AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13468, 16 December 1905, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. " Monsieuh Beaucaihe." Tho revival last evening at His Majesty's Tβ-"V , M ° nsieur Benucairo" by the Jeffncs-Kmght Dramatic Company attracted a large audience, and the production proved exceedingly welcome. As to the excellence of the performance and as to ihe excellence of the play there can be no two opinions A3 a ploy Monsieur Beaucaire" possesses scrao remarlrablo intrinsic merits, and all the advantages supplied by exciting incident pietty sentiment, beautiful costuming, and a'l tho romance of an old-time period of powder and patches, beaux and hath chairs Moreover, "Monsieur Eenucsurc"' is a. most cleverly-.vntlen drama, with a subtle vein of humour pervading it, and though at all tim« 3 interring and at times exciting, there is a- certain refinement of artistic treatment pervading it that leaves a. particularly pleasing impression, It is not very many months since Mr Julius Knight and Miss Maud Jeffries were seen here in the play in question, and the cast of flie play has not been materially altered since- last presentation. Undoubtedly ill playing the part of die masqueradin" Frenchman Beaucaire, Mr Julius Knight is seen in one of his very best dramatic presentations, Slid it would be Sifficult to overpraise his interpretation of the part last evening, the impersonation being in the happiest vein, marked by a, very dexterous lightness of touch and an excellent degree of variety. Miss Jeffries also has excellent opportunities in the play ; and makes, as kady Mary Carlyle, a perfectly charming ar.d dignified heroine, all the work being most refined and artistic. The scene of the melee in the third act was splendidly acted as far as the principals were concerned, and these had able assistance throughout. The telling part of the sinister and designing Duke of Wintcrset was' entrusted to Mr G. P. Carey, whose exposition was a thoroughly capable one, not lacking in- power. Mr Carey's appearanco in this part constituted the most important change in the cast since the company's last appearance here, Mr H. Wontner, it will be remembered, on that occasion making a decided success of the part. Mr Harry Plimmer appeared to advan-

tage in- Mβ old part of Major Molyneux, Mr Frank Stirling made.a hit in the humorous part of Bakcll, and was.well seconded by Mr George Chalmcrs, who imparted real humour into the .part of tho gossiping Bicksett. Mis 3 Unie RnSsell is, besides Mass Jeffries, tho only lady member of the company who his a role of.any importance, and her work as Lady Kcllerton was meritorious. Mr Leonaid Willey's Captain Badger might be singled out for commendation, but *H tbo many minor parts were very adequately sustained indeed. Tho .staging was on a splendid scale, and the stago pictures and stately dances were charming to the eye. The audience was exceedingly appreciative. " Monsieur Bea-ucairc" will be repeated for this evening only,, and will on Monday evening give placo to "A Koyal Divorce."

THE ALHAMBRA. An unusually large week-end . house assembled at the Alhambra Theatre last evening, on tlie occasion of the final presentation of the week's bill. . Ihe performance as a whole was accorded a flattering reception. This evening the company will appear in an entirely new programme, and Mr Leonard Nelson, who has already established himself a warm favourite/ will contribute a fresh budget of songs. Mr Hoy Melva, the trick cyclist, will this afternoon ride down the stepß of the bridge crossing to the Dunedin Hailwny,Station. The task to be undertaken is attended with no small amount of danger, and should be watched with some interest.

PANTOMIME AT THE PRINCESS. 'That prince of comedians Mr John F. Sheridan is about to give Dunpdiu a, treat in the way of a pantomime for Christinas. Tho production will be based on the old story of "Dick Whittington and his Cat." Mr Sheridan" has had great preparations mado in Melbourne and Sydney in connection with the scenic accessories and the dressing of the different characters—of which there will bs over 100-concerned in the different tableaux, marches, ballets, etc. The stage manager arrived-last night, and will attend at 11 o'clock at the theatre to engage a- number of extra ladies -and children, particulars of which appear in our advertising columns, . °

CAIOTVAL AT CAVERSHAM. Tho carnival in aid o f die Cnvcrshain Hides and School Cadets was continued last evening, when the attendance was extremely good. An interesting and enjoyable performance was supplied by the school children A number of very small girls rendered some pretty Hems, such as a gipsy chorus, coon song, Chinese chorus, Indian club display, etc All were creditably rendered, and reflected great credit- on the teachers, Tlie stallholders pushed their sales with much vigour, nifd the financial success of the affair is practically assured. Tiiis afternoon the children will give a matinee, and the carnival will be brought to a close in tho even-

SWISS FANCY FAIR. The Forbury School Gymnasium was again crowned by the JuTgo audience which patronised the Swiss Fancy Fair last evonin". The various stalls wero well patronised, and good business resulted , also at Hie various side shows, which have proved eminently successful during tho week. An orchestra" of 12 instrumentalists, unde'r tho conductocsliip of Miss Parker, supplied a vwicd programme of musical items, wliicii added very Materially to tho evenings enjoyment, and the children's dances proved as attractive as hitherto. A matinee is announced for this afternoon, and the fair will close after this evening's entertainment.

MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT. _ It was not a fire that caused a biodudo in Princes street yesterday m front of tho Dresden Company's fliow windows. It wae simply a iheong of admiring citizens, mostly ifldies, gazing with interest at a group picture of the Dashing Darkfown Dudes, who will startle a Dunedin audience with their fnnnylsms next Wednesday and Thursday evenings. There is more interest being taken by the public in this entertainment than anything that has been proposed in (he amusement line for years. Tho rehearsals indicate the character of the performance k> be an evening with old plantation melodies, humorists, caltewulkers, dunce and banjo artists, mighty athletes, besido whom Sandow would pale into insignificance, soloists, etc. The object of the entertainment is, first, to conclude the great effort made in the interest of the Hospital Extension Fund with a fitting cliira::; and, second, to provide an evening of rollicking . fun, at which the audience may " task and grow fat," It is intended to make this performance a society event.