ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 5, 7 January 1902, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE PRIVATE SECRETARY,

The opening performance of Bryant's Comedy Company attracted a very good audience at the Theatre Royal on Monday night, Although this was the first appearance of the company hero, they we o a'l readily taken iota favour, for not only does every member possess considerable professional ability, but they entered heartily into the droll humour of the comedy. From first to last there was hearty and spontaneous laughter, even from the mos*. sedate amongst the audience. The " Private Secretary " is full of droll dialogue and amusing situations of which the actors and actresses made the moat. Moreover, the humour was wholesome and refreshing, hence it was heartily enjoyed. iMr Haygartb, as the Rev. Mr Spalding, was an immense success, his quite deliberate drawl never once being shaken, while his make-up and acting were alike perfect. Mr Russell made a typical squire, and Mr Oolesse scored a great success as Mr Oittermole. As Mr Gibson (a tailor), Mr Harry Smith had a part exactly suited to bisn, and he did it ample justice. Equally good was Mr Archer a* Douglas Gatteruiole. All the ladiea acquitted themselves most creditably, their dresses being particularly pretty. The oomedy was staged very neatly, and the company is to be congratulated on the saccetsful ! debut here.

TO-NIGHT There is a complete change in the character of the play, for in place of comedy there will be staged the strong eensational drama, " King's Evidence." Judging from the hissriooio powers of the company, as displayed on Monday night, the pieci should be most attractive to all lovers of the drama. Like mast modern plays of the kiad, however, tb>r<t i* a plentiful sprinkling of humour and patho>, so that a most enjoyable evening's entertainment m>y be looked forward to.

MIS 3 VIOLBjT MOUNTS OONCBRT. A O2OUU3D novelty will be introduced by Mus Mount at her coooert on Thursday, viz., a eolo by the pianola, that wonderful instrument by means of which the fingering work of sCuul piano performance is supplied, le*viop tbe performer the care of the expression, phrasing and tempo only. Faderewski, the gretteit phnist of the! osntury, thus writes of this instrument : " Everyone who wishes ti bear absolutely faultless, from of any kioi of nervousness, piano-pliying should! hear the pianola." It is also Miss Mount's intention, if possible, to obtain a record of a song and sing it to the pianola accompaniment. Bo far a c we are aware this will be the first ap pearance in New Zealand of the pianola as a soloist on the coooert platform,