THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4387, 12 April 1875, Page 7

THEATRICAL NOTES.

The theatrical world during the past month has been brisk and busy. What there was of slackness during the preceding month has been more than counter-balanced since the departure of the last mail. The Girards had just then concluded a short but highly profitable season at the Odd Fellows’ Hall; and the Theatre Koy.il being in a state of metamorphosis, matters remained in statu, quo for a week. Wisely bent on economising time, Mr. and Mrs. Bates turned their attention to Wanganui, where the members of their company had been doing a tolerable business on their own account. After a stay of five days at the “ sister city,” they returned here and opened the Koyal to an overflowing house. For good sterling acting, and a surprising range of it, Mi', and Mrs. Bates eclipse all professionals who have ever visited Wellington; and as proof that this merit does not pass unrecognised, it need only be mentioned that Mr.°and Mrs. Bates have now been playing here for four mouths continuously—a season of unprecedented length in the history of Wellington theatricals. Since the 29th March they have played—“ The Hunchback,” “ The Drunkard,” “The Stranger,” “Flowers of the Forest,” “ Madelaine,” “ Elizabeth,” “ Still Waters,” “ The Man with the Iron Mask,” and “ Richard III.” Their business was to some extent interfered with by a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Case, who played five nights at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, and shared the “ spending power ” of the people in about equal parts with Mr. and Mrs. Bates. They were honored with a visit from the Marquis and Merchioness of Normanby, who, by the way —the former especially—arestaunohpatronsof the drama, and have taken a box at the theatre for the season. The Garriek Club, composed entirely of local amateurs, gave a performance during the mouth, which deserves to be classed as the best amateur performance ever given in Wellington. The object was to raise a sum for the benefit of Mrs. Brimstone, a poor woman whose husband (a fireman), had been suddenly taken from time to eternity, and left her in poor circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Hoskins, who have not long returned from their visit to America, passed through Wellington a few days ago on their way to Christchurch, where they are playing a short engagement, preparatory to taking up their quarters at Dunedin for a longer season, at the conclusion of which they return to Wellington. The Rev. Charles Clark, the brilliant and popular lecturer, returns to-day from the South, where he has been very successful, to give a series of farewell entertainments, in conjunction with Miss Christian, a famous contralto singer. They give an opening entertainment this evening at the Odd Fellows’ Hall.

Though scarcely coming within the theatrical category, it may not be inappropriate to mention that the Choral Society gave a concert last Thursday evening, which was in every respect a success, and resuscitated the falling fortunes of this useful organisation. The programme submitted contained nothing calling for special comment, the special feature being the performance of an orchestral baud, formed and trained under the practised leadership of Mr. John Curry. The items given by the band were much appreciated, and won much credit for its leader. The vocal items were choruses from “Massaniello,” quartettes, duets, songs, &c., all of which were given with commendable excellence.