ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1576, 21 October 1912, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE MERRY WIVES 07? WINDSOR. A crowdod auditorium has become a nightly feature since the Asche-Brayton season opened at the Opera. House, and Saturday night was no exception to the rule. The final presentation of tho "Alerchaut of Venice" was in every way a. complete success. To-night and to-morrow night "The Merry Wives of Windsor" will be presented, with Jlr. Asche as Sir John i'alBtaif, and Miss Brayton as Mistress Ford. The first-known edition of -this play is that of the quarto of 1602, bearing tho following title: "A most pleasa-unt and excellent conceited comedie, of Syr John Falstaffe, and tho rnerrie wives 01 \Vindsor. Entermixed with sundrio variable and pleasing humors, of Syr Hugh, the Welch knight, Justice Shallow, and his wise cousin M. Slender. With tho swaggering vaino of auncient Pistoll, and Corporal Nym. By Williain Shakespeare, as it hath been divers times acted by the Right Honorable my Lord Chamberlaine's seruants. Both before her Maiestie and else-whcre. London: Printed by T. C. for Arthur Johnson, and due to be sold at his shop in Powles Church-yard, at The Syiie of the Flower do Leuse and tho Crowne, 1602." "The Merry Wives of Windsor" is Shakespeare's only play of contemporary manners, his only sketch of middle-class life. Sir John Falstaff, Ford, and the "merry wives," mine host of the Garter Inn, the streets and houses of Windsor, and its deer park, combine in reflecting euch a picture of the tinie and manners of Queen Elizabeth's reign, as we get nowhere else in the works of Shakespeare. It is interesting for this reason, and also because tradition affirms that the comedy was written in fourteen days at tho command of the Virgin Queen, who, having enjoyed the character of the doughty knight in "King Henry IV," expressed a desire to Bee Sir John in love. But in love ho could not be without his character being destroyed, and one-half of those very blemishes,, for which he is beloved by readers and audiences disappearing from his nature. So Shakt'peare did the next best thing to making him in love; he mado him believe that he was affected bj; mischievous Mistress Ford and good Mistress Page. Mr. Ascho has fixed the time of the comedy during the winter, and this gives opportunity of staging some very beautiful and realistic snow scenes. It can readily be believed, after what has already been experienced, that this is taken full advantage of by this actor-manager, whose productions are a revelation of modern stage-craft. On Wednesday and three following nights, with a matinee on Saturday, "Othello" will be presented, and the successful season, will then terminate, y THEATRE ROTAL.

The Theatre Royal was liberally patronised on Saturday night, when the programme for the week was presented for the last time. To-night, as usual, there will be a complete change of programme. The management announce the tirst appearance of Miss Lallie Brooke, who will appear in a specialty sketch entitled "Jieniinino Fads and Fancies." Another new turn will be that of tho Anderson Trio, acrobats, contortionists, and elubewinjers. Miss Bay Glen, vocalist, will also contribute to to-night's entertainment, ORGAN RECITAL. The "faithful two hundred" were prosent at Mr. Maughtm. Barnett's organ recital at the Town Hall on Saturday evening, and were rewarded with a programme which included tho delicately beautiful "Waldwobcn," from Wagner's opera "Seigfried" (one of the King) Bach's "Fantasia and Fugue in A Minor," Lemare's "Impromptu in A," tho "Marche am Flambeaux" (Meycrluer), the' fantasia movemont from Rheinbergcr's Fifteenth "Sonata," and tho old "Zampa" (Harold) overture. Miss Gertrude Hunt, who is improving with each appearance, sang "The Fairy's Lullaby" (Alicia Ncedham) charmingly, and as an encore tho Gaelic song "Turn Yc to Me" (introduced by Mr. Andrew Black years ago). For her second number sho bracketed two of. Noel Johnson's songlets, "If Thou Art Sleeping," _ and "Good-night, Beloved," and was again rewarded with a deserved recall, when sho sang "0 Thank Mβ Not" (Francis). Mr. Horace Hunt played his sister's ticcompaniments. ART EXHIBITION. There wcro large attendances at tho Art Show in the Academy, Whitmore Street, on Saturday afternoon and evening and yesterday afternoon. The innovation of opening on the Sunday proved quito a success. No chargo could be mado for admission, but a collection box was placed at tho door. CATHOLIC CLUB CONCERT. Tho Wellington Catholio Club will give an entertainment' at the Opera House next Monday evening (Labour Day) in aid of the club funds. Thcro will be a splendid selection of picture plays, including "Shamus O'Brien," supplied gratuitously by Messrs. MacMahon and Donnelly and John Fuller and Sons. A full programme- of national songs will bo contributed By well-known performers. An efficient orchestra will attend under tho conductorship of Mr. W. M'Laughlan.