WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Otago Witness, Issue 2579, 19 August 1903, Page 61

WELLINGTON W ING WHISPERS

Br P. jKouptku.

August 14. Dear Pasquin,— Our Sha':e«p"are Club's first public reading was given in St Paul's Schoolroom last Monday evening bf'ore an aijdieuce which overcrowded the building "Twelfth Night" v.as the play read, and the result was a mo=t enjoyable and successful lnteipietation. Prior to 1 eanng the hi>es of the Immortal Will, the Eiich^vce v/as given an explanatory lociure by the President (Dr Findlay) During the co«isj cf h.i lciaarks, the President said — "As this i^ om first pubho reading, p woid or two way fitly be c uid about our club. It was started in the hope that perhaps 40 or 50 people r. this city weie prepared to study ShnLe'pcare, and meet once a week throughout the v.mtcr months for that purpose. Instead of findii g 40 people willing to join, we have found thiee times th:*t number ; in fact, Shakespeare i= c o veil Jipiioe .rteJ m Wel'ington th-t 152 members have already enrolled themseivc= The play you will listen to to-night has in tl'e cla^es of the cub been so lead and ic-repd, lectured upon, analysed and explained that in now passing on from it to the study of 'Macbstli,' our ne::t play, we feel that ever;' member who has attended oar meetings knows twelfth iWg'at' as h<. or she never knew it

before. Membership offers no distinction known to fashion. The corucioa ground of our union is an honest desire to cultivate and understand the world's greatest poet, and the men and womeD who genuinely possess that desae afford, in my judgment, a society to which it is a privilege to belong. Everything promises us a successful career. The attendance and interest of re?mber3 hos been most gratifying, and it is not too much to say that the club will effect in this city a Shakespeare revival.

Once more John F. Sheridan and his cornpr.ny of musical-dancical comedians are with v*. The saason opened in the Opera House last Sr.tiuday night in "The Lady Slavey," and a, bumper ciowa gave the company a rousing v.elcome. Big houses also greeted the rise of the curtain on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. There was a drop' last night, but (lie weather v, as so wretched ss to keep folks indoors.

"Tho Lady Slavey" is of the farcical order, and is crammsd full of livelinesses in the way of songs and dances. The Criterion ballet dancers, eight in number, ars young, and put in a lot of work in a graceful manner.

By the way, John F. S. has in his time played many parts, even if he has of late been in tho habit of playing one part (such as the Widdy) long. In addition to his ports in "The Lady Slavey," the Widow, Mrs Block, Johanna Murphy, the Waiter, and. the Millionaire ('"New Barmaid), he has been the Lord Chancellor ( "lolanthc"), Blneskin (in "Jack Sheppard"), Conn ("Shaughraun"). Ko Ko ("Mikado"), Ilobin Gnknpple ("RuclcUgore"), King Laurent ("Mn?cotte"), Duke ("Olivette"), Bridget O'Brien. E<=q.. Pat Rafferty ("The (Lights"), Lurcher (''Dorothy' 1 ), Cadean ("Erminie"), Gas--paid ("Les Cloches de Cornevillo"), Corrigan ("Lily of Killarney"), Wellington Wells ("Sorcerer"). Judge ("Tua-l by Jury"), Captain Crosstree ("Black-eyed Susan"), together with au almost endloss list of other characters, not forgetting the Widow Twankey in the burlesque of "Aladdin.

To-morrow evening we are to have a revival of "Fun on the Bristol." Little Gulliver is to appear with the company in'thi3 piece. The Nelson Amateur Operatic Society's recent production of "The Yeomen of the Guard" was a financial success.

Our music halls are going strong, and all leport good- business doing. Besides the Fuller Entertainers at the Choral Hall and Dixs Oaiety Company at the Theatre Royal, we have Ccoper ay.d Macdennotl's Biogiaph at the Exchange Hall.

I saw Harold Ashton in the Opera House. Ho is en route for the other side, taking the Sydney boat from here to-morrow. His next visit will piobably be with the Frawley Company. Wherever' and with whomever H. A. comes, he is always welcome.

Last night I also renewed acquaintance with John F. Sheridan's manager, Frank Weathersby, who was "in fioiit. He is looking as well as ever.

I have to acknowledge receipt of a pictorial piogramine of the Stme and Evans American Comedy Company from Fuend Duval. Thanks, and a prospeious tour for the visitois and Mr Sleuhcnson.

Arrangements have been completed for touts in New Zealand of two or Mr George Musgrove's laigest companies within the next few n;ontli=. Mr Musgrove's Comic Opera Company of upwards of flO people will commence a season at the "Wellington Opera House on September 28, in Victor Herbeit's successful composition, "The Fortune Teller." The company wi'i occupy the Opera House until the middle of October, and during that time three new opeias v ill be presented. Mr Musgrove has also decided to send to New Zealand his production of '"A Midsummer Night's Dream," now being presented in Australia with such conspicuous success. His English Shakespearian Company which interprets this delightful comedy will commence a season at the Opera House on Saturday, No\ ember 28, and extend for 18 nights, during which, in all probability, "As You Like It," "Romeo «nd Juliet, ' and "Twelfth Night" will be presented on a scale of magnificence. Mr Musgrove will send \wlh this company a special electrical plant and the entne accessories and scenery used in Australia. The company to tour New Zealand numbers over 100 people, whilst nearly 500 tons of scenery will be shipped. The New Zealand tour of this company will open in Auckland.

"A Midsummer Night's Dreau.' 1 is not to pass us after all, and I opine the Opei'A House is to be the scene of its production, as Mr Dix has published a denial tbat it is to be given in the Theatre Royal. Continuous vaudeville is to be the Dixian programme.

Mr Tom Curran, who is doing good work with the Sheridan Company, is that same T. C. who some lime back was a popular member of Fuliei's Entertainer". Tins is his first appearance out of vaudeville.