Amusements.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1899, 3 February 1875, Page 2

Amusements.

ACADEMY OF MUBIC. This evening at the abore place of amusement will be given an entertainment in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Benevolent Society. On this account alone it should enlist a general sympathy and support, but it may be mentioned that the performance will be given by amateurs who have previously distinguished themselves, which also should be an inducement to the public to patronise. These lady and gentlemen amateurs have twice before mad? an appearance, and with success.. They..... do not appear to have, chosen any particular ; name for themselves, but they are none the less good on that account. For representation they wisely nelecfc farces and burlesque, as being more within their scope, and calculated to be more acceptable to their friends, than pieces of a heavy character. The programme for to-night comprises the farce of " Wilful Murder," a musical melange, in which a new local song "Now that the shooting is over," will be sung, and the amusing burlesque of " The Babes in the Wood." The performance will be under distinguished patronage, and a crowded house is expected. The object is certainly a deserving one, and the amateurs are well worth seeing and hearing. THEATItE BOTAL. ■ The Theatrical Company made their, second appearance last evening, in a! stirrring drama entitled ' * Led Astray," in: which the full strength of the company was engaged. The piece is full of good situations, and possesses a running interest, which increases as the plot is developed.; The principal, characters were sustained by Miss Amy Stone and Miss Clara Stephenson, who were very well supported. This company, though their advertised stay amongst us is to be but short, might find it an advantage to have some soft of programme by which those who: attend ;the theatre and others interested, such as reporters, might be enabled to obtain an idea as to which particular member of the troupe, nameably, is enacting this or that part. Miss Clara Stephenson's abilities are so well known in J>ew Zealand! and fully acknowledged' on the Thames, that no special words of commendation is here needed. It is sincerely to be hoped that lovers of the legi-! timate drama on the Thames will be' afforded an opportunity of witnessing ■ i Miss Stephenson in one of those char-; acters that are her specialty, and in which her high-class talent as a star actress appears so forcibly. M||s Amy Stone appeared to as great advantage in the Character of Lady Chandoce as in that of Cigarette, the darling of the regiment, and confirms the opinion previously . formed aiid expressed that she; is a most versatile and talented lady. Mr Aveltng—a young actor, whose career has been confined to the Co-' lony of New Zealand—may be congratulated on a striking improvement; observable in his acting. Mr Aveling will rise much, higher in his profession, if any judgment may be formed from the: progress he has made during the last three years. The other members of the troupe ire by no means of an^ inferior order of players. To-night will be produced "The Sea of Ice "—-a sensational drama, in which Miss Clara Stephenson appeared to advantage on the Thames about two years ago. Miss Amy Stone will perform the parts of Louise de Lascours and Ogarita. Such an announcement should in itself be sufficient to secure a good attendance.