THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 836, 15 March 1906, Page 18

THE STAGE

(By

“Footlight.”)

H4S MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“THE ROSE OF THE RIVIERA.”

This popular musical comedy held the boards for the latter part of last week, and was also repeated on Monday. It went with all its old swing, the comic portions causing much merriment, while many of the songs were nightly encored. Miss May Beatty again scored in the pretty song “Egypt,” with its plaintive refrain, and her other numbers were well received. Mr. Lauri proved, as usual, a host in himself, loyal assistance being rendered by Miss McNaughton, the Bovis Brothers, and others of the company, while a very special feature was the excellence of the dancing. f “A.MOORISH MAID.” On account of “A Moorish Maid” having been written and composed by two local men, it created quite a sensation when first produced in Auckland by an amateur company last year. Much curiosity was therefore aroused when it was known that the Stephenson Comedy Company intended staging the piece, and among the large audience on Tuesday evening were many members of the original cast. When first the opera was seen here it suffered greatly from the fact that the notices in the daily papers were absurdly fulsome in their praise, the writers being doubtless imbued with the laudable idea that as the piece was the work of a local pressman it would be a kindly act to give it a good send-off. As a result, play-goers were led to expect that they were about to witness one of the operas of the age, and were accordingly somewhat disappointed, for although there was a great deal of merit in it the faults were there also. For the present production “the book” has been largely re-written and brightened up, but even now is susceptible of considerable improvement. The main fault is that the music is far too good for the play, and is more in the nature of grand opera. There arc too many solos and duets of the serious order, and these follow each other in quick succession, whereas an all-round improvement would be effected if one or two were deleted, and others in lighter vein introduced for the sake of brightening the piece. In brief, the main fault to be found with ‘ The Moorish Maid” as a comic opera is that it is so rarely comic. At the same time there is very much fo admire, several of the solos being really beautiful, while the choruses in more than one instance compel the highest admiration. Mr. Edward Lauri essayed the role of Gastro, and while he was on the stage the laughter was continuous. His makeup was exceedingly humorous, especially so in the second act, while his fun-making efforts were of the most spontaneous description, and were keenly appreciated by the audience, whose chief regret was that Gastro wfas not on the stage all the time. The advent of Miss Rosina Buckmann was awaited with keen interest, which scon changed to warm appreciation. Her first success was made in the pretty ballad “Loverland,” while all through her performance was excellent. The beauti-fully-rendered “See O’er the Mountain,” perhaps, drew forth the greatest applause, and at its close Miss Buckmann was the recipient of some beautiful bouquets. The Prince Omar of Mr. Leslie Hill was about a< little like what the author doubtless intended as it could possibly be, but his singing greatly compensated for the other deficiencies. Miss May Garstang was the Moorish maid, acquitting herself very pleasingly. Miss May Beatty had very little to do as May, the leader of the hockey team, but made the most of every point. Miss Mabelle Morgan was heard to good advantage in the songs allotted to the Princess. Mr. Charles McNaughton was the Divorcer-General, but even he could not make anything exceptionally humorous of the part. Mr. Harold Reeves acquitted himself splendidly as Elferino, the lieutenant of the Riffians, his fine voice being heard to excellent effect in ‘A Brigand of High Degree,” which was deservedly encored. Fresh parts had been written for the Bovis Brothers, and they did their utmost towards promoting the hilarity of the evening, although it was not quite obvious what connection there was between them and the rest of the

characters. The dance of the hockey girls was very greatly admired, and materially helped towards the enjoyment of the audience. The piece was well staged, the costumes being excellent, while the .orchestra, although too loud at times, did splendid work under the baton of Mr. Alfred Hill, the composer. The production, as a whole, must be summed up as a decided success, and it should on no account be missed. THE MACMAHON DRAMATIC CO. Next Monday the popular MacMahon Dramatic Company will make a re-ap-pearance in Auckland, when, by arrangement with Mr. J. C. Williamson, the stirring military pl a y> “Human Nature,” will be staged at His Majesty’s Theatre. This fine drama, written by G. R. Sims and Henry Pettit, was one of the greatest Adelphi successes, the reason of this being that there is a very interesting plot, while the strong leaven of the military element appeals greatly to the great majority of audiences. The piece has been a great success in the South, where packed audiences have been the invariable rule. Mr. Tom Pollard and a strong staff are already in Auckland making arrangements for staging the piece on a great scale. Very especial pains are being taken with the great battle scene in the Soudan, which is said to be particularly realistic. As popular pieces only will be staged there is certain to be a bumper house when the curtain rises on Monday evening. OPERA HOUSE. FULLER’S ENTERTAINERS. The Opera House was well patronised on Monday evening, when a very good programme was presented. The setting for the first scene was as before, “High Life on the Quarter-deck,” and the nautical accessories pleased the audience immensely. Frank Crowther’s orchestra

opened with a bright little overture, “Jolly Blacksmiths,” and then the company sang sea chanties, and danced hornpipes gaily until, carried away by the realism of Mr. Hutchison’s painting, they at last succumbed to the rolling of the waves. Presently the good ship Opera House struck a smooth patch of water, enabling Miss Nellie Power to take the deck in a dainty serio item, “My Mimosa San,” which went well and earned her an encore. She was followed by Miss Kittie Campion, who sang “A Dream of Paradise.” Her voice, though not a strong one, is very clear and sweet, and she was loudly applauded and recalled. As an encore she sang a lullaby, and was again heartily applauded. Mr. Will Stevens next kept the house amused until Miss Viola Price took the boards in a bright little song and dance, “It Must be Love,” which she went through capitally, and which earned her applause and a recall. Mr. Chas. Howard next sang, “The Admiral’s Broom” very finely, putting considerable power and expression into the song, and being loudly applauded and encored. Mr. Lal Logie, who followed him, gave “You Ain’t No Actor,” the song being somewhat spoilt by the vociferous way in which it was sung. Lal Logie has a powerful voice, which would b > heard to better advantage were he to sing a little more quietly. His turn, which is always a good one, also bordered perilously on the vulgar at times. Miss Dorothy L’Estrange next sang “Carmencita” very sweetly, and received hearty applause, and in response to a recall sang “Within a Mile of Edinburgh Town,” her expression and singing being very good. The first part concluded with a clever sketch by the Driscolls, whose dancing was excellent. Part two was commenced with a couple of illustrated songs bv Mr. Chas. Howard, which went well, the pictures being very clear and nicely coloured. “Rollo and Clair,” a c< uple of clever acrobats who followed, gave a very neat exhibition of tumbling.

The elder of the two did some wonderful lifting with his jaws, at one time carrying round a table, the edge of which he held between his teeth. An equally clever feat consisted in lifting his companion from the floor by seizing him by the belt with his teeth. The turn was a notable one, and introduced several new and clever acrobatic feats, for which the two were loudly applauded. Miss Florrie Ranger next came forward in a couple ol new songs that pleased the immensely, and for which she was applauded and recalled. She was followed by the ever-popular Fred Rivenhall, who appeared in a new song, “Are You Asleep,” which proved as good a sketch as this clever artist has yet given us. Two other songs, “I’ve Got the Sack” and “Susie Sue,” followed, and in response to a vociferous demand, “Duty Must Be Done,” a very old favourite with Opera House patrons, was given. Mr. Rivenhall can always rest assured of a warm welcome whenever he cares to return from abroad. Miss Stella Ranger, who has become quite a favourite, sang “The Carnival” very brightly, and in answer to a recall gave “Doris Dear.” She is the possessor of a good voice of considerable richness, and sings her songs clearly and distinctly. The evening’s entertainment concluded with some clever eccentric, sketches by the popular Driscolls, whose work is of the best. Next Saturday Mr. Fuller has several' fresh artists billed to appear, among them being the Brewers, the clever American coons who visited Auckland a short while back.

Mr. Alec .Verne writes me that the dates for Bostock and Wombwell’s Circus and Menagerie are: Oamaru, March 15 and: 16; Waimate, 17th; Timaru, 19th, 20th and 21st; and Ashburton, 22nd and 23rd.. A season will be opened in Christchurch on the 24th, and the show will be at Wellington on April 7th, afterwards working up to Auckland. So far business has been, excellent

During the visit of the MacMahon Dramatic Company to Auckland, ‘The Pointsman,” “Hoodman Blind,” and “The Kelly Gang” will be produced.

Mr. Thomas E. Foster, who for several years was a member of Mr. J. C. Williamson’s staff, is now advance representative for Messrs. Meynell and Gunn’s Strand Farcical Comedy Company.

Pretty little Goldie Collins, recently on the Fuller circuit, is now playing a season at the Temperance Hall, Hobart, under Mr. J. C. Bain’s management.

The eight English Primroses, whose dancing has been so much admired in Australia, will probably visit this colony.

Mr. J. MacMahon is in town again ahead of the company, making arangements for the production of “Human Nature” next Monday.

In the course of conversation with Mr. John F. Sheridan, that gentleman informed “Lorgnette” of the “New Zealand Mail” that since his arrival in New Zealand on the present tour he has “bumped v.p” against quite a lot of trouble. First, Mr. Julian had to go to the hospital, and a few days later one of the mechanists was taken to the same place with threatened appendicitis. Then followed poor Little Gulliver’s death. Then Mr. Sheridan himself had to have an operation performed on his lip. Two of the company were discharged—one for looking in the glass, the other for impudence. To finish up the chapter his dog Bess, who plays an important part in “The Earl and the Girl,” is now in the vet.’s hands, and will have to submit to an operation on one o' its legs. The only thing that has not gone back on him is the box-office receipts — they are keeping up to high-water mark.

At Raurimu, North Island Main Trunk line, the first variety performance was given by the Raurimu Minstrel and Dramatic Club on the 6th inst. (writes a correspondent). There was a bumper house, and the performance was an unqualified success, both financially and otherwise. The performance rather surprised the residents here as regards the high-class talent displayed, and quite a number of the contributors had to respond to encores. Bv special request the programme will be repeated on Saturday next. The promoters and management have the thanks of the residents here for their efforts in providing them with a local dramatic club possessed of such talent.

Earl’s Court in London will be, during the Summer, 1906, the rendezvous of all tourists from the British colonies who visit London, but will not have time to go to the Continent. Why? Because they will see there, and will be able to visit, all the places of amusement with which one generally associates the Continent; and especially Vienna, for they will be able to see this year in connection with the Austrian Industrial Exhibition at Earl’s Court, Austrian restaurants, Viennese coffee-houses, Dreher’s Beer Gardens, theatres with productions by Austrian artists, cafe chantants, Viennese varieties, etc., etc. A Tyrolese village after the style of the Swiss village at the International Exhibition in Paris, 1900, designed by the masterly hand of Kautsky, will

form one of the special attractions of the Exhibition, and the famous . “Wiener Maennergesangsverein” (Viennese Male Choral Society), the best of its kind on the European Continent, and the “Viennese Philharmonic Society,” will afford the English public quite a novel artistic treat. Earl’s Court has been selected for the site of the Exhibition, as being the best place in London for outdoor attractions on Summer evenings. The purpose of the Austrian Industrial Exhibition, which will be under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and bf opened in May, 1906, is to propagate a direct trade between Austria and Great Britain and her dominions. The Exhibition will afford an insight into the manufacture of specific Austrian articles, which are not to any extent manufactured in Ergland, and which hitherto have been exported into England through other channels. The management of the Ex-

hibition will be divided into two committees—viz., the Vienna Executive Committee, with His Excellency Count Auersperg, the Austrian Minister of Commerce, a • honorary president, and an Advisory Committee, of which the Lord Mayor of l.ondon will be the honorary president. The Exhibition will not only be interesting, but highly instructive, for colonial tourists visiting London, and no one going Home who desires to have an insight into Continental customs should miss this splendid opportunity of seeing gay Viennese life transferred into the heart of London.

It is rumoured that Carl Hartz will revisit the colonies. He would be welcome.

The American actor William Collier is to play a season in Australia under Mr. Williamson’s management.

Clement Wragge, the weather prophet, will shortly start on another lecturing tour through the colonies.

The rehearsals of Humphreys’ “The Lady Typist” begin on March 20th. The cast is now full, and the large chorus is being filled up rapidly. Any ladies or gentlemen desirous of being included in the chorus are advised to immediately forward their names to Mr. S. Jackson, musical director, Grafton-road. The scenery is in the hands of Mr. Wm. Diamond and his assistants; the electrical effects are being designed by Mr. C. Crosher. It has been said that all musical plays and musical comedies are similar. Granted ; there may be a similarity in the plot and its construction, but we maintain that Humphreys’ play stands alone in the matter of its mise-en-scene to Act I. A type-writing agency has not been seen on the stage before, and 34 lady and gentlemen clerks, all busy typing at their instruments, the “click-clicking” of the machines, keeping strict time to the music they accompany is, we have no hesitation in saying, quite new. The “book” has been entirely revised and re-written by the author, and has met with warm criticism from well-known professionals. Those gentlemen who have placed their names on the guarantee list should be certain to collect the percentage on the money value of their shares. By the way, Mr. Herbert Flemming is a guarantor for the production.

The position of Mr. Kenningham in respect to the opera “Kismet, or the Cadi’s Daughter” would serve for a comic opera plot itself (says the “Australasian”). The wiiter of the libretto, Mr. J. F. Swanwick, sued Mr. Kenningham in the County Court for damages, owing to his delay in completing the music for the production. The case, however, has been adjourned by consent until August 30, by which time Mr. Kenningham will have to compose the necessary quantity of music or forfeit his £5O and costs. The spectacle of a frenzied composer turning out madrigals and finales with one eye on the clock that threatens his undoing would provide an audience with something to laugh at for 20 minutes. But the part is scarcely in Mr. Kenningham’s line. It ’s better suited to Mr. Lauri.

My Christchurch correspondent writes : —“Czerny,” an up-to-date representative of the Black Art, has been mystifying enormous audiences at Christchurch Theatre Royal during the week. We have had conjurors galore in the Cathedral City during the past few years, but few (1' any) have exhibited Czerny’s dexterity and quickness, to say nothing of his charm of manner and personal magnetism ; in fact, Czerny is a past master of his craft, and performs his illusions so deftly and neatly that he completely baffles ah attempts to tell “how it’s done.” The suspension of a Japanese lady in mid-air recalls the spiritualistic feat called “levi-

tation,” but while the spiritualists claim supernatural agency as the basis of their performance Czerny lets it be plainly understood that his feat is pure illusion, and that anybody could do it—provided they only knew how. It is certainly a surprising exhibition, because after the “subject” reaches a certain altitude the magician passes a hoop around and under her, to show that there are no hidden wires, ropes or other invisible supports. The production of a sweet little cherub (the embodiment of Spring) from an empty cabinet is another very astonishing illusion, and a very pretty one, moreover. And the thought-reading performance is extraordinarily clever and bewildering; in fact, there is not a dull moment from the rise of the curtain to its fall, and the crowded houses nightly sufficiently testify to the surpassing merits of the entertainment. The season closes to-night (Saturday), and might very well have been ex-

tended. By the way, Czerny in private life is Mr. Alf. Lumsden, who hails from life is Mr. Alf. Lumsden, who hails from Victoria, and is well known there in the world of politics. . . . On Monday, the Messrs. Tait open a brief season at the Theatre Royal with “Living London,” concerning which I have already supplied you with some particulars. This show numbers nearly 300 pictures of London and London life, and has just concluded a marvellously succesful season in Dunedin. . . . The Opera House continues to attract the usual packed audiences. No matter what the counter-at-traction may be, or how powerful, “Fuller’s” is invariably well patronised all the time.

Mdlle. Antonio Dolores, the world-famed soprano, is about to visit Australia once more. The coming tour, which will be under the directin of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, will commence in Sydney about the end of August.

The famous violinist, Herr Jan Kubelik, will open his Australian tour in Melbourne in September next. The tour will embrace 30 concerts in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Andrew Black, the eminent English basso, who is coming to Australia for a short tour, under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, is expected to reach MeL bourne on the 20th inst. Mr. Black, who is just in his prime, is regarded as the foremost basso in England at the present day.

Master Taiworth Burder, the Melbourne boy violinist, pianist and composer, who is at present studying and performing in London, has been commanded to play before Her Majesty the Queen.

Lumsden Hare, popular here with the “Sherlock Holmes” Company, is appearing with an organisation which recently revived the evergreen “Charley’s Aunt” at Terry’s Theatre, London.

Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, and the 150th anniversary was commemorated on the 28th January at Queen’s Hall by the London Symphony Orchestra. The programme included the overture to “La Clemenza di Tito,” the first of his operas to be heard in London, where it was produced in 1806 for the benefit of Mrs. Billington ; and the two pianoforte concerto in E flat, the soloists being the Misses Mathilde and Adela Verne.

Mme. Sarah Bernhardt is very particular—not to say fastidious—about the costumes she wears in her plays. During a rehearsal there arrived a beautiful velvet costume, with gold lace and stones. “It is too new!” she exclaimed. An offer to make it old was accepted. So one daubed ; t with paint, another burned it, a third ripped it with his knife. But the actress was not satisfied. Then champagne was thrown over it, and the costume was hung out in the rain. Next day she said, “Ah, now it is exquisite!”

The incidental music in “The Fatal Wedding,” due at the Royal, Melbourne, under the Meynell-Gunn management, is to be a special feature, and was composed for the production. A full choir will sing in the big cathedral scene.

The initial performance of Bernard Shaw’s pugilistic play “Cashel Byron’s Profession,” in New York, was the occasion of a great demonstration Daly’s Theatre, where the production took place, was filled with all the prize-fighters in Eastern States, and ex-champion James J Corbett, who took the part of Cashel Byron, was forced to make a speech at the end of the second act. The critics generally extolled the play as a great success, and expressed gratified surprise at Corbett’s ability as an actor. The “New York Herald” published its criticism in pugilistic language, and stated that Corbett “won in three rounds,” while the “Journal” contained a critical review by “Jack” O’Brien, the middle-weight champion, who recently defeated Fitzsimmons, and is said to be a Philadelphia barrister in private life.

“Peter Quince,” of Melbourne “Punch,’L is not greatly impressed with Hall Caine’s “Prodigal Son.” If Mr. Hall Caine had left the dramatisation of his story to any of the gentlemen named (two or three well-known dramatic authors), any one of them would have evolved a “Prodigal Son” from the indefinite novel. I have not a programme by me as I write, but let me quote from memory the “motifs” that experienced stage-managers like Holt, Bracy, Wallace, could not pass. In the first act of the play one heroic brother gives away his sweetheart—“ The Prodigal Brother.” Whilst the curtain is down after the first act, Oscar and his wife are supposed to be away on their honeymoon,

and in order that Oscar may not feel lonely, the bride takes her sister along with her —“The Prodigal Wife.” In the next act the father of the bridegroom announces his intention of paying a cheque which his son has forged in his name—- “ The Prodigal Father!” The Prodigal Son only comes on in the last act, and then he, so to speak, brings his own fatted calf with him. The repentant sinner has come back to his home in Iceland with an after-date idea of making reparation. But even then he is not the prodigal son, for when he comes home he brings the fatted golden calf with him in the shape of the money to pay off the mortgage upon the farm. An expert dramatist would have varied some of these things in order to make them fit in, and also to make matters work out better in the finale.

In an interesting budget of news from Melbourne, Mr. George Tallis writes that the only consolation offering to Mr. J. C. illiamson in regard to the recent fire which burnt up the scenery and wardrobe of “Princess Ida” on the journey from Launceston to Hobart is the tact that it might have easily been much worse. Indeed, had it not been for the prompt action of Mr. Bracy when he detected a smell of fire and the quick and erergetic efforts of Mr. Major and the male members of the company in unloading the burning truck, it is extremely probable that serious personal injury would have eventuated, to say nothing of a total loss of properties. As it was, things were bad enough. Completely new scenery, dresses and appointments had been prepared for “Princess Ida” for use throughout the tour. These of course have all been destroyed, and the piece had naturally to be withdrawn from the repertoire until such time as the material can be replaced. This, however, will not be long, for as soon as news of the accident reached Sydney Mr. Williamson turned the whole of his wardrobe staff there on to the work of renewal, and before many days the company will again be equipped for the opera. Hobart playgoers, who have just displayed a wonderful amount of enthusiasm in the support accorded to the Gilbert and Sullivan Company, may, while regretting the fact, congratulate themselves that “Princess Ida” was singled out for destruction—for it was the last of the six operas recently voted for, and therefore the piece they least desired to see.

Instances of the thoroughness with which ah details of Mr. Williamson’s management are organised have been numerous of late, and another was supplied by the train fire, which would have had a crushing effect upon an ordinary touring combination. With the Gilbert and Sullivan Company, however, it will make no further difference, and tour and future progtammes will go on as if nothing had happened. The only alteration in plans was the withdrawal of “Princess Ida” from the Hobart programme, and that was manifestly unavoidable.

On Saturday (March 10th) the KnightJeffries Company entered upon the last week of their farewell season at the Palace Theatre, Sydney, where crowded audiences every night have been striving t) show that they are unfeignedly regretful .in that the company, which has always been one of the most popular of Mr. Williamson’s combinations, is so soon to be disbanded. There has been a slight change in the plans of the company, who go from Sydney to Newcastle, instead of to Brisbane, as originally intended, opening in the former on March 17th, and in the latter on March 266th. The absolutely final performances will commence ir. Adelaide on Easter Saturday.

The monologue entertainer, Mr. R. G. Knowles, embarked on a tour of New Zealand at Invercargill on Monday (sth March), and the comedian will remain in the colony until nearly the end of May. He is gradually working North, under the guidance of Mr. Bert Royle.

Mr. Gerald Coventry, the “latest and greatest” of Mr. J. C. Williamson’s stage managers, has already given characteristic proof of his strenuousness and thoroughness. He took over the rehearsals of “Veronique” by the Gilbert and Sullivan Company at the Melbourne Princess, and for three weeks he bent his whole energy all day long to perfecting principals and chorus. Not content with this laying down a solid foundation of success, he traveled over to Tasmania with the company in order to put the finishing touches upon the production, which Mr. Williamson intends to make one of the chief attractions of the New Zealand tour. Mr. Coventry speaks in high praise of the work of the company in the opera, and is convinced that they will render up an excellent account of themselves in Messager’s dainty opera. He returns to Sydney to put the final polish on “The Little Michus,” in which he has already coached the Royal Comic Opera Company, who will produce it when “The Shop Girl” has run its course.

Yet another triumph was scored by the Royal Comic Opera Company in “The Shop Girl,” which was produced by them at Her Majesty’s, Sydney, on the 3rd inst. The piece, one of the first in a long line of musical comedies, is full of bright music, infectious gaiety, bright dresses, and humorous dialogue, and the members of the cast were fitted in every particular to give those agreeable qualities their fullest expression. Miss Florence Young as Bessie Brent, the shop girl, achieved a success every bit as praiseworthy as her

Winnie Harborough—which is saying a good deal. Mr. George Lauri made every point tell in his humorous and clever character touch of Mr. Miggles, shopwalker. A welcome return to active work was made by Mr. John Doran as Charles Appleby, while both Miss Margaret Thomas and Mr. Haigh Jackson found plenty of scope for their vocal powers, and Miss Clara Clifton, Messrs W. 5. Percy and Claude Bantock were all placed in excellent comedy parts. So enthusiastic was the reception accorded *he piece and so eulogistic were the comments passed upon the play by a delighted audience that it is only reasonable to anticipate a long run for it. * * * *

On Saturday (March 3rd) a crowded and thoroughly appreciative audience at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, gave every evidence of their perfect satisfaction with C. M. S. McLellan’s powerful drama “Leah Kleschna.” Miss Tittell Brune herself, who' adorns everything she touches, was most deservedly applauded for her fine interpretation of the girl thief, who breaks away from the old associations of vilainy under the promptings of a man who sees elemental good in every human being. Mr. Roy Redgrave as Kleschna and Mr. Gaston Nervals as Paul Sylvaine both rendered ie: most efficient support—a duty which ndeed was fulfiled also by the whole of the members of Mr. dramatic company who composed the cast.

Mr. Charles MacMahon made good his word regarding his company’s performance of “Called Back,” says the Canterbury Times.” It was thoroughly good, and proved the capabilities of his company to set up a high dramatic standard ; in fact, like the “Kelly Gang,” the piece referred to could have made a longe* stay at the Christchurch Theatre than was allowed ft. The “star” part in “Called Back” was undoubtedly that of Paolo Macari, an Italian spy, and Mr. Charles Berkley gave a convincing and dramatic representation of the character, marked by a specially fine appreciation of its niceties. It was, indeed, quite the most effective performance of the company’s season. Miss Maie Nelson also found her role as Pauline March, her characterisation being marked by a delicacy of feeling which lent special attractiveness to the part. Mr. Charles Blake was a satisfactory Gilbert Vaughan, and Mr. Wilton Power earned even higher commendation as Arthur Kenyon. Mr. J. Lambert, as Dr. Ceneri, had a difficult character to pourtray, but he accepted his responsibilities in a spirit which carried him to the haven of an unqualified success. Of the remaining characters, Miss Mav Glanville’s Mary Vaughan, Mrs. Barry Lane’s Mrs. Sprouts, and Mr. Peter Savieri’s Bates stood out as deserving of special mention.

Bostock and Wombwell’s great menagerie is now in the South Island, but slowly working north. The Melbourne “Argus,” speaking of the entertainment, says:—The Brothers Pastor opened the entertainment with a series of gymnastic feats, throughout the performance of which they played, in perfect tune, duets or. various instruments. Their bellringing and violin playing while turning somersaults was greatly applauded. Three educated and athletic baboons, introduced by Captain Frank Taylor, the managing director, performed wonderful jumping and other feats, and two ladder-climbing dogs established themselves as great favourites with the audience. One of the best items was a boxing contest between a kangaroo and Professor West, the latter of whom suffered what appeared to be severe punishment. The kangaroo used “la savate” very freely, inflicting powerful body blows. The fight was awarded to Professor West, his opponent being disqualified for kicking. A troupe of six Japanese contributed some amazing balancing and other tricks. A diminutive boy was balanced on the feet of a more robust' athlete, whence he was tossed through the air in double somersaults. A Japanese woman did marvellous pedal tricks with a barrel and boxes, and also ascended a rope at a difficult angle, gripping it with her toes. Her slide to earth was watched in breathless silence, followed by hearty plaudits. A very uncanny item was the performance of M. Menier, described as the human ostrich, who ate a candle, coal and fire, afterwards lighting his gaseous breath. Gungli and Dolwi, musical clowns, extracted harmoney ft om various strange instruments, and Signor Bertani climbed unsupported ladders, keeping them upright by constant motion. Poised at the top of a high ladder he juggled with balls, and played a concertina. Jarvis and Campbell contributed an extraordinary and graceful juggling performance, and Will and Tim, cake-walking tramps, excited much merriment with their fantastic tricks and ad-

miration with their cleverness. The concluding item was a performance of four lions in a cage, under the direction of Marco, their trainer.

American files show that a reconciliation has taken place between R. Fitzsimmons, the ex-champion pugilist, and his wife, known on the stage as Julia Gifford. After his defeat by O’Brien, Mrs. Fitzsimmons left her husband, according to his suspicion, with Major Miler, a millionaire connected with the Standard Oil Company. He threatened divorce, but it seems that Mrs. Fitzsimmons countered, for she was at Sioux Falls, Dakota, putting in the 60 days necessary to establish domicile preparatory to suing for divorce herself. Fitzsimmons followed her to Dakota, and, in an interview in the presence of her lawyer, became reconciled. The same evening Fitzsimmons was celebrating his happiness by making souvenir horseshoes in a local smithy, when the floor collapsed, precipitating the pugilist and a score of spectators into a cellar. Nobody was seriously injured.

According to a London cable in the San Francisco “Examiner,” the representative of a New York legal firm called upon the legal representatives of Mrs. Brown Potter, and stated that “he had come from New York to see them on behalf of the present wife of James Brown Potter, who wished to know if Mrs. Cora Urquhart Brown Potter could not be persuaded to use some other name in order to oblige Mrs. Brown Potter, of New York, as the actress and the New York wofnan were constantly mixed in the imagination of ignora,nt persons.” Mrs. Cora Urquhart Brown Potter’s lawyers pointed out that Mrs James Brown Potter, of London, had made her name known throughout the world as an actress, that Biown Potter was practically her trademark, and that if the other side wished tG purchase that trade-mark it was on

sale for the sum of No sale had been effected at latest advices.

After a rest of nearly two years, Mr. Pinero has written another play, “His House in Order,” which was to have been produced at the St. James Theatre, London, on January 31. Mr. Pinero’s last play produced was “The Wife Without a Smile,” a story of degenerate life, depictel with inartistic grossness. Previous to that he wrote “Letty,” in which Mr. Dot Boucicault gave a charming character study. Neither play has yet been seen in Australia. It will lose nothing if “The Wife Without a Smile” is never seen; but “Letty,” unhealthy though it is in spirit, displays all the old Pinero cleverness of dialogue and situation, and would be an interesting change.

Her experiment as a countess terminating disastrously, Miss May Yohe has returned to her old love, the music-hall stage, and is appearing at the London Lyceum. Before Miss Yohe became famous as the inventor of the coon costume, with one trouser-leg turned up, she visited Australia in a professional capacity, and was billed as “May Yohe, the female baritone,” in the All-Star Company, one of the best variety entertainments ever seen in Melbourne, which Mr. Frank Clark brought from America to the Victoria Hall. At that time Miss A ohe was said to be a Mexican, with a strong dash of Indian blood in her veins.

The English portion of Mr. George Willoughby and Mr. Hugh Ward’s Comedy Company, which is to open in Sydney, will leave England on March 13, all but Miss Grace Parlotta, who catches the mail a few days later. With the exception of this charming lady, all the members of the company are now to Australia. Mr. Ward is at present in America, engaging the American portion of the company, and will bring them here by wav of San Francisco.

Miss Olga Nethersole, who was playing at the Herald Square, New York, at the time, celebrated the New Year by presenting each member of her company with a diamond pin.

Miss Frankie Bailey, a New York actress, is suing her manager, claiming damages, for refusing to allow her to appear on the stage in fleshings.

Mr. Frank Thomas Bullen, the wellknown author of “The Cruise of the Cachalot” and several other popular sea stories and sketches, is to visit Australia o'i a lecturing tour. Mr. Bullen sailed by the Omrah, which left London on March 9.

It is becoming quite a common thing for actors and actresses in London to appear at more than one theatre a night, just as music-hall artists do. Mr. Louis Bradfield, in addition to playing in “The L’ttle Michus,” has been appearing at the Empire, and now Miss Kate Cutler is to be seen at the Palace Theatre, where she is appearing in a playlet with Mr. Atthur Playfair, as well as at the Gaiety in “The Spring Chicken.”

Mrs. Brown-Potter and Mr. Gilbert Hare had two similar Court cases last month over a claim regarding supplies for the “Du Barri” production. The plaintiffs swore that Mr. Hare held himself out as a principal in the Savoy Theatre business, and that they supplied the goods on that understanding. The cases were tried by two different judges, and in spite of the latter evidence, Judge Walton decided that Mr. Hare was not responsible, while Judge Bigham held that Mrs. Potter was, a decision which, it is reported, has caused considerable surprise and interest in the theatrical world.

Miss Edna Hopper, an American actress, has obtained leave at Victoria, British Columbia, to appeal to the Privy Council in her contest with Mr. James Dunsmuir, the ex-Premier of the colony. Mr. Alexander Dunsmuir, who married Miss Edns Wallace Hopper’s mother, left property to the value of ,£600,000 to his brother, Mr. James Dunsmuir, the owner of a railway and vast landed estates in British Columbia. tlis step-daughter has since twice challenged the will in the Canadian Courts, which have hitherto decided in the legatee’s favour.

Mr. Knowles has a most interesting biograph picture of the King, which was secured in rather a novel method. When the King last visited Ireland the customary privilege was granted to the city photographers to secure pictures of the King and Queen at Dublin Castle. Among those who availed themselves of the permit, though naturally he kept his purpose dark, was an enterprising indivioual with a cinematograph apparatus, who managed to post himself in the reception room, and during the wait, while the real photographers were fixing their cameras and posing their Majesties, he quietly turned the handle of his machine, getting ar excelent impression of the King smoking his cigar, chatting with the Queen, and generally conducting himself as a quiet English gentleman.

Mr. Charles Vane and Miss May Congdon, the two leading artists engaged by Messrs. Meynell and Gunn for their production of “The Fatal Wedding,” arrived in Adelaide on Monday (says the Sydney “Referee”), where they disembarked and travelled overland to Melbourne by train. They arrived yesterday, and immediately

started rehearsing. The production is due to take place on March 17 at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne. After the Melbourne season the company will visit Ballarat for a few nights, and will then travel on here, where a season has been arranged, starting at the Criterion Theatre on April 21.