo attraction** nro olVtrcd by tho tbe«ntrein qumlion, will meet all tho requirement j equally well, if the tnumfer can be arranged. Tho suggested new home «;f opera is not far from Covcnt Garden, although it cannot bo directly associated in name with that famous place. Moro i y is manifcslb' inadvisable nt the pret<nl juncture to diocloso; but if the arrangement'is carried through tho choice of tho oymlicato will certainly come as a gnat dramatic surprise. Mr K. U, Knowles, the celebrated monologuo entertainer, commences his Now Zealand (our at: Invercargill on tho Jit Ik March, and finishes it at Auckland on the UUh May.

At tho Abcrdnro Theatre in Wale*, during the performance of .Mr Demy Arthur Joue.s’ play, ".Saint* amt Sinners." the entire audienro sprang up at the clo;e of tho vestry tconc, and sang a. Welsh revival hymn.

Mr J. C. Williamson’* Repertoire Opera Company commence a. ten nights’ season nt tho Theatre Royal, Hobart, ou the '23 th.

A coloured lion-taraor named Eye had n narrow escape on Wednesday, the .’ird January, at Bostoek and A on;hue 1 I s menagerie. in Liverpool. A now lion hi* been bought in place of tho one recently killed by Duke nt Belfast, and it was Eye’s duty to enter it* cage and carry out the process of taming llu? wild beast. Aa soon a* ho entered the cape, however, tiio lion leapt upon him. and grabbed him by tiio shoulder. Kyo was pressed back against the bar*, but before the snarling boast could Into the attendant?! rushed forward with long polos to whieli sponges soaked in ammonia were attached. and which they thrust into the animal's face. Tiio fume* of tho ehomienl had t!u» desired effect, ami while hi* antagonist was struggling to recover Ins breath Kye escaped. His coat was badly torn by tho lion’s claws, but ho himself was quite uninjured. Messrs Meynoll and Gunn have acquired tho Australian rights of Stanley U'eyraan’s "A Gentleman of Franco," in which Mr Kyrlo Bollew starred so long in tho United States.

Mr Maurice Fnrko.x has returned from vaudeville to musical comedy, nnd is playing the Rajah of Lalcntta in '"i'ho Little Cherub” at tho Prince of Wales' Theatre. London.

Mis* Lulu Zosch, tho handsome principal boy in “Robinson Crusoe” at tho Elephant ami Castlo Theatre in London, is a niece of Rivers Allpres:, Australia’s premier violinist, and wife of Sydney Carden. formerly with J. F. Sheridan, also in tho above cast. Tho first combination to visit Dunedin (says a southern contemporary! under the management of Messrs Mnemahon (by arrangement with Messrs Williamson, Garner. nnd Mut-grove), ns far ns the writer recollects, was tho “Silver King” Company. which opened on Ht. Patrick’s Night, 1835. in tho tltlo piece. Tho organisation embraced the -Misses Maggie Knight. Kate Douglas, little Edith Appleton. Messrs F. It. Appleton, George Lcitch, IX. K. Jewett, 11. Vernon, Frank Gerald, H. A. Douglas, and J. W. Dodgo (agent). On Starch 30 came tho first production of "Tho Librarian," n free translation from tho Gorman of Von Moser’s "Der Biblisthckar," which was then being played in London as "Tho Private Secretary." Mr Goorgo Lcitch represented tho Rev. Robert Sparorib in "The Librarian." After a tour north, tho company returned to Dunedin and staged "The Lights of London," "Tho Poarl Divers," "Two Brothers’’ (first production), "Pink Dominoes," “Jo," "A Day in tho Highlands” (farce), and ’’Queen's Evidence." During tho season a complimentary benefit was tendered to tho late Mr J. B. Steele, when "The Lady of Lyons,” with tho bcneticiaro ns Claude Melnottc—one of his beet portrayals—and "Black-eyed Susan” occupied tho boards. Afterwards, in tho presence of tiio great Dion Boucicault and hta wife, whom Messrs Macmnhon specially engaged in Sydney for a flying tour of Now Zealand, daring which to phenomenal business throughout tho colony, a complimentary benefit was given to tho City and South Dunedin Firo Brigades, "Tho Two Brothers” being repeated. Mr and Mrs Boucicault appeared in "ThoShaughraun,” "Arrah-na-Poguc,” "Colleen Bawn," and "Kerry." In pur day phonographs ot several makes and sizes uro to bo found in many places, nnd perhaps at no distant date will become as familiar in tho homo ns tho piano or sowing machine. In January, 1831, tho Messrs Maeroahon introduced to tho Dunedin public Professor Douglas Archibald. ALA. (Oxen.), and Edison's startling talking machine. Tho professor exemplified the wonderful ineffable charm and imitablo possibilities of tho phonograph, tho crowning genius of man. in an interesting lecture illustrated by limelight views. Tho records embraced speeches by the tale Hon, W. E. Gladstone, Sir George Grey’s message to tho unborn millions of Now Zealand, band, ballad, and instrumental solos, bell chimes, tho bagpipes. and Maori records. This, it is stated, was the first "appearance” of the " ’phono" in Dunedin, and a return visit was made in May of tho same year. Tho financial result of this tour was also phenomenal. About 1893 Messrs Macmahon exhibited the first cinematograph in Now Zealand, which was tho forerunner of tho moving picture shows which havo achieved such extraordinary popularity as tho process of mechanical improvement has gono steadily on. In February. 1903, Mr Charles Macmahon directed at the Princess Theatre, tho Alhambra Theatre, and afterwards at the Garrison Hall, a wholesome, attractive, and educational biographic entertainment entitled "Our Navy." Mr Tait, of Melbourne, has practically completed all his arrangements for the erection by a syndicate at tho Christchurch Exhibition, at a cost of .£3OOO, of tho great Canadian water-cute, toboggan, helter-skelter, Katzen-jammer Castle, fun factory, etc.

The ri'v.v theatres in proh.il>!:.' l»o re.'niy !cr occupation ;rs • * 1i ! j >*, ’i h" Si E'l'iDH’.: luvtt on’* tor a :?,-s.t?i ;it ih»j njphfjim, M.inihi. Mr.-. 'iV*i h‘t::p,pook* roiii.-ir.i in Melbourne. Mr .loe Lrov.n is in advance ot Mr JLnfV Ki< k;irdi‘ Giovr at pre.enl Jouiug Wtvltni AuU jvlia. Mins M-.ibelJc GiHman. tin? American singer ’.ho u'.-;iit- diamonds in he: thumb nails, j.j ntcled by New i ork papers to in,; inter*'‘Sed in *\ coming lji if divorce caso ot one m Mr Onicgiuh pi otv It is reported tn.it tho Brough Idemnrifnq ‘ omedy Gompany hnvc aieindomd Hod r intention oi p!a\iny ;t omis-cm r.l the Theati-f Koval. Hobart. Mr Alfred Damomr. accompanied by Mm Dn:np:er. Mj Heh’ D.tmpior, and Mr Fred Darnpicr mailed from Sydney ior Europe? by the Gorman liner yezalit,/. on the hrd m t. Mi- Kafir* \ csit, v ho i< playing principal bov ,-f (he * o; ..-net d hcalro FatKo. mini** m London. a nie'n o! Madame Emily Soldone. vhti*c name is a iiouichtdd one to Au -l ral ;ans.

Wirt I;CiiMh is at prevent showing Perth, Western AuiUalia, to packed hu

Bosfocl: and WombwelFfi Menngorit* and Novel Emcus contemplate un early de-

v.-cnl oa New Zealand. 'i'ho show hr-* been doing cvcrdlenl businO'S in (heroinmmiwealth dining tin* past few mouth!*. The- remains of <ho lato Mr Dan Fitzgcrah!, the “whitest*’ showman in Allsirabisia, who died in Melbourne, were laid away in the U’avoHoy t’emedery, Sydney, on Iho Bth February. The chie: mourner-s wore Mr and )!r,s J. 1). Fitzgerald (brother nnd sbtor-ln-law). Miss Gornldine Fitzgerald (flitughlcrh nnd Mis:? Mario Fjinip'rald (niece*. (Mr Tom iitzgorald, brother, is in tho Lasrd Amongst (ho«»* prr -cut won*;—Mr Julius Grant (re-pre-er»t ing Mr William Anderson), -Mr Allan Hamilton (Flemming and JJiougn <’oj Mr \V. Hughes <1 nion fc’learn Ship Go), Mr Bell (NorMi Stenmuhip C 0.,. Me John Amirov.’.-*, Mr H. M»-ycr »roprf-

'-tiling Koi7 ami C’o.i, Mr !l. Kennedy t'V reauurer and Secretary, Filzgorald Brothers. Mr F. Jones. Mr Konnn. Mr l'. Klvy, Mr AengerihoyUvcr, Mr H;.rry WalIcr.* Mr J. J. Power, Mr J. 11. Do C’ourcov. Mr .1. Holler (representing (he Da2uVa r.crubatsh Mr Charles Anderson, Mr \S'. Jo:u*j. Mr H. (’. WirtJi (Wiidh Brothers), Mr \V. Tonge (representing Moses Moss and Co.), Mr A. Cowan (representing Edwin Geach), Mr >J. Walhalla, Mr Thomas Durnek. Mr T. i*. Durack. Mr I. F. (’oriole. Mr K. Gaut. Mr.D. Green, 'dr .1, Jcv/el). ami Mr George Hudson. The coskot v.ms ot polishcnl oak, and the hoarse in whieli it. waa borne was covered v.itli ivrcaihs. Jmonß those wiio sent floral tokens of sympathy were Air Frank Love (llorrusf on r.nd Lovo’s Circus?, Mr \U KoukUy. .Messrs Edwin Gcaclv ami A. Cowan. .ilai/cUas and Stella Martin, Wirth Brothers, Mr Harry Kickanls, Miss Gurlio Glen. *Mnek and Vivic,** “Tom and Millie.** Mr C. Simonsons, Mr K. iCenna, “I‘ercy and Docy Si*ence,’’ Mr and Mm J. th I'cdin. Mr and Mrs F. Lloyd, Mr Martini, Mr Harry Walters and family. I'os.'ovk and Wombwcll’s Menagerie. Mr C, (.‘ampbeil. Mr and .Mrs \V. H. ;4mit!». John Andrews and Co., Mr Georgo UignaM. tiio Froni Family, Mr and Mrs (•. i.sassinan. Air J. It. Yale. AUlernvin and Mrs 11. J». Aleaghor. Mr J. C. UAili.uusun. M r,; Harry Wirlh, Mr .Inline G*v:il- Willinm Anderson, Mr and Mr« I* M- Jones, Dr G. F. Smith ami Mi ( h 11c Hth, Air and Aim Tiioinas JAe'ph nrincipa’s of tho “.“'inbad ' Comnanv. .Mr Ahw. Verne. Mr and Mm Gaul, Miss!-* th.uwp; Cpward and Teague, Air and M i 1 iiult. Iho Bohemian Dramath* t'ornpany, Mr aud Mrs Allan Haniibon- Mr J- Amton, AI.L.A., -Mr b‘. Walder. Mr and Mra H. L. Koberts. Miami Mm A. T. ibimllcy, Mr and Airs J. Limo-g. (Jii-.ihmn and Am. J. J. and J. ,A. Mißer (Mclbaurnc;. In “Tho Eye Witness," presented at tho Grand Opera, ilonsc in ilcstou recently, a great jm k-knifo britlgo, a ponderous piece ot niaehinory, wcdgh.ing many tons and opciutcd by electricity* is diown. While this bridge i? in the net of opening au automobile leaps across the ch.i ia. dying tlirovigli spate for Hilly iDfr. T!;m is one of tho most daring ami void arc ionic aensnuions ever pm-ent-rd and at tiio samo time the most ingenious pieco «f stage mechanism. Mr DennU Canirv lias just concluded a fourteen wwks’ c-ngiißcmcnt with -Mr Frank Glarko’s shew at the Melbourne Gaiely. and joins Mr Toil Holland's Company at Brisbane. Jfr Fred H. Grnluin lino rejoined 51 r William Anderson's pantomime company, and is placing hi* old port Mrs Siubad. Mr Winfield Liako and Miss .Maude Amber, who eame out to Australia with the Travesty filar.-', will shortly leave rydnev for a six months’ lour of tho East with the Groat Thurston. Seasons will he played in .Manila, llonKkonjf, Shnufliai, Yokohama, nnd Tokio, with n probable extension of tho itinerary to India. Tho contract between the American illusionist and the artists in question ensures thoir return to Sydney, where they will ultimately carry out theatrical pians of their own. Tho George Bernard Shaw boom, now fairlv acute in England, will, no doubt, ho stimulated by Mr Shaw's remarkable article in tho "Ncuc Freio Prcsso.’’ of Vienna, in glowing citlosy of Miss Ellen iVrrry, whoso jiopularity with Enplisli audiences is unmistakably preat. Hero is an extract from this article: —"The roles which she has played in tho life of her times can only ho appreciated on the day —perhaps 50 years hence —when her correspondence is collected nnd published in 20 or 30 volumes. For I boliovo that it will thou bo discovered that every celebrated man who was a thcatre-ffODr during tho last 25 years was in love with Ellen Torn-, and that many of them found in her friendship tho host compensation that anybody can expect from a clover, w’ittv, and beautiful woman whoso heart has withstood a thousand sieges. For rayeolf, Ellon Terry's art ns nn.actress was what interested me tho least in her. In contradistinction to Irving, to whom his art was everything and his life nothing at all, oho found life more interesting than art. And whoa she joined him in tho long nnd glorious management of tho Lvccum. she, tho most modern of modern women, and the* most living of modern personalities, put the _ highest value on proving an economical and clever manageress, and directed nil her efforts towards filling tho leading parts in tho old-fashioned pieces in which Irving shone." But ordinary language appears to be too mild to bo employed by tho writer iu his description of tho charms of tho famous actress:—* Faces lilto Irving's the world has seen lor a hundred years past, in pictures of Churchmen, statesmen, Pnncos, and saints. A face liko Ellen's has never been scon on earth before. Bho literally created her own beauty, for tho portraits of her ns a girl show scarcely ft feature of tho wondrous woman who took London by storm in 1875, after eho had left tho stage for seven years and some back again. Tho much misused word 'unique* can actually be applied to .Ellen Terry. If Shakespeare had met Irving in tho street ho would immediately havo recognised in him a distinguished type ot the family of artist#. Had he mot Ellen Terry ho would have gazed at her as a new and irresistible lovely specimen of woman. Sargent's portrait of her, ns Lftdv Macbeth, stands forth amongst all pictures of celebrated women as that ot one who resembles no other/* Curiously enough, not long since. Miss Ellen lorry, in an article in the ‘'Windsor Magazine, deplored the social accomplishments of tho actor and actress rather than their excellence in tho practice of tho art. “Tho actress's beauty i* much more discussed than her talent/* she regretted. It would bo interesting, tlioreiore, to havo Miss Terry's opinion of Mr bn aw s appreciation. Instructions have been sent to the High Commissioner in Loudon to arrange with Mo«rs. Fain and Co. for displays of fireworks during tho New Zealand Exhibition period, nnd tho amn of XE-OO lias been authorised for this purpose.