THE STAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 60

THE STAGE.

Contribution* from the Profession chronicling their ■ trenust* and doing* are In-rited. All commuoiontl«.*» to be »ddrewed “ Pasquln." Otago Wltnees Otto*.

THBATEIOAL MAKAGBHB. [Th«*»rlo*l aiwiftn and otkor* iatacsatad are inrilad to •ond in Uieir list of booking* of aU th**'.r** ia lit w Zealand, axxS to make any oorreorloaa and addition* required in tk« following li*l, whlck It is intended to keep aa accurate and t« up to da2e as posable. All commanioation* to l>i adloeasod “ Paaquln," oare of Otago Wltne**. »un»dln.J NEW ZEALAND BOOKINGS. HIS MAJESTY’S, DUNEDIN. Royal Comic Opera Co.—November 3 to 8. Gcaee, Russian Court dancer.—November 10 to 14. “Within the Law.”—January 16 to 22, 1914. GARRISON HALL. Clara Butt Concert Party.—October 29 and November X. PRINCESS THEATRE. Fullers’ Pictures KING’S THEATRE. Bronnan-Fuller’s Vaudeville and Pictures. OCTAGON THEATRE. Hayward’s Pictures. NEW QUEEN’S THEATRE. Continuous Pictures. MUNICIPAL THEATRE, INVERCARGILL. J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Co.— October 31 to November 1. J. and N. Tait (Madame Clara Butt). —Nov. 5. J. C. Williamson (Mdlle. Genee). —Nov. 14 and 15 Band Contest.—Nov. 16 to Nov. 23. J C Williamson. —November 28 and 29. Anderson’s Dramatic Co.—Dec. 5 and 0. A. and P. Society.—December 9 and 10. 1914. John M'Cormack (pencilled).—January 6. Harry Lauder (pencilled).—April. ZEALANDIA HALL. Fullers’ Pictures.—Permanent. LYCEUM HALL. Every Evening.—Hayward’s Pictures. DOMINION HALL, GORE. Royal Standard Pictures. THEATRE ROYAL. TIMARU. “The Smart Set ” —November 3 and 4. J. C. Williamson.—November 17 W. Anderson (American Burlesque Co.). — November 25 and 26. John M'Cormick.—December 20. Harry Rickards. —December 29. 1914. J. C. JTiDlamson (pencilled).—Jan. 13, 14, 15. J. C. Williamson (pencilled).—January 17. J. C. Williamson (pencilled).—January 18. J. C. Williamson (pencilled).—March 6 and 7. J. C. Williamson (pencilled).—Miar. 12 and 13.

THEATRE ROYAL. CHRISTCHURCH. Adeline Genee. —Nov. 3 to Nov. 8. Royal Comic Opera Co.—Nov. 10 to Nov. 22. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, CHRISTCHURCH. West-Hayward Pictures.—Every Evening. COLOSSEUM, CHRISTCHURCH Fullers' Royal Wide-World Pictures. THE EMPIRE, SYDENHAM. Moving Pictures.—Every Evening. OPERA HOUSE, WELLINGTON. Royal Comic Opera Co. — Oct 16 to Nov. 1. “The Geisha.’’—November 22 to November 29. THEATRE ROYAL, WELLINGTON. Brennaa-Fuller Vaudeville.—Permanent. THE KING’S THEATRE, WELLINGTON. West’s and Royal Pictures (nightly). STAR THEATRE. WELLINGTON. Star Pictures (nightly). THE NEW THEATRE. MacMahon and Donnelly’s Continuous Pictures. SHORTT’S THEATRE, WELLINGTON. Shortt’s Continuous Pictures. EMPRESS THEATRE. WELLINGTON. J D. Williams' Continuous Pictures. ST. THOMAS’S HALL. WELLINGTON. Fuller's Pictures (nightly). MASTERTON TOWN HALL. Town Hall Pictures.—Vacant dates. FORESTERS’ HALL. Thompson-Payno Pictures.—Permanent. HIS MAJESTY’S, PALMERSTON NORTH Fullers’ Pictures.—Nightly. ZEALANDIA HALL, PALMERSTON N. Hayward's (Ltd.).—Nightly. OPERA HOUSE, PALMERSTON NORTH. Liedertafle. —October 30 and 31. Hamilton-Plimmer.—November 5 to 7. Clara Butt. —November 11. John M'Cormack.—January 10, 1914. FEILDING BOOKINGS. Lyceum.—Hayward's Ltd. Pictures (nightly) TOWN HALL, CAMBRIDGE. Empire Picture Company.—Every Thursday. Hawken’s Pictures.—Every Monday and Thursday HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, AUCKLAND. Julius Knight Co.—Oct. 22 to Nov. 8. American Burlesque Co (pencilled).—Nov. 10. King’s College Boys (pencilled).—Dec. 1. J. C. Williamson.—December 15 to 20, Now Comic Opera Co.—Dec 22 to Jan. 7. OPERA HOUSE Brennan-Fuller Vaudeville.—Permanent. ROYAL ALBERT HALL. West’s Pictures. TIVOLI THEATRE. Pathe Pictures. KING’S THEATRE. Puller’s Wide-World Pictures.—ln season. ZEALANDIA HALL. Hayward’s (Ltd.) Pictures.—Nightly; matinee every Saturday afternoon. “The drama’s laws the drama’s patrons give, And those who live to pleas© must pleasa to live.’’ THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES. i By Pasquin. Tuesday, October 28. Miss Olivo Godwin, the popular soprano of the Royal Comic Opera Company, is, we are informed, not seriously ill. She suffered a slight indisposition during the recent Napier season, but from latest accounts she is quite right again. Mr J. Farrell leaves for Christchurch on Friday to pave the way for the Royal Comic Opera season, which opens there on November 10. Mr Farrell will remain with the Opera Company until the termination of the Christchurch season, and after seeing to the embarkation of the company for Sydney on Thursday, November 20, ho will then proceed to Auckland to make arrangements for the tour of the J C. Williamson's Now Comic Opera Company, which begins on December 22. The repertoire of the New Comics will include ‘‘The Count of Luxembourg,” “ Autumn Manoeuvres, ' and “The Arcadians.” After the Dunedin season of the Royal Comic Opera Company, Mr “Dick” Stewart will proceed to Auckland to take control of the arrangements for tho Quinlan Grand Opera season, which begins there on December 8. During a season of nine nights no less than 10 operas will be staged, including “Aida.,” “Rigoletto,” “Faust.” “Tales of Hoffman,” “Samson and Delilah,” “Pugliacci,” “Cavalaria Rustioana,” “Trovatore,” and “Tannhauser.” The coming of tha Royal Comic Opera Company is foreshadowed by the arrival in town of Mr John Farrell, the well-known touring manager, who has an easy task in front of him in booming that favourite organisation. The season of Mile. Genee and the Russian dancers follows hot-foot the Royal Comic’s season at His Majesty’s, the opening being set down for November 10. Mr Frank Ta'hot. tho herald of Gonoc, will arrive next week to make the preliminary preparations for the world-famous dancer. At. the conclusion of tho New Zealand tour of tho Royal Comics at Christchurch next month it is anticipated that Mr Richard Stewart will proceed to Auckland in connection with tho visit to that city of the Quinlan Opera Company, which company plays a brief season while en route to Canada. Mr Paul Dufault, tho distinguished French-Canadian tenor, who was in Dunedin recently with the Nordica Concert Company, has been engaged by tho Royal Wellington Choral Society to sing the tenor solo music in “The Messiah” at tho Town Hall on December 15. Harold Ashton, tho recently-unpointed director for the J. C. Williamson Comnanv (Ltd.) in South Africa, who was at latest at Edinburgh, sends regards from tho “prettiest, city in Great Britain.” Mrs W. S. Percy (nee Miss Jessie Ramsay. of this c:tv) sailed hv the Moeraki last week for Melbourne, where she joins her husband, who is at present nlaving Simplicitas in “The Arcadians.” Early in November Mr and Mrs Percy sail for London on a 12 months’ holiday tour. In Miss Bonnie Leonard, who is appearing in musical monologue in Melbourne, few will recognise Miss Beattie Gallardi, one of the Gallardi Sisters, well known in Dunedin in the days of the Dix vaudeville boom. Nine years ago and Ivy

Gallardi departed for America, where they met with success from the outset. Unfortunately Ivy Gallardi died. Beattie then worked by herself, and, adopting the name of Bonnie Leonard, has travelled over the world since leaving New Zealand. Those who remember the Gallardi Sisters in the old days in Dunedin will give the surviving sister a warm w’elcomo back. Mr Claude Haigh, the recently-appointed manager of Fuller’s Pictures at the Princess Theatre, is under orders for transfer to Wanganui to take over the management of the new theatre, which is to be ready for occupation in November. Mr Harry P. Muller, well known in New Zealand, especially m Palmerston North, who is now manager of the King’s Theatre as Adelaide, was entertained at luncheon the other day to celebrate the anniversary of the management of the Brennan-Fullcr theatre in Adelaide. Mr Muller was the recipient of several souvenirs of the occasion. In his manner, walk, and voice. Huntress, who is to appear at the King’s Theatre shortly, "ives all the attributes of one of the gentler sex, and the effect is startling in the extreme. The transformation from mere man to lovely woman is effected in Kill view of the audience, and after a few impersonations of leading actresses Huntress presents his famous fire and drapery dances. The colour and lighting effects in these are marvellous creations of the electrical and scenic art. There is a wealth of gorgeous scenery used in the offering. The revue “Come Over Here’’ should have a great vogue in Australia when it conics over from London. It was Edward Elliott, of Smart Set fame, who taught us what a revue moans Mr Elliott wrote and produced the first revue (“Keep to the Right”) in Australia in Melbourne early this year, playing the same at, Perth later on. ‘‘Kia Ora” was also the first revue in New Zealand, a tribute to Mr" Elliott’s pen and resourcefulness, and written on real revue lines; so that Mr Elliott can lay claim to having produced the first revue in Australasia. On Friday and Saturday nights'next J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company will stage “The Quaker Girl” at the Municipal Theatre, Invercargill, and on Monday. Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week “The Quaker Girl” will bo presented to playgoer's of Dunedin. “The Sunshine Girl” will bo produced on Thursday and Friday, and the season will close on Saturday, November 8, with a revival of “The Belle of New York.”

Mr William Anderson's Christmas attraction, “The Land of Nod,” a musical play, will be the biggest undertaking in which that manager has ever embarked. The names of the “stars” are Miss Ruth Kevin, Miss Maisie Boland. Miss Jeannette Curtis, Miss Kittv Kline, Miss Birdie Starett. Miss Priscilla Verne, Mr Eddie Harr's, Mr Cbas. Parrott, and Mr Tom Armstrong, also Mr Harold Reeve and Mr Whitehead. Mr Pheul Wilkinson (the original producer), and Mr Don Mathews (the original conductor). The work of selecting the extra ladies for the prodhcLon of “The Land of Nod” at the King’s Theatre at Christmas is being carried out by Miss Priscilla Verne, who. acting with Mr Wili am Anderson, secured all the principal artists in America. Ali&s Verne is keen on the Australian as show girls. She claims that they are as bright as musical and have as good figures as the girls of the States. “I spent a lot of time in America, so I know what I am talking about in that respect.” said Miss Verne last week. “I saw a burlesque on ‘Kismet’ in which. 12 girls took part in the bath scone, and as they were fairly nude T had a good opportunity of judging their figures.” Commencing a tour of the world for the second time within a period of four y ca J‘' s speaks well for the success gained throughout both hemranheres bv the remarkable midget community. Tmv Town, who open •■t Dunedin about Christmas time th s year. Tiny Town is undeniably admitted in born hemispheres to be the cutest show on earth. Tip, Town’s inhabitants are midget whose heights average but 55in, although their ages vary from 30 to 56. \Vith a village such as Gulliver wandered into after awakening in Liliput, and a circus, in which miniature men and women perform equestrian feats on ponies small enough to lie lifted with one hand, the Tiny Town show should make a special appeal to the young as well as the not so young, and the baldheaded. Everyone of the midgets is a per-fectly-shaped . man or woman. The men pride themselves on their dapper appearance, the women on their complexions and figures. These little people are heirs to all the little vanities of our full-sized world. In almost every instance the midget entertainers speak several languages. They puh'ish their own paper, devoted to their own : r>terests. and participate actively in discussions of the day. Further interest will be centred in the first appearance in the Southern Hemisphere of two Continental star acta, the famous Franco M ; dgets, magicians and dancers; and Diedrich. impersonator, one of the best-known figures on the German stage. An invention which should meet the objection sometimes raised to the custom of darkening the house while p’etures are being shown was exhibited in Wellington the other day. The New Zealand Times aaya this now invention—in nature a specially-prepared transparent screen —renders it possible to show the pictures in +he most brilliant light, even in daylight. r l’he demonstration was given by Mr Frank G. Toy, of Melbourne, who is in New Zea land for the purnoso of forming a company to acquire the New Zealand rights of the screen. “The pictures were very clear, and had the advantage of being more realistic i'miii the overv-dav moving picture. Under proper conditions they should be little short of perfect. The machine used was the ordinary type of bioscope apparatus, the only difference being in the method o f throwing the picture on the screen. T ,i:, = was done from the back instead of from the f ront, and over the heads of the audience.” It can be employed in a brightly-lighted -V r the onen air.

For tin' post 30 years the Roval Com in Opera Cornt>anv Tins boon rognrd'd as Cm host; and mo«t popular organisation under tho J O. Williamson manngomont. and it is thoroforo not, surprising that tho announeomont of thoir o^m ; n<T to anv c ,: tv of Australia or Now Zoaland creates an amount of pleasurable oxcitomont amongst playgoers. Tho ranks of tho Ttova.l Comios havo boon filled at various times by some of the best oomic onora artists the present generation has produced amongst thorn being the following:—Noll : n Set, V nrt Fk,ronce Young. Violet Varlcy. Maggie Moore, Florence Porrv. Grace Pa’otta. George T>auri, Howard Vernon. Charles Kenningham. Wallace B'rownlow. Fred Graham. Henry Rracv. Hugh J. Ward and +he kite J, C. Williamson himself. Of course, the above-named were connected with tho

Royal Comic Opera Company at different periods extending over a number of years, and it is questionable whether at any time ■during its prosperous career the premiere Williamson organisation-ever included such an array of talent and popular artists as these who interpret the characters in “The Quaker Girl” and ‘‘The Sunshine Girl,” and playgoers will have no hesitation in arriving at this conclusion when they glance at the following names:—Misses Grace Falotta, Blanche Browne, Olive Godwin, Jessie Lonnon, Billie Barlow, Connie Milne, Vera Pearce, Lybus Caffyh, Elsie Stevenson. Jessie Culfyn, Jna Milne, Mary Morris Smith, Ruby Armfield, Mrs Geo. Lauri, Messrs Leslie Holland. Jack Cannot, C. R. Bantock, Edward Nable, Fred Reade, lon Maxwell, Arthur Lissant, S. Middleton, and G. Young. Some hopes were entertained by Sir J. Forbcs-Robcrtson that he and his wife, M:ss Gertrude Elliot, would be able to pay a professional visit to New Zealand and Australia before the retirement of the former from public life. But the chances now, it seems, are very remote. Mr J. A. E Malone, . representative of Messrs J. C* 'V illiamson (Ltd.), gives with regret the following reasons:—‘‘Up to now we have found it impossible to arrange for ForbeeRobertson to visit Australia and New Zealand. And Sir Johnston is perfectly right in saying that the difficulty is the question of terms. Ho naturally wants exceedingly high terms, and ;s entitled tq get them. But, unfortunately, his repertoire has been played tq death in Australia, and he has nothing m the shape of new plays to offer fl'e public there. That is why we cannot afford to g:ve him the- terms he requires. • • • However great an actor’s personality may bo, however groat his reputation, unless h;e repertoire is now, or at least embraces a fair percentage of new plays, ■'J? tour i Would not spell success to us. T ho play’s the thing’— not•the actor’s personality. “THE QUAKER GIRL.” At the Dresden to-morrow (Thursday) morning, at 9 o’clock, the box plans will be opened for the initial representations hero of the delightfully fascinating and enormously successful musical comedy “The Quaker Girl,” which is to bo staged by J C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday next and two following nights, for the two productions of the big London Gaiety production ‘‘The Sunshine Girl,” which will be presented on Thursday and Friday, and for the revival of “The Bello of' New York,” to be presented on Saturday, November 8. It was generally acknowledged in Auckland that never before has such a strong all-round organisation of comio opera artists as that which comprises the Royal Comic Opera Company visited the Dominion, and to an extent it is their very excellent performances of the plays in their repertoire which is responsible for the record audiences which witnessed their efforts in ‘‘The Quaker Girl” and *'Tbe Sunshine Girl.” “The Quaker Girl,” it is stated, resembles in many respects “The Merry Widow. ’ “Ma Mio Rosette,” “Veronique,” and “Dorothy,” inasmuch as that in many °f lb* principal numbers the music rises to the height of grand opera. The dialogue, it is said, is brilliantly clever, the dresses are magnificent. There are a number of excellent choruses, numerous oles for the principals, and a big feature of the production is the charming ballets, including Le Danse d'e Champagne, which made quite a sensation in Sydney and Melbourne. and which created a furore of enthusiasm in Auckland recently. Then there is a plot worth telling, and homogeneous mto the bargain, a plethora of comic business, and a great deal of exquisite dressing, not only seen, it is said, in the cinnamon ■>nd white-clothed Quakeresses, but in the -hie Parisian salon of Madame Blum (Grace Palotta). A climax to the rich setting of 4 he opera ns a whole is nrovided in the Unrd and last act. at the Pro-Catalau Restaurant, outside Paris, on the occasion of a grand ball, in which the lighting and effects are said to be magnificent. The scenery, etc., for “The Quaker Girl” has -i'ready _ arrived in charge of a staff of and electricians, and a scene and lighting rehearsal will take place tomorrow. The second production to bo staged is “The Sunshine Girl.” which enioyed a run of over 12 months in London, which the Royal Comic Opera Company has scored one of its greatest) triumphs. It is said that the comedy is 'i-oador i n this than in the opening opera, and the music is much above the average. centred in the revival of The Belle of New York,” to be staged on Saturday, November 8. STAGE GOSSIP. On Saturday last the New Comic Opera Company re-opened in Melbourne with ‘The Arcadians.” The Kennedy Entertainers, a company of talented musicians and vocalists, will tour Otaop earlv in January. When “Find , the Woman” was performed at Watford (England) recently, the principal part, which was created bv Miss Violet Vanburgh, was taken by Miss Rosemary Bees (Gisborne). Mr George R. Sims's new drama of London life, entitled “The Ever-Open Door.” was recently produced at the Aldwych Theatre, London. The play deals with life in the alums of Westminster, and the work of the rescue missions. ' In order to provide a new picture film sensation. Peter Langeard took a motor boat through the whirlpool rapids at the Niagara Falls. The motor failing, he circled round the whirlpool for four hours before rescuers reached him in another motor boat. The Bert Bailev Company is just closing a highly successful season in Sydney with “On Our Selection." The company' will probably visit England. America, and Africa before returning to Sydney, hut the immedinte tour includes Tasmania, Adelaide, and the West. Miss Ethel Irving, who recently returned from a holiday in Switzerland, is appearing in London in a play which has made a stir in America, entitled “Years of Discretion.” The play is being produced at the Globe Theatre by Mr Charles Frohman, in conjunction with Mr Gilbert Porteous. The American mailboat Sonoma brought a number of artists for the Brennan-Fuller circuit. It is probable that in the near future the number of acts leaving America for Australia and New Zealand every two weeks will be sufficient to supply a complete new company at the town or opening. Mr Leslie Holland, who made himself so popular in “Our Miss Gibbs,” and who will make his reappearance here with J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company in “ The Quaker Girl," was the original Mr Hook in “ Miss Hook of Holland." He played the part hundreds of times in London. Miss Billie Barlow, the famous London

Gaiety artist, who will make her first appearance here with J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company in “ The Quaker Girl,” was the original “ Bubbles ” of the famous picture by Sir John Millais, which waa used as an advertisement for Pears’ soap. Mme. Lilli Lehmann, the great German soprano, has written to Mr John M'Cormack, inviting him to sing at .the Mozart Festival at Salzburg, the birthplace of that composer. This is a great honour, and the compliment appealed so strongly to the Irish tenor, says a Sydney paper, that he spent £7 on a cable message which signified "with pleasure.” The extension of the enterprises of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., has necessitated- some important changes in the business organisation of the firm. Mr E. J. Tait, who for about 12 years has.been with the management ai Her Majesty's, Melbourne, will go to Sydney to take up the position of general manager; whilst Mr Taylor Darbyshire, who has been secretary to the firm in Melbourne for some considerable time, will be general manager at that end. Several people well known on the Australian stage helped to make “The Glad Eye run for two years in London. The leading lady was an Adelaide girl, known here as Miss Ethel Spiller, who changed her name to Ethel Dane. She is the- wife of Cyril who was also in “The Glad Eye/’ Others were Minnie Terry, wife of Edmund Gwenn, well remembered here for his brilliant character work, and Edyth Latimer, who was in Australia with Wilson Barrett. , Miss May Huxley, the young soprano, who appears with Mr John M'Cormack, is a pupil of the great Madame Albani. She is possessed of a soprano voice of wide range and great beauty, which she uses with the utmost facility, her vocalisation being brilliant in the extreme. She / has already had the honour of appearing before Royalty, havin or recently sung bv desire at Kensington Palace before H.R.H. Princess Henry of Battenburg, who expressed her pleasure and delight at hearing so good a singer. A recent marriage of New Zealand interest was that of Miss Audrey Richardson, oi Dunedin, tho talented violinist, who has been a very successful student at the Guildhall School” of Music for some years, and who has played many times in public in London, at important concerts. Her marriage took place at St. Columba’s Church of Scotland. Pont street, the bridegroom being Dr Oswald Smith, who has been in practice at San derates d. Surrey, for some time. This will be their future home. “ With all our expenses (remarked Mr Thomas Quinlan, of the Quinlan Opera Company, in Sydney the other day), it costs £150,000 a year to run this enterprise. When we have got over £l5O 003 I can get a ‘look in.’ We have given over 1200 performances since I started these tours in 1910, and in that time we have travelled 98.000 miles. Now we are in demand in five parts of the earth —England, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada ; and since we are going to the United States on the next tour, that will mean six.” America is the land of big money. Nobody in the States objects to spending money on anything that is good, and for that reason the management that produced “ The Land of Nod ” expended £SOOO on the show before the curtaih went- up the first night. That it was worth the money was'proved by the fact that it ran for 56 weeks in Chicago. “ The Land of Nod ” will be staged at the King’s Theatre, Melbourne, at Christmas, by ‘Mr William Amderson. The Australian production will be in every way as perfect as tho American, for in addition to the principal artists being engaged from the States, one of the best-known producers, Mr Pheul Wilkinson will have charge of the stc^e. If Mr William Anderson had nnv doubts about bis venture. “The Land of Nod.” which is to be produced at the King’s Theatre. Melbourne, at Christmas, they have been set at rest since he has met a number of American professionals who have seen the piece in Chicago. They have all congratulated him on securing such a prize, and predict the success of the season for him. Everybody who has seen it dclaroe that it is the best musical production for many seasons in the United States. As Mr Anderson has secured the services of a large number of American artist*, besides the conductor and producer, there is no reason why the Chicago success should not be repeated in Australia. . . , Joseph Menschen. who conceived the idea of kinematographing “ Tho Miracle the gigantic - picture production of which Mr Beaumont Smith holds the exclusive Australian rights, and which will be produced in Dunedin on a lavish scale, had immense difficulties before him when 1m set out on his task. It took three months’ research and as many months of travelling before he discovered a mediaeval castle and cathedral which satl'fv the great producer. Rheinhardt. Th.cp f-r, the scene alone 880 people had to H- taken to the little village nf Pechtoldsdovf. 3000 ft above »ea-lcvel. _ The members of the company outnumbered the villagers bv throe to one, and th-» actors h’cl to be fed at long tables stretched the mam -trpet. 7 The story of “The Quaker Qirl,” shortly to be produced here ‘-'Vs of Madame Blum seeing the Quaker dres- - in England, -md deciding to make it the Parisian mode. The ticticn of the nlay became dm fact of fashion. The vogue of the Quaker dr css followed close upon the production o : the musl-nl comcdv in I ondon. and before the Australian premier of the piece the costume was already being worn in Sydney. The popularity of the fashion greatly increased in Australia since the production of “ The Quaker Girl so much so indeed that a number of dressmaking establishments in the principal cities immediately applied to the wardrobe mistress attached to the Wil’iamson theatres for the pattern of the collars and bonnets worn bv Miss Blanche Browne. After k very successful inn of “Whose Babv Arc You’” at the Mniestic Then Melbourne Australia, playing to crowded houses every night, the Harry 'Corspn Cl.-"-ke American Comedy Company, owing to the Majestic not being 'large enough, have moved to the Biiou Theatre, where, on Saturday night. October 18, the popular comedian presented his second hill to an overflowing house, manv being turned away. The play was Randolph Hartley’s “What Did Tomkins Do?” Round after round of applause marked »»ch curtain f-M. and Mr Cl»’k. ns on the first night of “Whose Baby Are You?” was forced to meet with the audience’s demand for a speech. The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful—the stage, at the end of the play, looking like a veritable flower garden. During his long and varied career as an actor Mir Roland Conway has rescued—on the etage —many a heroine from a burning building? or from drowning, but he did not realise what the genuine thing meant until he joined the Australian Film Company, as leading roan and producer. He nearly lost his life at Coogee, New South Wales. While supposed to be rescuing a man whoMvas drowning; they were caught by the undertow and carried out. The operator did not see their danger for a few seconds, and then he lost no time in securing assistance. Eventually, -thev were rescued. “Never mind,” said

the operator, “I got a grand picture.” He then turned to the head, but found that his machine, with 300 ft of film, had been swept into the sea. Mr Conway had also a number of other exciting experiences, but at thetermination of the 12 months’ engagement he was very glad tog accept aA engagement with Mr William Anderson, and he is now playing in “The Confession” at the King’s Theatre. Enrico Caruso, the great Italian tenor, who has often been compared to John M’Cormack, occasionally, to his own disadvantage, is one of the Irishman’s greatest friends and admirers. Unlike some opera stars who could be named, he evinces no feeling of envy towards his rival, for he has been noticed as an unobtrusive member of. M’Cormack’e audiences more than once, and has been seen to join as heartily in the applause as anybody present. A little while ago, when Ireland's magical singer was appearing at the Carnegie Hall, New York, there was no more enthusiastic spectator than. Italy’s renowned tenore robusto. And after John M’Cormack had sung “Ah, moon of my delight,” from Liza Lehmann’s “Persian Garden,” in his own Inimitable fashion, Cartfso was heard to say to a friend. “I would give all my fame as an operatic artist to sing that song as ray friend with the lovely voice sings it.” M’Cormack has never yet received such a tribute to his powers, and. naturally, treasures it mightily. Management has its drawbacks as well as its compensations, Mr Temple Harrison has found to his cost. He is now a member of the William Anderson Company, which is producing the “Confession” at the King’s Theatre. Melbourne. He was formerly a partner of Mr George Marlow, and they took a company on tour in, the Western Districts of New South Wales. At Dubbo their first night house was very poor, but several large parties were arranged for the second night, and they looked forward to recouping their loss. When their patrons were on their way to the theatre a large fire broke out in the town, and all. the playgoers ran to the scene. Mr Harrison and his partner also joined the firefighters, and did not leave until it was thought that the outbreak was well under control. The crow:d was deserting the fire to go to the theatre,_ when a strong wind sprang up, and carried the flames across the street. The fire was worse than ever, and as no one came* to the theatre, Mr Harrison closed the building, and once more assisted the firemen. Many amazing productions have been witnessed at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, of recent years, but it is doubtful if anything quite eo startling 'in the way of a melodrama as “Queen of the White Slaves” has previously come to pass. This play was staged for the first time in Melbourne, in the presence of a crowded audience, on October 11, and a number even of those who have become accustomed to the absurdities of such pieces as “A Girl’s Temptation,” and “Married to the Wrong Man,” were inclined to be staggered by the astonishing succession of weird sensations which make up the drama. The plot deals with the capture of a white girl by a Chinese prince. She is entrapped in San Francisco, and taken on the - Prince’s private yacht to China, where she is to become a member of the Prince’s harem Miss Nellie Ferguson is the kidnapped maiden. Mr Herbert Leigh, the illustrious Chinaman. Mr Cyril Mackay, a brave detective, and Mr Hilliard * Vox, a bold, bad villain. The Royal Banzai Family introduced into the play give an exceedingly clever acrobatic turn. A I hi.lHii 104 liM- WIIISIM’KS By Petek Pan. October 24. Dear “Pasquin,”—The “Po-Peep” Pantomime Company had a splendid, thopgh short, season at the Opera House. The company is now touring the provincial towns, and Mr Stephenson, telegraphs me that at Hastings money had to be refused bo.h nights. The company is now at Gisborne. It will probably play a return season in the new Opera House on its return to Wellington in January. The wonderful Genee opens to-morrow night. The success of the season is assured, Hbe box plans for every night being one big blob of blue. You should see Frank, Talbot's face! Genee put up a record at Napier the other night. To-night she is playing at Mastcrton. So pleased are the amateurs who staged the “Private Secretary” hero with the success scored, that they will play it at Greytown »rd other places at Christinas and New’ Year. Spitiio-o progress has been made in the rehearsals of “The Geisha” by the Wellington Operatic Society. Tom Pollard is due next week to put on the finishing touches. M.4i>4!tli: CUItA 111 IT. After an interval of nearly six years Madame Clara "Butt and Mr Kennerley Rumford renewed acquaintance with a Dunedin audience at the Garr.son Hall on the 2/th inst. Madame Clara Butt, it may be assumed, is now at the very heyday and zenith of her vocal attainment. Her art—and ehe is without doubt an artist of the first rank —appears to have gained in resource and depth during the last few years. For her choice of songs Madame Butt deserved the gratitude of her audience. In the matter of programme composition .the series ot concerts promises uncommonly well, judging by the initial venture. For her opening contributions Madame Butt resorted judiciously to one of the old masters of song whose operatic airs are now too seldom heard. When the applause attending her first appearance had subsided, she began the recitative to Handel’s famous air, “ Rcndi’l Sereno,” from the opera '■ Sosanne.” Sweetness and breadth of treatment characterised the whole excerpt, being especially noticeable in the rendering of the noble'melody of the aria. The pianissimo repetition of the theme was to a degree refined and effective. The second aria. “ Lusinghc Piu Care.” from the same composer s opera Allcsandro, is an extremely exacting number, demanding a mezzo ~ voice ol unusual flexibility and raijtre. This proved to be one of the great achievements of the concert. Madamo Butt’s rendering was a convincing revelation of brilliant executive facility in sustained vocal flights, and the impassioned climax was given with splendid declamatory effect. In her first group of solos the singer included also Schubert's “ Der Wanderer,” a number which it is rather a new experience to hear from a contralto. The experience was on this occasion, however, uncommonly welcome. Thb range of the contralto’s voice was admirably demonstrated in a song in the higher and more animated portions of which her brilliant mezzo-soprano tones found most effective expression, while her - descent tc the lower extremity of her vocal register produced a telling finish. As a recall number

the vocalist gave Ckamenade’s “ Silver Ring.” Madame Butt’s subsequent contributions comprised a group of modern songs. In Graham Peel’s “ Earlv Morning” the singer scored heavily in melqdious measured strains, which contrasted with the vivacity of Debussy’s more familiar ‘ Mandoline,’’ which followed. In “ Fairy Pipefe ’’ she introduced a joyous little ballad full of delightful mental and vocal excursions, and without any conspicuous effort at subtlety contrived well to convey the suitable impression attendant on “ Airy Fairy Pipers Underneath the Silver Moon.” In the opinion of many present Madame Butt’s most notable achievement was possibly the new ballad by Raymond Loughborough, entitled “ W omen of Inver.” As interpreted by Madame Butt this is certainly a very fine number. It deals, like the familiar “ Three Fishers,’ with the sorrows of the wives whose fears go seaward. The song afforded the contralto some great opportunities for utilising her exceptional voice ijQ the expression of vehement agonised utterance, and in such dramatic lines as “ Women of Inver—the night is long “ When the death wind howls an the tide runs strong.” The interpretation throughout was convincingly powerful and expressive. In response to a demonstrative recall Madame Butt gave a dainty ballad on a subject very popular w*th song-writers, and in lieu of the duet which was included on the programme, contributed ‘‘Annie Laurie ” in a manner that disarmed criticism of the choice of song. *' Mr Kennerley Rumford, who, on a previous occasion won popularity as a thoroughly artistic baritone and singer of songs worth singing, had a very cordial reception last evening, but was vocally unable, unfortunately, to do himself justice owing to the adverse influence of a cold. This affected Mr Rumford’s singing more noticeably in the second part of the programme, and led to the abandonment o the duet as mentioned. 'The baritone fulfilled, however, his other programme engagements. and introduced some welcome numbers. His rendering of Verborgenheit >r (VVollF) characterised by marked sympathy and refinement, and Mr Rurnford’s admirable methods were m a contrasting manner also very agreeably manifested in “ Der Gartner, a very charming little ballad by the same composer. The succeeding number, Grieg s “ Zur Johannisnacht,” is of the type of son"- in which Mr Rumford excels, and" in spite of handicap he imparted much agreeable buoyancy end jollity to this felicitous compostion The baritone’s subsequent contributions were “Silent Noon” (Vaughan Williams) and “When Childher Play and The Jocund Dance” by Walford Davies ihe company which is associated with Madame Clara Butt includes also Mr Wilhani Murdoch, pianist, and Mr Mowat Carter, violin st. Mr Murdoch will be remembered as having appeared here , fairly recently with Madame Kirkby Limn. He is an interesting and temperamental player with an apparent disposition to go somewhat off the beaten track in his choice of contributions. His programme numbers wore Debussy’s “ Minstrels,” “La Cathedral Engloutic,” Rubinstein’s “Barcarolle in F vii.iuv,” and Liszt’s “Concert Study in D Flat.” With Mr Carter he also shared the honours of the performance of a movement from Grieg’s G Major Sonata. Mr Mowat Carter is a violinist of skill and reftfiement and is successful in ‘securing a full end agreeable tone. His rendering of the “Polonaise” by Yieuxtcmps was hailed by, the audience as a particularly meritorious ifT lint equally good was the “ Preisloid ” (Wagner—Wilhelmj). There remains to bo mentioned Mr Harold Craxton, who discharges the sufficiently onerous duties of accompanist with sympathy and skill. gkaxh 01*1:11.4. QUINLAN COMPANY’S VISIT. (From Our Own Correspondent ) SYDNEY, October 18. The Quinlan Opera Company is to give a season in Auckland early in December. No other New Zealand centres will be visited. The company will leave Sydney by the Riverina on December 3, and open at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday, December 8, taking their departure from Auckland by the Makura for Vancouver on December 19. There are 176 people in the company, which carries 475 tons of registered baggage. When the company leaves Sydney 1200 performances wll have been given in four continents. The scheme of operations of the company now embraces the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the United States. In the course of an interview with the Sydney representative of the Otago Daily Times” yesterday Mr Quinlan said he had definitely decided to give a season in Auckland, but it would not be possible to visit any other New Zealand centre this time, as the dates booked in Canada and the Unite! States would not allow of any extension of the tour. The visit to Auckland was in the nature of an experiment, and if it was attended with the success ho .hoped he” would certainly include the four centres in his next itinerary. “ I am going to rely on the sporting instincts of the Auckland people,” he said, “ to give this enterprise the support necessary to make it a financial success. It is a tremendously expensive business to take a grand opera company round the world. Our ocean and railway transportation charges run to £30,1/00 altogether ; I must clear £150,000 before I begin to make a penny of profit. So you see what big risks are involved. “I am giving eight or 10 night ‘performances and one matinee in Auckland, and the expenses will not be met by the takings of such a small theatre as His Majesty’s unless it is packed to its utmost capacity at each performance. The visit of the company will be the greatest theatrical event in the history of New Zealand. The standard works of operatic l.terature will bo presented as they never have been in New Zealand before and as only a company like this can present them by -reason of our continually playing them. The whole of my forces will be employed. What should be a revelation to music-lovers will bo The 1 wonderful orchestra, which has now be-, come world-famous.

KING’S THEATRE.

A holiday audience greeted the performers at the Dowling street vaudeville theatre on the 27th, every seat being occupied, and many having to ' stand. The programme C resented, too, was fully worthy of the ig house, and contained plenty of variety. Esmeralda, who is entitled the “.Queen of the Xylophone,” made a first appearance, and quickly demonstrated that she has a considerable claim to the title. Both highclass and ragtime music was given in most artistic fashion, and, furthermore, as the two small stides flew over the instrument, it was easily borne in on the audience that the quickness of the hand can deceive the eye. Esmeralda met with immediate success, and wa- recalled three times, and oven then tlie audience was loth to part with her. Perhaps the most popular turn of the evening, however, was given by Miss Jessie Wilton, who was also making her first appearance in Dunedin. This lady has a fine stage presence, and a voice ot more than average quality. She knows how to suit the action to the word, and has the art of mimicry in no small degree. Her songs are well selected and have point, and she has the verve and ability to sing them. It is certainly some time since a comedienne of the higii calibre of Miss Wilton has been seen at the King’s. Albert and Rogclla and Neil Cant were the other new artists to make an initial bow at the King’s. The former present a turn entirely new hero. Two midgets are placed in front of a small screen; the heads of the performers are thrust through a screen, and take the place of those of the midgets, but the bodies of the latter are manipulated bv a mechanical apparatus. The two midgets, under the control of able guiding hands, contribute sc vend 'break-downs, while Albert and Rogclla themselves contribute the vocal items. Altogether the turn is a most amusing and novel one. Neil Cant, dressed in Highland costume, rendered several songs racy of the Scottish soil in rollicking style, and also showed that he’is no mean exponent of the art of heel and toe. The new artists form a strong combination m themselves, but mention should also ho made of the artists remaining from last week. Zif wields a particularly clever and facile charcoal pencil, and his sketches are executed with wonderful rapidity. His “conversation,” too, as the works grow beneath his hand, is of a very humorous nature. Conway and Sinnott present a good juggling turn, the Lyrical Four contribute some concerted numbers, solos, and trios in very pleasing fashion, and Miss Olga Pennington proves as popular as ever in her numbers. A couple of good biograph pictures complete a programme of all-round rirerit. HAYWARD’S PICTURES. There is plenty of variety in the most recent addition to tiro long list of changes of programme' made at Hay ward’s picture exhibitions, but there is one film that stands out prominently, more on account of the magnitude of the work and the matter dealt with than for any other reasons. “Ivanhoe” was, along with a number of other pictures, presented for the first time at “The Octagon” on the 27th, and it has to be admitted that an exceedingly difficult subject bad been well handled by all concerned in its transference to the kinematograph screen. There must have been hundreds engaged in its production, and the scenes in connection w-ith which Ivanhoe plays such a leading part are simply wonderfully put on. As a picture, however, '* Ivanhoe' - .s excellent, as a puce of acting it is exceptionally good, the scenery is very fine indeed, and the difficulties attending such a presentation have been wonderfully well met. If there is any. fault about it the fault cannot be found anywhere but in its construction, and in such limited space possibly'the best result obtainable has been achieved. The interest is fully maintained all through the three-quarters of an hour or so that the picture claim- attent.on, and the stirring events are depicted in bo realistic a manner that they canpot very well fail to make a strong impression upon the spectator. It would not bo an easy matter for anyone to view them with calm indifference. “Ivanhoe,” even though it may have some little drawbacks, is certainly well worth seeing. remainder of 'the pictures are quite up to standard. There is a most interesting and instructive picture of the sugar-cane industry, a more .than usually attractive number of the Pathe Gazette, a drama in which a foolish young man steals his sweetheart’s necklace, goes away to the war in disgrace, returns a hero, and has his pilfering propensities overlooked ; a capital natural history film showing the habits of the otter; and several anlusing pictures which agreeably enliven the evening. FULLERS’ PICTURES. A large holiday audience assembled at the comfortable and attractive Princess i iieatre on the 27th on the occasion of the initial screening of the new series of films, which is to form the entertainment for the current week. The most interesting of the dramatic studies included in the programme is that entitled “The Law and the Outlaw,” which is sure to prove exceedingly popular, combining us it does the merits of a dramatic, scenic, and industrial-film. The scenes am laid in the Western States of America, and introduce plcntv of daring and skilful horsemanship and "other features which have never tailed to make an irresistible appeal to lovers of sensational picture drama. '1 he picture enthralled the attention of the audience from beg nn ng to end, and was evidently much appreciated. “The Heart of Mrs Robbins” is an excellent Vitagraph drama, in which a small boy plays the chief part. The beauties of St. Jean do Luc. a town on the Bay of Biscay, are depicted in a fine series of views by the Pathe Company, The Gaumor.t Graphic is a very interesting number, including, among other views, a French aviator’s sensational leap from an aeroplane 900 ft in the air, and his descent by li parachute. The Gaumoirt Company also contributes some instructive views of the French naval manoeuvres in the Mediterranean. The comic clement is well represented in “ Father’s Choice,” “ Percy’s Wooing,” and “ Kate, the Cop.” As usual, the music provided by the orchestra was most enjoyable. A particularly good rendering of the overture “The Return of the Scouts ” was kiven. TOKENS OF UI| APPRECIATION. DISGRACEFUL SCENES IN A THEATRE. An extraordinary state of. affairs at a place of entertainment in Devonport is reported by the Auckland Star. It eaj* tihat the showering of' cabbages, bananas, cauliflowers, potatoes, turnips, and orange pools on the stage of "Victoria Theatre, Devonport, on September..3o, by five youths, pro- • ■ v>, • ■ he/ ' *’ . r - S. •• / '

yoked to theifc tangible offerings of unappreciation by the etibrts of budding artiste in an amateur singing competition, formed the basis of a charge'at the Police Court on the 13th. The lads denied the charge of having thrown missiles “ to the danger of property and the danger of persons.” Constable M’Carthy, in cross-examination bv Mr J. R. Lundon. said that these “ attentions ” were coming from all parts of the house —upstairs and downstairs, and from ladies. The witness could not say what brand of unappreciation was launched by each individual defendant, but he saw all the defendants there throwing the tokens generally named, and he saw some of them gathering the things up to throw again. —George Oroll, who was charged with, and admitted, casting throw-downs on the stage on the same * occasion, said that he was among a gang of 20 or 30 youths who went to the theatre with the intention of having a bit of sport with the singers. These latter had told them they expected sport, and they got it. He saw the things thrown, but had no desire to mention names; the other defendants were not with him, and he didn’t see them throwing missiles. —The defendants denied throwing anything, and incidentally they , said that the downstairs patrons were searched at the , door as they wept into the show 1 One lad said he saw a dress circle patron “.square ” the doorkeeper -with an orange, and he thought that most of the bouquets of unappreciation came from the aristoevatio quarter of the house, —Mr F. Y. Fraser, S.M., said that it seemed d sgracoful that a whole audience should go to a place of entertainment armed with the equipment of a Chinaman’s shop. Still, the matter was a comparatively trivial one, so far as the boys wore concerned, for he was convinced they were in it, and they would be convicted and ordered to pay the coets, which amounted to 4s each.