AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 62, 13 July 1915, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

| HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. j '‘The Adventures of Kathlyn,” [which was described as tile world’s greatest serial film and produced at a 'cost of £.‘10.000. was the principal feaI lure of last night’s change of programme. Series No. ■(, entitled “The Royal Slave” again depicted Kathlyn WilI Hams, the girl without fear, in the jungle with the wild beasts. After I many exciting adventures, she is eap- | tnred by Eastern IHlgrims and con- , veyed to the slave market, where she is sold as a slave. This scene illustrates the methods adopted by the Eastern Slave Traders to enhance the value of their captives. The Australian Gazette includes some excellent war items, the March of the Allies hei iug particularly good. The supporting films made up a programme of aground excellence. “MERRIE ENGLAND.” A full-dress rehearsal of “Mcrrio .England” was held last evening and proved to more than up to expectations. The whole opera goes with a swing, the music being especially gay and bright* The company has put much hard work and time into the practice of the opera, and it is pleasing to know that their efforts promise Ito he rewarded. The music is supplied by the Society’s orchestra of about a dozen members, under the conductorship of Air T. G. Grubb. The orchestra showed lust night that it is in perfect harmony with soloists and the chorus. The part of Sir AValter Raleigh is taken by that old favourite, Air AV. H. Robinson, whose work in the “Pirates of Penzam-p” is still remomborjed by the public. Air IT. AV. Dong'lns takes the pc"t of the dashing Essex in fine style, his song “Yeo--1 men of England.” being particularly Air F. Hanford is so wellj known for his comedy work that his portrayal of AValter Wilkins, the playler in Shakespeare’s Company, is 'sure to be good. His companion, Silas Simpkins, is just as engaging and amusing a$ Mr W. S. Cato so cleverly makes him. The lloval Foresters, Long Tom and Big Ben (Messrs T. A. Lonergan and N. Tcrnpler) make a fine pair, and their work is excellent.

Queen Elizabeth is strikingly portrayed by Miss Wilson, whose fine voice makes her acting and singing as regal as the great Queen could have wished to he. Mrs Massey as Bessie Throckmorton is good, a special feature of her work being her singing. Miss Greonhalgh as “Jill-all-Alone” is excellent, and has complete grasp of her part, and gives to her performance a tine finish. Mis s *M. Mackay, the May Queen, has ,a sweet voice, which is heard to splendid effect in the opening scenes. The work of the minor characters, not to mention the numerous members of the chorus, is very striking, and gives great support to the principals. Many of the I audience on Wednesday and Thursday evenings will, it is quite certain, carry away pleasant musical memories of this grand opera, while those ■ who have an eye for the beautiful must be charmed by the gorgeous costumes. Everyone of the company, from the two little pages (Misses Nita Reira ami Phyllis Weston) right up to the queens and the belted earls themselves, are dressed in the picturesque style of Die period, which is immense. Indeed, nothing so bright and warm in color effects lias been put on by the Society before. It is essentially a cosy opera from start to finish, sparkling with merriment and good nature. Be Wednesday and Thursday nights as cold as hoaryheaded Egmout can make them, there is a cheery welcome waiting all at the Town Hall. If anything more is to he said by way of appreciation of the work of the Society, ; fc is simply to mention the praiseworthy object of the performance in eventually assisting the fund for their sick and wounded comrades, who r.r.t just bark Horn the trenches. “A ROMANCE IN IRELAND.” Irishmen have established themselves on tlie tree of success everywhere, and just now Britain is reaping the reward,of her generous treatment to tlie sons of Ireland wiio have been forced by circumstances to leave their native land. In America and the Empire’s Overseas Dominions, blood talks, and as statesmen, financiers, etc., they are right to the forefront. As distinguished actors and leaders of vocal and histrionic art, | they have and ever will he right in I the forefront. Grattan Riggs under • the old triumvirate (Williamson, Garner. and Mnsgrove). achieved j notable successes throughout An* tralasia. Andrew Mack, who came later and upheld Ireland’s stage portion. won fame and renown under J. C. Williamson’s management, with 'the result thate his name is still revered by local playgoers everywhere. It came to pass that Allen Doonc. who came to our shores, a young Irish-Anstralian, practically nnherald■ed and unknow n,‘achieved a magnetic success by his magnificent ability, bis intellectuality and astonishing diveinability. His voice alone endears him to play patrons, for it is tuneful and mellodious, and the' musical compositions being created by himself are naturally arranged in accordance with the desire of their own manufacturer. Now that he is visiting ns again, we wish him a triumphant tour. Mr Doone and his company will appear in the Tow n Hall on Indav next in the Irish gem “A Romance in Ireland.” Plan and day sales are at Grubb’s. I