THEATRICAL GOSSIP.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2519, 18 April 1881, Page 2

THEATRICAL GOSSIP.

A well - arranged programme of speeches, recitations, and instrumental music will bo produced in connection with the Temperance Societies’ Fete at the Theatre Royal this evening.

Mr Carden and Miss Leigh, with an Australian company, began a dramatic season in Dunedin on Saturday night. Their opening piece was “ Certain Proof,” adapted from a French play. Mr R, Thatcher the indomitable is their agent. Mr Shepperson and Miss Lydia Howarde are at present in Christchurch resting on their oars for the time being. Mr Shepperson made an offer of £3OO to Mr J. C. Williamson for the sole right of playing “ The Pirates of Penzance ” in Hew Zealand, for 3 months, but we understand that the offer was declined, Mr Williamson desiring an offer for a longer term, say not less than six months. Mr Shepperson disbanded his company at Wellington with a view to re-organisation. The Lilliputian Pinafore Company opened in the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, on Saturday night to a crowded house. The Company intend returning to Dunedin to play “The Pirates of Penzance,” and we understand that they contemplate revisiting Timaru for a week. Mr Reynolds’ visit to Wellington with a dramatic company has been unfortunate. After playing about a fortnight to poor business, during which time “ Tried and True,” “ Lost and Won," “ A Christmas Mystery,” “ East Lynne ” and other dramas were produced, Mr Reynolds deemed it advisable to close the theatre. Mr and Mrs Hart have been doing a capital business at New Plymouth. Simousen’s Opera Company closed their season at Napier on April 2, and left for Auckland on the following Monday. Mr Siraonsen expressed himself highly pleased with the resul,t of his three weeks' season in Napier. R. Love and Miss Lizzie Morgan are charming the Kumara diggers. llaselmayer is doing a good coining business on the West Coast. AUSTRALIAN. J. L. Hall (Captain Guigah) has left the “ Bar ” and resumed his old profession. He was to open the new theatre at Brisbane Queensland to-day. Professor Anderson, wizard, opened at the School of Arts, Sydney, on April 2, and was well patronised. The entertainment was closed with a very suggestive “distribution of prizes.” —“ The Pirates of Penzance ” continues to attract crowded houses.