AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 81, 28 November 1912, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

BOX IN G TOURNAMENT,

, Among the show night attractions that stand out prominently, for this evening is the Boxing Tournament., to he held in the Town Hall under the auspices ol the Eltliam Sports and Pastimes Club. No effort has been spared by the Club to provide a hill-of-fare that will please all lovers of true sport corning within the category of the noble art of self-defence. A record for thoroughness in promoting this class of entertainment has been earned, and of this members are justly proud. Clean, honest exhibitions of boxing are always aimed at, and tonight’s performances will mot. he exceptions. a here is little heed to enter into details as to the combatants as posters and advertising have quite dearly set out during the past week what may he expected. All enthusiasts should be in the seats by eight o’clock sharp,, as a long list of bouts have been arranged for. Don’t he ‘‘counted out.”

BARTON’S CIRCUS. Barton’s is bigger, .brighter, and bettor than ever. There was a good attendance at the site of the circus and menagerie in Regan street last night. The “star” attraction by the two Hanleys and Margarutte is a thrilling and sensational display- of ‘muscle, grace, and activity,” and the greatest of these is grace, for is it not the finish or grace that pleases the eye even more than the actual deed of daring or feat of strength? The cartwheel act as a finale stands out as one of the most original and clever “turns” that have come to Stratford. The entertainment is well worth the price of admission, but this act is worth the money itself. Other chief items in a splendid night’s fun on the sawdust are the stockwhip act of Miss Mena Val, whose dexterity with the flong is not confined to either or one hand. Miss Kathleen Baker is a daring trapezist, her work culminating in a double dislocation act ;hat is claimed to be unique. The same lady’s wire walking is graceful, and that she is quite at homo in mid-air is proved by the finished performance of a euphonium solo. “II Trovatore” was the piece last night. The contortion specialities by the Bartons were not all new, but these popular young artists are among the first-class for clean honest work, Some of toe ec centric, tumbling and comedy turns b> members of the company' were highly appreciated, among this class being the Dum-Dum trio hurricane run act and the “Chinese” tumblers. A word of praise is due to the management for the brightness of the torso and pony items, Silver King, a preuy little chestnut with silver mime aim tail showing splendid results m equine education which is -an aosent feature of latter-day shows, -m-d justifies the suggestion of its removal from the curncmum o the sawdust ring. The usual ngjn-e work and jockey acts were up to tin Barton standard, and were accorded rounds of applause. Tackles —the clown, is all that ho m billed. He is a laughter-maker ami a maker of new laughter at nev nuon liiS- audience. All Turn happy knack, which was u holiday attraction. 10-night,

“THE GEISHA.”

* ‘The Geisha” shares With “Smbad ,i onilor” that almost unique honoiu l ' ° h S attracted a pattoa for every sorrowing charity orgamscre uu te |. We had been told that I he Oe . vis (rood; we now know it to lie ex colient, and there is no need to that qualification lc aim trurs ” The New riymouth Upciatic S ety might very well have been some double-barrelled comic opera company, the brilliant iinporconatoi ol Wim-Hi an importation from J)nu y Lane direct, the Misses Bennett and Gilbert selections at exclusive homos from the loading London pleasure palaces, for all the suggestions of the word “amateur” their performance hot intrht conveyed. There arc but two scenes' in the Geisha—the first a tdimpse of the exterior of the teahouse of Ten Thousand Joys, with the town and harbour a charming panoramic; background, and the second, a view of the Palace Gardens, chrysanthemums being the principal decorations. For over two hours one breathes the atmosphere of Japan, hears the chattering and laughter of daintv Geisha girls, their voices miug-

j ling with those of naval officers and English ladies. The music has an Ori- ( ental flavour; it whisper of the Samisea and . the tiny drums and tinkling brass instruments. The story of “The Geisha” must surely be known to all. It concerns the infatuation of English naval officers for little Geisha .ladies, and it ridicules the ancient customs of modern, civilised Japan. There are a host cf catchy songs, and these uci'o received with groat enthusiasm, applause being long j and continuous, recalls being demanded and given for almost every one. -the excellent singing | and dainty little manner, of 0 Mimosa ( San (Miss Olive Bnckman) is respon-l sible for much of the success of the ■ opera, while the charming personality of. Miss K. Bennett, who sings and

dances well, made a very captivating Molly Seamore. Mr Will McEwen as Wnn-Hi was far better than the average professional funny man; need one say more. The part of Reginald Fairfax, the principal English naval officer, lost nothing at the hands of Mr. J. W. Haslam, while Miss V. Gilbert, as the Midshipman, was simply immense, her performance being certainly the most meritorious of them all. The other roles were creditably filled, and a word of praise is due to the chorus, which looked well and sang better. A ballet by three pretty damsels in scarlet was most successful, being enthusiastically, encored. The orchestra, under the capable baton of Mr 11. Neville Regain!, performed very creditably.