AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 46, 30 June 1913, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

POLITE VAUDEVILLE. The revival of burnt-cork “business” and the nature of vaudeville as supplied by Beebe’s Company, at the Town Ha'll, Stratford, on Saturday night, Were real delights to the audience. Just why the great majority of those present should appear to be more than ordinarily enthusiastic concerning the merits of the show is unaccountable, save, perhaps, for the suggestion that there were many doubting Thomases before the curtain rose as to whether everything that had been heralded abput the company could be taken without the proverbial grain of salt. There was only one opinion after the entertainment, and that was in the nature of high encomiums, and as bearing out what had previously been felt to be somewhat incongruous and difficult of

attainment, viz., “Polite” Vaudeville. The management deserved better support at the hands of a Stratford audi"enco, hut then, maybe, the idea that the Town Hall is a “white elephant” has been so diligently drilled into them of late that would it not seem a pity to so encourage theatrical concerns to include our town in their itinerary, and thus dispel what is growing to be a hindrance and a clog on the wheels, of progress? But avaunt such gloomy anticipations. The remedy for suen was a dose of Saturday night’s laughter and gaiety, or, as the management announce the introductory items, “merry moments.” From the first rattle of the bones and the bang or the tambo until the concluding item by the Bartletts, who played strange and curious musical instruments, there was hardly a respite from real honest humor. But the exceptions must receive special mention. These occurred at reasonable intervals in the programme when the Cbmpany’s operatic vocalists, Miss Ella Conrad (soprano) and Miss Ruby Cox (contralto) hold thbir audience charmed with the 'culture of their i voices. In “There’s a Lafid” and the encore number “Killarney,” Miss Conrad’s Vocalisation and .enunciation aroused enthusiasfh. She has a wide rayigb,and ’ her 'sympatlioticf’ rendering was greatly appreciated. lies 6 fejnaVks apply genei-aily to Jiliss Cox,’ 'who is a powerful contralto} and llqr particularly an encore ‘ (My Ain Folk” were a treat to hear. These ladles had to respond to an enthusiastic recall for a duet in which the blending of their voices made a beautiful theme. Other speial items were given‘by the Rollicking Rockleys (sketch artists and comedians), the A.rteens (acrobats of grace and dexterity), ancj,Will'White (eccentric dancer). .As a whole, the •eccentricities and jokes, musical .m; otherwise, were well-chosen and clean, and the reputation of .the Company was well-sustained.

BERNARD’S PICTURES. To-night at Bernard’s Theatre there will be an epoch in the picture world. For the first and only time there will be shown the extraordinary picture attraction of Madame Sarah Bernhardt in “Queen Bess.” Too much cannot be said of this production, both as an entertaining feature and a never-to-be-forgotten lesson in history and dramatic art. The love story of that talented woman and great ruler, Queen Elizabeth of England, is portrayed by the finest company of actors that the world has ever Known, and every incident is beautifully depicted right from the time when the Queen first meets the Earl of Essex until the unhappy ending of her still unhappier life, where, amid a heap of cushions, on Thursday morning, March 25, 1603, she sank to rise no more, thus closing one of th 4 saddest events recorded in the annals of this nation. In addition to “Queen Bess,” there will be an entirely new first part, including the latest drama “The Equine Spy,” introducing Don, the world’s greatest trained horse, a Solax sensation running into over 2000 ft. This production is in two reels, and is full of action, the scene of which is laid principally on the skirmish line. “Don,” the wonderful performing horse, does all kinds of human tricks, even going so far as to bring a canteen of water to his master, who has been captured and imprisoned in an old tumble-down building by the Union soldiers. He also lights the bonfire which attracts the attention of the comrades of his master, when the Confederate officer by whom he is ridden has been pursued and wounded. This scene is particularly effective, with the glaring red of the fire against the shadows of the moonlight. The programme includes some fine scenics and comics. “Domestic Devonshire” being of great interest to the farming community. The usual fares will he the order. No free list.