AROUND THE WORLD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 57

AROUND THE WORLD.

(From Otago Witness Specials.) Masterton. Moy 3. Dear PaEquin, — Tha concert given by the Westminster Abbey Glee Tarty proved to bo the best ever held in Masterton. The various glees and catches eung by the Tull party v.-ero splendid, while the sole were charmingly rendered. Almost every itrai ■nas encored, iladainc Hootoii s songs were most exDrossively

Westport, May 4,

sung, and Mr Dudley Causton created much laughter with .his humorous sketch, "The Musical Village.' The wretched weather somewhat militated against the attendance. A good hou3e greeted the Hawtrey Comedy Company on Thur&day night, when '"The Lady of 03teud" was staged. The comedy proved to be most amusing, and taught "hubbies" to beware of the kincmatograph. Mr Hawtrey and Mr M'Mahoi had congenial parts, while iruch of the success of the piece was due to Mr Oily Deering. Nothing could have been bttter than Miss Mary Bancroft's impersonation of the Lady of Ostend. The revival of "A Message from Mars" on the second night of the season drew a crowded house, testifying to the popularity of this play. There was a slight difference in the ■ cast from when it was staged before. Mr I M'ilahon, as Horace Parker, though r.ot perhaps so good in the part as Mr Herbert Ross, ] gavo a capital rendering of the part, and the othsr characters were we'l sustained. < Sincerely yours, Fsa Diavolo. ; "Westport, May 4. Dear Pasquin, — Fitzgerald's Circus opened on Friday in Grey, with other Coast, towns 1o follow. They will doubtless do big biz., as the name is guarantee of a good show. 'Sherlock Holmss" Company played Kelson to packed houses, and opened here to a big business at ss, 3s, and 2s; early doors extra. It 1 ia a locg time since the Coast has been visited by a company of such all-round ability. The two nights played here the theatre was packed, and. although the scenery was perhaps hardly I so goo:l us used in the larger centres, the plays ' a3 produced were a. decided treat. Some, howI ever, were disappointed that "If I Were King" ! was not put on. I notice Mr Roland Stave'y with this company. What a difference to the amateur of » few yetirs back! This company is being looked forward to with much' expeci tstion further down the Coast. By tbe bye, I before closing I must tell you of a- very amusing ; unrehearsed incident which took place on the j first night here. "Sherlock Holmes" was on, ' ar.d thp übiquitous Coast baby was present in | the atidience. The latter's dulcet voice was raised just as Holmes says in the first act, "And if that cry is heard." The audience iai- ; mediately noticed the point, and roared. Then, J as the laughter subsided, the baby began to j lift up its little voice ence more. Holmes's j dialogue continued from the above sentence: "It shall go hard with those rpsponsible." This latte- fairly broke up the r.udience, and a very tornado of laughter shook the roof, even the equanimity of Mr Hastings and the others on the stage being much shaken. I think it is one of the most amusing incidents I have I heard of for some time. With kind regards to ; yourself, I am, j A Coast Correspondent. Theatre Royal, New Plymouth, May 7. Dear Pasquiri,— Matters theatrical are a little quiet with us here svt present. We had the Taylor-Carrington show here last week, to very good business. Their tour through the north has been very successful, having done record business all along. It is a good little show. Their opening production here ("Never Despair") is one of the best dramas I have seen for some time. I met the two Georges — Stephenson and Barnes — passing through here on Monday evening, on their way to Auckland, and had a quiet chat for a few minutes. Musgrove's " Sweet Nell " Company passes through here on Monday next, and I have no | doubt will meet a few old friends. Best wishes 1 to all friends, with regards to you.— Fraternally yours, Fred. Stephens.