CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 953, 11 June 1908, Page 17

CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

My Christchurch theatrical correspondent writes thus: —

Christchurch ougtit to be proud to have been selected as the scene of the first (colonial) production of “ The Prince Chap.” “ The Prince Chap” is an attractive drama —very strong in parts, rather weak in other parts. But the general effect is good. There is plenty of pathos, quite a lot of capital situations, and

sufficient humour to relieve the more sombre incidents. As the struggling sculptor, William Peyton, Mr. Roberts is admirable; so good, indeed, that one can quite understand how all London flocked to see him at Wyndham’s Theatre in the part. He met with qu(te an ovation on the opening night hete, and at the fall of the curtain said a few words expressive of his deep appreciation of the welcome accorded to him. Claudia, the heroine, “ grows up-’ before the audience. At first we see her as a little child. This part is most artistically taken by little Vera Huggett; a child-actress of great ability. As a very young girl Claudia is represented by Miss B. Yates, and very cleverly, too. Lastly, Claudia comes before us “ grown up” in the person of Miss Wayne (her first appearance in Australasia). This young lady is a charming actress, and at once became a favourite. That “ The Prince Chap” has caught on here is proved by the overflowing houses it is attracting. The Royal Pictures continue to delight Christchurch amusement-seek-ers. There were nearly 2000 people present the other night when I looked in. There are frequent changes of bil , and the high standard characterising the first show is well maintained. Everybody has gone, is going, or is going again to see the Royal Pictures, and the lucky syndicate which runs the entertainment is coining money.

The Julius Knight Co., with Miss Ola Humphrey as the leading lady, opens in Christchurch on June 17. Report speaks in glowing terms of the combination.

On the Bth inst., Harry Rickards’ latest touring company opened a brief Christchurch season at the Royal. This combination (which includes the Klos Sisters) is one of the best ever

sent across from the other side by Mr. Rickards.

Fuller’s Opera House show has now some powerful opposition to fight lately, and is likely to encounter a lot more before the year is out, but so firmly established is it in popular favour that it never fails to draw. Notable contributors to the bill of late have been Burrows, the champion club swinger; Dr. Rowe, magician; Rud Peterson, balladist; Bob Lloyd, comic; Mde. Blanche Carelli, and many more.

The popular military play, “ The Midnight Wedding,” which was presented here with such marked success some twelve months ago, will form an important revival of the present season of the Beatty-Mclntosh Company.

It is said that “ The Belle of Mayfair,” which goes on at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, when “ Miss Hook of Holland” has clattered off and put away her sabots, will provide one of the finest displays of fashion ever seen on the Australian stage.

Reports continue to come to hand of the success of the “Little Breadwinner” and “ Stepmother” Co. in Queensland. The company is at present it Townsville. The season in the Northern State concludes about July 4, and a tour of New Zealand follows.

“ Camille” will be revised during the present season of Mr. Harcourt Beatty and Miss Madge Mclntosh.

Mr. G. Homan Barnes and his wife, with Messrs. Frank Talbot and Alec. Verne, had a very remarkable escape from a serious accident on Sunday. The four were being driven up Queenstreet from the Sydney steamer when the cab came into violent collision

with an Onehunga tram. The cab was smashed to pieces, but, owing to the motorman applying the emergency break the car was stopped before any further injury was done. Mr. Talbot was slightly grazed on the knee, and Mr. Verne had his leg bruised, otherwise the party escaped unhurt. How they escaped serious injury was simply marvellous, for the cab was a complete wreck.

It is over twelve years since “ Fedora” was seen in New Zealand, and the revival should prove doubly interesting., ...

Mr. Frank Talbot, the popular advance manager, arrived from Sydney on. Sunday to make arrangements for the approaching season of Kubelik, the great violinist.

Mr. Fred. H. Graham writes me from Dunedin to say that the season of “ The Moorish Maid” was a great success, over £5OO being taken in four nights, aUhough it was the week before show time when, as a rule, matters theatrical are very dull. Mr. and Mrs. Graham sail for England by the Athenic on June 18. Whilst in the Old Country and the States, Mr. Graham will be on the lookout to purchase new plays, as he will have a company touring the Dominion in 1910.

The recent new production of Messrs. Meynell and Gunn’s BeattyMclntosh season, will be “ A Beggar on Horseback,” by Edward Ferris. This play enjoyed a remarkable success in Sydney. It is described as an exciting costume drama and is magnificently staged and brilliantly costumed. Miss Mclntosh’s dresses, in all the plays, but particularly in “ Fedora” and “Camille,” are said to be perfections of the costumier’s art.