AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 35, 10 February 1905, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

■ ■ m HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. MB VAL VOUSDEN*S ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment given for the first of three nights by Mr Val Vousden last evening evidently created a decidedly favourable impression upon a limited bat appreciative audience. In his methods Mr Val Vousden follows Maceabe rather than Grossmith or Mcl B. Spurr; and his work oonsists of alternated items of mimicry, impersonation, ventriloquism, and the more serious order of elocution. Beginning with excellent imitations of animals, the galloping and trotting of horse* (particularly good), Mr Val Vousden passed on to a capable (bnt not quite sufficiently imaginative) rendering of ""Hie Haven," a sympathetic interpretation of Bracken's "Not Understood," his well-known and excellent "Mrs OTtorke" (a very reel Irish lady, wifJi an unearthly screeckiag laugh, which is in itself a good thing), imitations of a wheezy old gentleman, of Irving (moderately good) and of a society lady (excellent in manner, but not bristling with points). On the whole it may be predicted that Mr Val Vousden will achieve considerable success in what 13 a far from a too beaten track, so far as New Zealand is concerned. With a little more confidence and quickness, and a tightening up and sharpening of his dialogue, that success will be very near. Meantime Mr Val Vousden offers a very pleasant and diverting evening's entertainment. TAYLOR-CABRDJGTON COMPANY. "Never Despair," the drama with whjch the Taylor-Carrington Company open their season at the Opera House on Monday night, differs from the ordinary play in the comparative mildness of the plot. The hero and heroine do not wallow through gore to ultimate happiness. Although there are revolvers, chloroform, and suggestions of madhouses in the story, no one dies during its unravelling, and the worst thing that happens to the villaju is that hu is given a lump of money and allowed to fly the country. For this reason (says a Southern paper) the drama is all the more acceptable, and it was warmly welcomed after the blood and thunder business of which we have got so thoroughly tired. There is sufficient wickedness in "Never Despair ,, to make it interesting, however, and also enough humour to distribute the spots of fun evenly throughout. At the hands of the Taylor-Carrington Co. the points were brought out effectively, and the piece was thoroughly enjoyed- The life of the drama was, of course, Mr Charles Taylor, who had a congenial role as Horatio Ppriggins. a bibulous Bohemian, but a good sort withal, who has a habit of turning up just in time to foil the schemes of the villain.

' ! Mr. Massej, Leader of the Opposition, is at present touring Taranafci. He expects to be in New Plymouth for a day or so this week. Mr. Massey will not deliver an address during this visit, but, will probably do so towards the end of the month- On the present taur Mr. Massey'3 object is to become acquainted with the districts and settlers.