COMING AMUSEMENTS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 254, 14 February 1877, Page 2

COMING AMUSEMENTS.

By last evening's train there arrived from Dunedin a gentleman whose name will be familiar to most of our readers, and whose writings are known to all—we allude to Mr. Thomas Bracken, editor and proprietor of the Saturday Advertiser. The readers of that admirable little journal will have made Mr. Bracken's acquaintance (though, perhaps, unconsciously) under the non de plume of " Didyinus." in his " Pulpit Sketches" (since republished by request in book-form) ; while those who have laughed over the amusing poetical letters of " Paddy Murphy," would not be aware that they were indebted to the same racy and versatile pen for their enjoyment. But it is not onlv as a poet, an able Journalist, and a racy writer that Mr. Bracken is known ; he has also made his mark as a lectin er, and on the several occasions on which he has appeared upon the platform, his success was as genuine as wnen seated in the editor's chair, or weaving poetic garlands. Mr. Bracken's private business necessitated his leaving for Christchurch this morning, but before starting he kindly consented to deliver a lecture on his return in aid of the Mechanics' Institute. The subject chosen was "An Evening with Samuel Lover," during the delivery of which that life-like picture of Hibernian rnrality, "Father Phil's Subscription List," will be given. As we have had the pleasure of hearing the lecture in the Temperance Hall, Dunedin, on its first delivery, we can promise those who attend a rare treat, Mr. Bracken being ably qualified to portray the peculiarities, humor, and vivacious eccentricities of his countrymen. Since writing the above, we regret to learn that there is a possibility of the promised lecture being postponed. Mr. Bracken would be unable to return to Oamaru before Monday, and it was arranged that the lecture should be delivered on Wednesday. It seems, however, that Mrs. Scott-Siddons makes her appearance on Monday, the 20th, and as Messrs. Farron and Baker open on the 23rd, there is no possibility of securing the hall. This is a matter of regret, both on account of the treat lost to the public, and also on account of the Institute, which, we feel assured, would be materially benefitted in funds by the proceeds of the lecture generously and gratuitously given. However, we will telegraph to Mr. Bracken on his arrival in Christchurch, and acquaint him with the state of affairs, and if possible see if we can secure the lecture by some means. As we have stated above, Oamaru is to be favored with a visit from that dramatic queen, Mrs. Scott-Siddons. According to the A "dndo.sian and the Dunedin Press, the equal of Mrs. Scott-Siddons has never yet been seen in the Colonies; and that we are to have an opportunity of seeing one whose name is upon every lip at the present time, we are to thank Mr. George Darrell, the spirited and enterprising manager of the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, to whom she is under engagement. Mrs. Scott-Siddons, in her profession, ranks with Madame Goddard as a pianist, and De Murska as a vocalist. We understand Mr. and Mrs. Darrell will form part of the company which will support that lady during her stay, and we trust that the amount of patronage will be such as to induce managers to introduce the very best artistes that visit the Colony. After the departure of Mrs. Scott-Sid-dons, the Masonic Hall will be taken poa-

session of by Messrs. Baker arid who "will make their first appearance in the play of " Conrad and Lizette," a piece which has had extraordinary success both in Australia and New Zealand. Perhaps we could not do better than give the opinion of the Argus with regard to the play and the performers:—" ' Conrad and Lizette' presents another phase of the extraordinary ' character' dramas with so many of which we have recently been favoured. It purports to present ' Life on the Mississippi,' and if life on the Mississippi produces such personages as those of the plav, then it must be well worth cultivation by the inquisitive traveller. People who desire a hearty laugh may obtain it at this entertainment; for assuredly, if it be possible to move to merriment by the force of sheer outrageous absurdity— a very out - Heroding of Herod in the way of all that is grotesque, farcical, and wild—Messrs. P. F. Baker and J. T. Farron will be successful. Such antics, such songs, such dances, such knock-down blows, such clown-like pleasantries, surely were never essayed in this shape on any Australian stage before. The songs and dances are amusing and clever in their way ; but the whole forms such an ensemble as really, to use the hackneyed phrase, ' must be seen to be appreciated.' Any description would fall short of the reality. Appreciated, however, Messrs. Baker and Farron certainly were by the dense audience that assembled. The broken Dutch and North of Ireland patios elicited peals of merriment, the rough-and-tumble antics were hailed with shouts of delight, and at the comic duets and breakdowns the audience appeared fairly convulsed with laughter. ' Conrad and Lizette ' is, therefore, likely to be extremely successful."