THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 389, 6 January 1898, Page 14

THE STAGE

Orpheus.]

[By

City Hall: Mb Wybert Reeve’s Cinematographe.—This, the original instrument manufactured by the Lumiere Brothers, of Lyons, still holds its own with the numerous rivals of later birth. Its strong points are clearness of definition, freedom from vibration, and a very correct tempo in pace of movement. Among many splendid pictures I will mention “ The Express Arriving at Boulogne,” “ The Exchange at Marseilles,” “ Pulling Down a Wall” (in which the working of a screw-jack and the ultimate collapse of the wall in a cloud of dust are most effective), “ Monsieur Trewy, Plate-spinning,” “ French Infantry on the March,” “Prussian Dragoons Exercising and Jumping Hurdles,” “ Pussy’s Dinner” (one of the most perfect pictures ever shown, in which three fine cats beg for food, each in turn receiving bits of meat on a fork), a good picture of the famous horse Newbaven, a very funny “Practical Joke” (in which the “biter is bit,”) etc., etc. The Queen’s Jubilee pictures are also excellent. Mr Wybert Reeve’s recitations are most artistically delivered to a really clever piano

accompaniment by Miss Hope Nation, who also sings fine contralto songs, such as “ The Forge,” introducing Handel’s Harmonious Blacksmith with a splendid pictoral illustration. Mr Higgott’s fine basso-cantante voice does full justice to songs such as “The Old Brigade,” etc., etc. Mrs Gallaugher, who plays the overtures and incidental music is an accomplished pianist, while Mr Wybert Reeve makes a splendid lecturer. At the Agricultural Hal), newly fitted with a neat little stage and comfortably seated, another splendid Kinematograph has just completed a prosperous season. Without making invidious comparisons between the Christchurch Company’s instrument and the Lumiere, I will bracket them equal as the best ever seen in Auckland. The Record Reign pictures are magnificently shown, but perhaps the most striking novelties are the magic performances of a Parisian Carl Hertz in “The Wizard’s Chamber,” "“The Haunted Chamber,” and “ Faust Up-to-Date,” in which the most marvellous changes of dress and persons are instantaneously accomplished. Mr Mackenzie, the fine Scottish baritone, not only sings capital songs, but explains the pictures in humorous and effective style. Miss Jessie Glover recites very effectively, her rendering of “Battle Aex Steeplechase” arousing great enthusiasm. The company has left on a country tour through the Waikato and goldfield’s districts, where“Orpheus'’ trusts a well-merited harvest will be reaped.

Opera House: Bland Holt: “In Sight of St. Paul’s.” —On Friday evening, before a tremendous house, Mr Sutton Vane’s splendid: spectacular melodrama was staged with brilliant ucces.-. The plot is straightforward, and, cte-

pending upon the ordinary resources of such plays, needs no detailed explanation. The shady side of London fast life, the sin of a younger brother, the noble self-sacrifice of an elder one to shield the criminal, the lures and vindictiveness of an unscrupulous villain and an utterly abandoned adventuress, and the sublime courage of a devoted girl form the chief elements of the action which never flags throughout. In scenic display Mr John Brunton scores a complete triumph with a series of magnificent sets. It would be vain to attempt a description of “ The Roof .Garden,” with its striking panoramic view of London ; “ Tower Bridge,” “ The Panther’s Villa,” and the exterior and interior views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Word - painting fails ignominiously to give even a faint idea of what clevei’ Mr Brunton achieves with his facile brush. This splendid work, too, is enhanced by original and striking stage effects, as, for example, the realistic fire in the Panther’s Den, and the march of clergy and choristers to a processional hymn in the cathedral. The street scenes, with real hansom cabs, ’buses, etc., etc., are portrayed with Mr Holt’s famous attention to detail. Mr Percy Kehoe and his picked orchestra render delightful musical selections, the title overture being composed by the conductor, and containing solos for the double bass and violins, brilliantly executed by Messrs Thos. Phillips and Edwin Rawlings, the talented leader. To hear Mr Phillips play a hornpipe on his giant baby recalls memories of Bottesini, while Mr E. Phillips proves himself an accomplished cornet soloist. Now to take the characters in programme order. Miss Elizabeth Watson as Cynthia, the Panther, plays a re-

pulsive but powerful role with consistent success, the blending of scornful sarcasm and violent temper with seductive blandishments being truly artistic. Mies Frances Ross again proves herself a finished actress in the sympathetic and congenial role of Aileen Miller, the quarrel and dual scene in which she shares with Miss Watson and Miss Fitzmaurice Gill (Beatrice Morland) the glory of a powerful and exciting episode, being a splendid bit of work. I t would indeed be difficult to cast the three roles better, with the whole professional world to choose from. Mrs Bland Holt’s Becky Vetch, “ The Canary,” is simply delicious in light and delicate touches of gay humour and sparkling vivacity. Her very laugh is irresistible and contagious. Minor ladies parts are very well filled by the Misses Adela Kerr, Flora Anstead, Lawton, Ella Ashmond, Lucy Coppin (who makes a charming page), Brightie, and Leslie Smith. The brothers Chichester are safe in the hands of Messrs W. E Baker and John Cosgrove. The former plays the manly and brave Tom, who suffers heroically for the take of his weak and eiring brother Harry, while the latter hits off Harry’s selfish obstinacy to a tee. Mr Albert Norman’s Cap tain Gridston is a masterpiece of consistent acting, his villainy being redeemed by artistic touches of nature Mr Chichester is of course perfect in the hands of Mr Corlesse, that accomplished player of old men’s roles. As Robert Treacher, the bad Old Bailey attorney, Mr Charles Brown is. inimitable—fun, vulgarity, and shyness making a splendid bit of character work. Mr J. Montgomery is powerful and natural as the Panther’s husband, the ex convict Messrs Harford, Kemp, Carr, Wheeler, Scarlett, Bunton, Harry Norman, and Hicky make the

most of smaller parts. Last, but not least, comes Mr Bland Holt—first as an independent waiter, and next, having “ sacked ” himself, as the perfect Cockney cabby, Jim Palfrey. Bis make up, antics, quaint and original quips and characteristic love scenes with Becky Vetch simply demoralize the audience. Hie desire to “get hold of one of them virgins ” (meaning vergers), his desire for speedy matrimony to e cape “sleeping in his cab in this frosty weather,” his dread of his bedroom being made a receptacle for ladies’ wraps, his bellicose shaping at Air Treacher, and

his characterising Becky, who “ pAts up her dukes ” as “ Mrs Fitzsimmons,” are juA{ a few of his palpable hits. One of the author’s best points occurs when Gillie Fletcher (Mr Halford) calls Eileen (Miss Ross) a “ brick,” wherehppn the lady replies that she is only “common clay,”-, to which the young barrister adds the clincher, “ Common clay or not, that is the stuff that angels are made of.” Space forbids me to give other brilliants duly noted. “ The Derby Winner ” will follow “ In Sight of St Paul’s.’