AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1670, 25 June 1875, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCE OP V. ALES? THEATRE,

The dramatic version of "Lady Audley's Secret" was placed before the audience at the Prince of Wales Theatre last evening in a manner that reflects great credit on the management. Boucicault't version of this popular story is undoubtedly the best, and was approved by the writer of the original tale. Neithe/ pains nor expense were spared in adorning and preparing for a due performance of Lady Audley, and their exertions in regard to its scenery and surroundings were duly appreciated by the select rather than numerous assemblage. Miss May Howard represented the Lady Audley with that fine perception of character which has made the acting of this artiste so acceptable, and given her a name among women. There was an appropriateness of dress in perfect keeping with the haughty, determined heroine of tbe piece. The simpler, but not the less interesting character of Alhcia was performed with fidelity by Miss Clara Stephenson. Mr Collier as Kobert Audley, nortrayed that character with studied oare and was most successful in its unfoldi_.es Luke Marks, in the hands of Mr ' Holloway, received full justice. The parts allotted to Messrs Avehng, Deering, and Poole were executed with a fairnesss which was immediately recognised. Mrs Jones, as Mrs Dawson, was as happy as ever, and Miss Maggie Knight, as Phoebe, was especially interesting. We have rarely seen "Lady Audley's Secret to greater advantage. " We notice that Boucicault's prize drama, "Hunted Down; or, the Two Lives of Mary Leigh will be the subject of the final performance of this excellent Company this evening, previous to their departure for the Thames. The entertainment will be i_ i.. v*or of Miss May Howard. . v

THT WHEELER A!vl> DF. OLOBIAN TROUPE,

The Wheeler and de Glorion .troupe of minstrels and artistes, gave their second representation in the City Hall last evening with much' success. The ballads and programme generally were of the same typo as those of the previous evehiog, and received well won enconiums from the gratified listeners. The songs and jigs of Mr Wheeler and Miss de Courcy, as well as the acting and magic changes of aspect by Master Bonnie, met with a very mattering reception. Tbe gymnastic feats of the brothers De Glorian. and the daring flight of Lo Lo, the fairy wonder, from one end of the hall to the other, passing through two balloons in her progress through the air, was very remarkable and yet it was done with the utmost dexterity and calmness of purpose. The intervening pieces possess much dramatic interest, and were deservedly praised. This evening there will be an entire change of programme, in which will be introduced many novelties, new acts, &c. A capital two hours' amusement may be reasonably had at the City Hall in company with the Wheelers and De GloriaDS.

CONCERT IN SYMONDS STREET. Mrs Shayie George's school concert, under the musical direction of Madame Moller, was well attended last evening. Mrs. George opened the proceedings with a well-written prologue, which was listened to with deep attention. A capitally-arranged programme was gone through, the selections consisting of soios, duets, and choruses by the pupils, supplemented by well-appreciated songs trom Madame Moller, Mr. Harding, Mr. Gradwell, and Mr. Davey. Readings by the last-named gentleman and Mr. T. L. White gave variety to the entertainment. The pupils exhibited musical talents of a character far superior to the majority of school "misses." All went off so well that it is almost invidious to make distinctions, but we are sure the rest of the performers will not begrudge our bestowing a word of special commendation on Misses Lawford and Kochefort's pianoforte playing, and on Misses Fenton, Moller, and Georges' singing. These young ladies received an ovation of applause, which they were compelled to acknowledge. The comic duet " When a Little Farm We Keep"—rendered by Madame Moller aud Mr. Harding, was skilfully given, and caused roars of laughter. Of course a pardonable nervousness was observable in some of the young ladies, but we are pleased to add that they all got through their tasks without a hitch, nothing even approaching a breakdown occurring in any of the juvenile efforts. The company, though crowded, were Enthusiastic turoughout the concert, which reflects great credit on Mrs George and Madame Moller, and was brought to a most successful close by ten o'clock. The arrangements were perfect. The statement in the Cross that slang songs were introduced is very unkind. There were two comic ditties sung which it would puzzle the most fastidious to take exception to, the very fact of their introduction seemed to us an indication that in Mrs George's establishment, the priggish system of strait-laced propriety so common in ladies' schools has not found a home. We must not omit to mention that the concert room was gaily and tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, the work of the lady pupils.