OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 166, 28 September 1893, Page 3

OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

(from our own correspondent.) September 14. The principal performer of the New Opera Company of Italians, on the opening night, did not feel ‘ up to Dick.’ The result was that the Princess Theatre was closed on the second night, which, by the way, should mean a big loss for Williamson and Musgrove. The Charlie Taylor Carrington Company, after doing well at the Melbourne Royal, are now in their last nights, having ‘ to get’ to the country for fixtures ahead in the shape of show nights, etc. The news from dramatic companies in the country are not bright. The nights are, and this is a good thing, for a short time back two companies had actually to walk back by night. By the way, leaving the theatrical business for a moment, a fight takes place to-night between Peter Newton and Abe Hicken, a couple of retired champions. I’m going, so will be able to send you a complete account of it in the morning—(if I’m sober). You knew Teddy Ryan (late of Bland Holt’s Company), didn’t you. Well tell ‘ the boys’ down you’re way that his widow is in want, and is about to be tendered a benefit shortly. Teddy was a good fellow at heart, and many theatricals now in New Zealand will, I am sure, be only too willing to assist with a small subscription. Take charge of anything, the smallest subscriptions, &c., and send them along to your humble servant, when they will be gratefully acknowledged in the Auckland Sporting Review, the Melbourne Punch, Lorgnette, &c. About Miss Diana Bloustein. I am right; she does have a testimonial, and as stated in your paper recently, will appear as Pauline in the ‘ Lady of Lyons.’ A Miss Beatrice Oxford has arrived in Melbourne, and is well spoken of. She opens with the Miss Juno Company here at the Royal on the 30th. When Bland Holt, his pretty wife, and manager Harry Norman come along you’re way remember me kindly to them. Tell that "prince of good fellows, Harry Norman, to take up a subscription list on behalf of Teddy Ryan’s widow, hand it round the company, and I know they will willingly contribute their little mite. If you ask Charlie Holloway to go and do likewise a liberal response will follow. Good fellow, Charlie. Dick Stewart the younger, and wife, Connie Deorwyn, are still disengaged in Me’bourne.

George Coppin ‘ put in a word’ for Walter Bentley in connection with the latter joining Miss Eloise Juno for the Australian farewell. It didn’t come off. George Darrell has postponed his departure, and has returned from Sydney to Melbourne, presumably with a view of doing business with Mr Hall and Miss Juno. Don’t think this will come off, either. Courteneidge and Cathcart are doing excellent work in the provinces. Did you ever meet them ? Two of the best and most straightforward men in the profession.

Alfred Dampier is still in Sydney showing, his thoughts turned South Africa wards.

Utting, the Melbourne journalist and dramatic writer, has bumped up against trouble in Sydney, where, with ‘ White Slaves,’ he opened to eleven pounds. Some of the company, including the New Zealand actor Hesford, are on their way back here. More than one of the artists had to sleep in the theatre. Harry Rickards is doing quite a phenomenal business in Sydney. More than he does in Melbourne. Joe Davis is appearing at the Melbourne Music Hall. He’ll appear again to-night and every evening until further notice. That is, of course, provided he is not waylaid and murdered in the meantime. Phil Stuart, managing for the Waxworks, is now on the road ahead of a big concert company. Jinkins is here doing nothing. Ridgeway, the bill poster, is doing good work just now. Charlie is a popular man. Sunday shows all the go— ‘ collection,’ vide play bills. Oh I by the way, the Melbourne Amateur Banjo Club, lately formed here, has made great progress under its musical director, Mr W. E. Adams, the well-known banjoist. A smoke night recently given by the club was an immense success, Mr Adams being congratulated on all sides for the brilliant efforts of The club

now numbers some twenty performing members, including a number of ladies, and judging from its highly efficient state, it has a great future in front of it. The Flat.