ENTERTAINMENTS, &c.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 160, 9 December 1874, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS, &c.

" All the world's a stage." — As You- Like It. The interregnum caused by the series of concerts given by Madame Goddard is over, and the English Opera Company have returned from Timaru. I regret exceedingly that Miss Alice May's indisposition still prevents her appearing. This inopportune and unfortunate contretemps has been the means of depriving us of the treat of hearing Miss May sing once more, at least during the past few days. Under these circumstances the management had no resource but to play the ' 'Grand Duchess," with Miss Lambert as the Duchess. I must say that Miss Lambert acquitted herself very creditably throughout the opera in a part which is a very heavy and difficult one to play. Miss Howe made a capital Wanda and the rest of the characters were well filled, especially Messrs Tcmplcton, Vernon, and Wilkinson, the latter, being most comical in his part. Last night operetta reigned triuir pliant, no less than three, one by Arthur Sullivan, and the other two by Offenbach, being given. The first we have already had being the everfreen "Box and Cox" rendered musically n this Mr Vernon and Mr Templeton are capital, their acting being excellent. I didn't think much of the "Blind Beggars," but the introduction of Bishop's "Chough and Crow" was an improvement to the otherwise somewhat meagre amount of music allotted to the characters. " The Rose of Auvergne" wound up the list of operettas and concluded the performance. I understand that Miss May will take a benefit before leaving Christchurch, which is sure to be a bumper. I hope to hear her this week in opera for we miss her sadly. In Dunedin, at date of my last advices, Mr and Mrs Bates were doing a fair business; not overpoweringly successful but still paying. Mr Vose and assistants had returned to Dunedin and open a season during the Christmas week at the Temperance Hall there. Mdlle Montebello, Messrs Aircc, Turner, Verletti and' Vincent, under the style of "Smith's English and Continental Combination " have just concluded a season in Dunedin, but I fancy the "biz" was not good. Apropos of this John Smith, the veteran, writes me from Melbourne and says: —"Some of my people are, I hear, travelling New Zealand under the name of Smith's English and Continental Combination. Now, my name has never been identified with anything mean in the "show" business, and as this show is calculated to do me injury, I wish you would let the public know, more especially the Christchurch public, who have always treated me so liberally, that the company have assumed the name without my sanction, as the Smith Combination Troupe have sailed for Manilla." I comply with the "ancient showman's " request, the more readily because the Auckland papers are satirical upon the supposed re-appearance of J. W. S. after taking farewell benefits. The New Zealand Herald of a late date says:—" Mr Smith, the theatrical caterer, who recently took a series of retiring " benefits " throughout the provinces, commencing at Auckland, is once again upon the boards." What with opera and drama with miscellaneous shows, Dunedin will have a pretty lively time of it during the Christmas week. I don't know what we are going to have during that period in the way of amusement unless Mr and Mrs Bates migrate here. In Wellington, the Burford-Stephenson tronpe has at last succumbed to bad business, and shut up. Even the Empire city couldn't stand it for ever. Their next move is uncertain, but I wouldn't advise them to come this way. I am glad to be able to record the arrival in Auckland of a new dramatic company from Sydney, under the managerial control of Mr G. W. Collier. The company comprises Miss May Howard, who made a very successful tour in Australia with George Fawcett'snew play of "The Geneva Cross," Miss Lizzie Bushe, Miss Patty Holt, Mrs C. Jones, and Messrs G. W. Collier, H. Douglas, Aveling, S. Poole, C. Holloway, Saville, Sweeney, and Starke. They arrived by the Hero on the 3rd inst, and were to produce " The Geneva Cross " as their opening piece. I shall gladly welcome this company southward if their engagements will permit, as from the success which has attended their efforts elseAvhere, I have been led to expect not only fresh faces but talent of no mean order. Shortly before arriving in Auckland Miss Howard discovered that the whole of her jewellery, valued at £2OOO, had been abstracted. Up to last advices no trace had been discovered of the thief or the jewellery. Rather an unpleasant introduction to a new sphere. From Sydney I hear of the success of Mr and Mrs Hoskins at the Victoria Theatre, where they are playing a star engagement. Of their first appearance the Sydney Morning Herald says:—" The return to what may be considered legitimate plays will, doubtless, be hailed by the majority of the theatregoing public with satisfaction. For some time past sensational dramas have been in the ascendant, and although very little can be said against the success which attended their production, it cannot but be admitted that the taste of those who supported them

was somewhat vitiated. The appearance of Mr and Mrs Hoskins, however, gave promise of better things, and during their engagement at the Victoria Theatre the public will have an opportunity of witnessing many excellent comedies, which, for some time, have been kept in the background. The attendance last evening, on the occasion of the reappearance of the talented artistes abovenamed, was very good indeed. The lower part of the house was crammed, and the dress circle, notwithstanding the counter attraction by Madame Anna Bishop, was well patronised. The piece chosen was Sheridan's comedy of the "School for Scandal," in which Miss Florence C dvillc (Mrs Hoskins) sustained the role of Lady Teazle, and met with a ilattering reception. It is almost unnecessary to say that her acting throughout was marked by the greatest care and ability, and that her impersonation was received with a good deal of applause. As Chaidcs Surface, Mr Hoskins was, as usual, admiral >le, and the enthusiasm with which he was received by the public, proved that he was still green in their memories. The Sir Peter Teazle of Mr B. N. Jones was certainly better than most people expected. He presented the fussy, jealoirs, and withal courteous old knight very naturally, and his attention to details also contributed to make his efforts successful. "Mr and Mrs 11. N. Douglas (Miss Docy Mainwaring) were also playing at the same theatre. Quite a rash of talent is now in Sydney, as in addition to Mr and Mrs Hoskins, Madame Anna Bishop, Mr and Mrs G. Darrell (Mr Robert Heir), and the Kennedy Family were performing at various places. We may expect an exodus shortly to New Zealand of some of these, who will no doubt do well. PROPS.