SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1163, 25 July 1912, Page 19

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

WISMjINGTOM.

(I3y

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON July 23.

J. C. Williamson’s “Ben Hur” Company has been doing capacity business since the opening night—last Wednesday evening. The season closes on the 30th, and is an assured . financial success. Fullers’ vaudeville house is doing line business. The bunch of performers showing this week are a firstclass lot. The Maggie Moore Company opens its season at the Wellington Opera House on the Bth August, which will extend over six nights. Mr Edward Branscombe’s Green Dandies are due to open in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, on Wednesday evening, the 24th inst, and if report speaks truly the “greens” should prove equally as successful as the “reds.” The newcomers are all new to Wellington, but are old and established favourites in the Commonwealth; their versatility and talent earning for them lavish praise from the press. The entertainment is on exactly the same lines as the “red” Dandies, and it is safe to predict the same record business for the “greens”—that done by the first company. The Harry Rickard’s vaudeville •company open in Wellington on July 31st and play until the 7th August. The Wellington City Band gave a very successful concert in the Town Hall last Sunday evening. The band was assisted by Miss Muriel Bennett (soprano), Mr H. Fletcher (tenor), and Mr P. Minifil (piccolo). The English Pierrots have finished their North Island totir and went South by the Maori last Friday evening. The Barts Trio of acrobats are the headliners at the Theatre Royal this week. Mr Leo Buckeridge gives a song recital at St. Andrew’s Hall on Friday, August 9th. Mr Herbert Walton, the principal comedian of the “green” Dandies, .comes with a great reputation as a music hall and musical comedy artist. For several years he was principal comedian with Wheeler’s and Edward’s attractions in South Africa. The Wellington Dramatic Company produce the comedy “Christopher’s Son” at Petone to-night and to-mor-row evening. First-class business is being done at all the picture houses this week. The complimentary concert given .to Mr Borneo Gardiner, the clever :siffleur, last evening was a great success. Mr Gardiner leaves shortly for Eondon where he intends joining the profession. Roller . skating continues to be a favourite pastime in Wellington. The .Kilbirnie Rink is well patronised at ■every session.