ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1077, 16 March 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"SWEET LAVENDER." '■THE WELLINGTON' DRAMATIC SOCIETY; "Sweet Lavender," a comedy in- three acts by A. U\ Piuon>. Ca*tMr. Gooffro v Wcdderburn «, Mr. John Lar6cn Ucment Halo Mr. Kenneth Aitkcn { f- Ueliincy Jtr. Denis Kelly lek Phenyl J[r. Norman Aitken "orace I'inkly Ilrcam Mr. Zantc Woods §*• 1 J, u . 1 ,«r. Mr - Leslil; Holmes » ">• .Cillillian Miss Irene Mason JJ", , ," 10 , ...Hiss Lena, Lennox '""I Itolt- Miss Ivy Scott. Lavender Miss Lulu Arnold Twenly-lhreo years have faded into the mists behind us since Sir A. W. Pinero added, to his skill as a playwright by producing the comedy "Swoet Lavender," Pjaycd by tlio Wellington Dramatic Society at the Opera House last evening, in aid of Iho -Boy Kcdut movement. Time deals cruelly hard with some plays, and iu the case of "Sweet Lavender" the sentiment here and then: appears a. little mawkish and the speeches a trifle prosy, but a certain fragrance still lingers iii tho story, and yet such is the strength of the character that his inlluence permeates the entire play, and leaves one yearning for a closer acquaintance with the lovable old sinner with the heart of gold. One recalls pleasant memories of Frank Thornlon in the role, one lo which the sprightly eccentricities of the actor were particuloi'ly well suited, and of the delightful performance, of Horace Bream given by Frank Cales twenty years agu. Since then other generations have come along, and "Sweet Lavender" would be tolerably new to a largo proportion of the audience present last evening. It is not necessary here to detail the story at any length. It concerns the life tragedy of Ruth Holt, housekeeper at Brian Court Temple, whoso pretty daughter, Lnvcnder, loves and is loved by Clement Hale, a law student, residing ill chambers with the disreputiiblo Dick Phenyl. Clement is the adopted son of <ieolVr:\y Wwlilerlmrii,' banker, and it is his desire that ho should marry his sister's daughter, Minnie Gilfiillian, who is quite willing in spite of the attentions of a young American, Horace Dream. Mrs. Roll, tacitly agrees to the mnrriago of her daughter with Clement, until sho discovers that his adopted father is nono other than the father of her daughter. At this disclosure she decides to break everything off at ail risks, and does so, but a threatened bank smash brings Wcddcrbuni and his dependents down to earth. Lavender returns to offer consolation to her lover, nnd Ruth Holt arrives to nurse. Wedderburn in an illness. So the threads are drawn together skilfully to a happy conclusion, which is crowned by Dick Phenyl sacrificing an unexpected fortune to siivo. Wcddcrburn's bunk and good name.

Dick .Phenyl is not an cosy part for a professional character actor—it presents almost insuperable difficulties to tho amateur. A subtle comedy sense must bo convoyed,.without the appearance.of studied comedy, and the brainy barrister and cultured Englishman must be suggested at 'the back of tho breezy kinky toper. Mr. Norman Aitken gave a very fair interpretation of tho tart, and at times, notably iii the middle act, ho approximated the real Dick, and he spoke out well. It is a performance that will improve with repetition. JHss Lulu Arnold as Sweet Lavender was rather too timid in the deliverance of her lines, and a certain nervous downcast aloofness of manner.tended to discount her prepossessing personality. . Miss Lena Lennox looked very charming, but was too self-conscious. But as the evening wore on, she became more natural, rind her voice became less hard. Her appearance was ideal, but she should.cultivate more naturalness. Miss Ivy Scott, as Ruth Rolf, was well placed. She was.earnest, and has that rare faculty, repose. Miss Scott will be better when she has the measure of the theatre's' acoustics. She was rather subdued in places. The best of the ladies was Miss Irene Mason, whoso Mrs. Gilfilliau was quite a finished performance—easv, natural, nlid subtle. Mr. Kenneth Aitken was prosily sincere, but lacked the polish required for Clement Hale. Mr. Zante Woods as the. matter-of-fact Horace Bream, was chippy enough in his lines and raised lots of laughter with his quaint Americanisms, but was unsuited physically to the role. As Dr. Delaney, Mr. Dennis Kelly did very well indeed, and will do better as the. action works easier. Mr. John Larson was Geoffrey Wedderburn, and Mr. Holmes was rather uninteresting as Mr. Bulger. Tho comedy will be produced again this and to-mor-row evenings. ' THEATRE ROYAL.' A first-class vaudeville entertainment is being provided by the management of the Theatre Royal this week, and, judging by the audience which assembled to witness the third production of the current programme- last evening, patrons have fully realised this. A feature is the singing of Miss Mabel'; Fowler, the Tasmanian soprano. For her rendering of "Because I Love You, Dear," the gifted singer received a well-merited encore. Miss. May. Dahlberg was seen to advantage in her eccentric dance, and Miss Maud Fanning, assisted by the Elliott Sisters and Little Huia, were. also responsible for much amusement. . The various other members of tho company acquitted themselves capably, KING'S THEATRE. An enthusiastic crowd assembled last evening to witness the pictures at the King's Theatre: The programme includes dramatic, humorous, and topical subjects of capital merit. One of die star pictures of the evening was a film entitled the "Golden Supper," an adaptation of one of Tennyson's poems. Other pictures worthy of mention were: "Nine of Diamonds" (dramatic), "The Abbey of Para" (scenic), and a film depicting- tho launching of H.M.S. Thunderer, one of the latest additions to Britain's fleet of superDreadnoughts. ■ ■ ANTONIA DOLORES. Mademoiselle Dolores's West Coast tour was a great success. One account states hat at Victoria Theatre, when Mdlle. Dolores, made her first appearance, "Westport fully sustained its reputation, for there was. an immense gathering in the theatre, and throughout the evening tho audience demonstrated in a niost warmhearted manner,. its thorough appreciation of'the delightful musical treat-given by M«Jle. Dolores aud company. Right through the programme, there was no loss of sweetness or power. The vocalisation was perfect, the tone sweet and pure Ihe voice had a wonderful, fascinatin"' magnetic power. The most delicate awl intricate passages were rendered with "a skill and ease that charmed and delighted tho.audience. Altogether, the evening was a musical treat. Mr. Selwyn Shrimplin played the accompaniments rklHitfullr and also contributed several pianoforte solos, for which , he earned hearty recalls" Mr. John Prouse. the favourite baritone will assist during the Wellington season The opening night is Monday next. The bos plan is now open at the Dresden and is filling rapidly. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. • Change of' programme will h e tho or der, of-things at His Majesty's to-night" A. specially selected series of pictures has been. arranged with a view to suitnil tastes. Included in the new set ? s * him showiug the launch of H.MS Th'un derer in the Thames. This incident crenf" ed.a great deal of attention in London recently because.of the fact that she is the first battleship built on the riverside for many years past. Another picture that will bo shown is one represents Pahary Djch. the new; dancer at the I on" don Hippodrome. Incidentally, the wor!ings of the.stage of this great music Inll will bo shown. Other films which will no doubt prove interesting are "ti, Cattle Show at Buenos Ayres," " T hft Sheriff and Miss Jones," and "The Et ploits of Nat IMnkerton, Detective." "" Jupp's Band will give a band performance at Island Bay to-night.