THEATRICAL GOSSIP.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2296, 27 July 1880, Page 2

THEATRICAL GOSSIP.

Amusements in our part of the world, and for the matter of that throughout the colony, seem to have caught the prevailing depression, and to have arrived almost at a standstill. There is not at present, nor lias there been for some time anything in the “show” line going between Christchurch and Dunedin, while, I believe, the North Island is little better oil: in this respect. Some much-needed work is going forward at the Christchurch Loyal, where the proprietors or lessees, determined upon transforming the building into “a thing of beauty and a joy for ever,” have handed it over to Mr J. S. Willis and his assistants, who arc completing the decoration of the interior. The house will be re-opened on Wednesday next, when tlio Arctlmsa Star Company will appear in “Leap Year; or, the Ladies’ Privilege.” Thompson’s diorama of the American war has seemingly lost none of its attractions. It is about entering on its seventh week in the southern capital. jJachelder's Pantascope has just completed a fairly successful season at .Sloan’s Theatre, Invercargill. Mr Parry O'N’eill, of “lightning changes” celebrity, has joined the show, which is now touring amongst the small (ownships. Two members of the company, by the wa_v, have won a great popu--1 irily for themselves within a comparatively short time. These arc two mechanical figures that go through the tumbling and trapeze business, it is said, with marvellous fidelity. The next Invercargill excitement will be the production of “ The Kellys,” to which i alluded in my last. The piece is from the pen of Mr Hornby, a local author, I understand. The first performances lakes place on Thursday next.

The Carandiuis have been singing in the Southbridgc district recently, and to-night are announced to appear at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Christchurch.

The Eroliques have returned to San Francisco.

The Arethusa Star Company have just concluded a not very successful season at Wanganui. They latterly attempted to introduce minstrel business into the entertainment but found it was a dead failure. Professor and Madame Clara Baldwin have seemingly abandoned the Spiritualistic business. The “ Foe to superstition” has become “boss” of Baldwin’s Baby Opera Company, and was at Montreal at latest dates. Arthur Sketehley has closed a fairly successful sea son in Sydney. “Mrs Brown,” it is rumored, is much pleased with her -Australian trip, and fit is. probable (hat (he chatty old lady will visit, India next.

Dam pier is playing to good business in Brisbane.

The Juvcnile-Pinafore Compfiny have concluded a highly season in Melbourne. Mrs Lewis, it is slated, is thinking of a New Zealand tour with the youngsters. Miss Adelaide N'eilop has been specially engaged for the Theatre .Koval, Melbourne, and leaves ’.Frisco, where she is at present located in about, a month to 1111 her Australian engagement. !'. Mr W. Hoskins, now on his: farewell tour, is expected in Melbourne very shortly. Id. A. Sot hern (Lord Dundreary) is expected in London from America about November or December. Lecocq, the author of “ Madame Angot,” is engaged on a new opera bonlfe, entitled The Marquis of Windsor.” Adelina Patti has just netted .£ - 2ti,000, the result of twenty-two concerts in Paris. Another illustration (if any wore needed) of the ups and downs of theatrical life has just been afforded at Hobart Town, Tasmania - A certain panorama had just closed a very thin ” season at the latter place, and was preparing to move on when an unfortunate creditor seized the show for debt. There was a pretty kettle of fish ! The company, convinced that it was a bad case, gradually dispersed with only one exception, leaving the exhibition locked up in a certain shed in the market place. According to a correspondent of the “ Tasmanian Mail,” (he concern was merely hired from certain people in Melbourne, and they have now arrived in .Hobart Town to assert their claim to it. Professional life, it is evident, is not all u beer and skillies.” MASK.