AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 46, 3 June 1910, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERASCoPK AM) WESTMINSTER ]!KLLKIN'(iF.HS. Considering the plethora of theatrical companies that have either just ftppeared or announced as about to appear here, the Cooper and Macdermott proprietary have every reason to feel gratiiied at the house that greeted them on their initial performance last night. Those who did attend were undoubtedly satisfied with the entertainment provided, as every item of the varied programme submitted was enthusiastically applauded and encores were frequent. Bellringing always appeals to the musical ear, and when the various instruments are manipulated by such artists as the Blanchards (Westminster Bellringcrs) the effect is delightfully tuneful and fascinating, and the only regret expressed last night was that the programme did not contain more of it. The Blanchards' .performance takes the form of a, musical comedy sketch in which some original patter and local hits are quaintly introduced. Perhaps the best item of this turn was Miss Blanchard's rendition of "Home, Sweet Home" on the tubular 'harp. This young lady also manipulates with equal skill the fairy bells orchestrelle 'bells, sleigh bells, and aluminium chimes, "Red Wing" on the latter being a popular item, whilst a duet with Mr. Blanchard, "Believe me, if all those endearing young charms," brought out the sweetness ana also the range obtainable from the chimes. Miss Blanchard is also a charming and dainty serio-comic, and pleased the audience with "I'd liko to be your Sweetheart." She further delighted tile audience with an exhibition of fancy paper-folding, obtaining with OAS6 numberless designs from the one piece of paper. Mr. Blanchard is also an adept at pa per-tearing, but instead of spoiling the paper lie .produces very intricate and artistic designs. The pictures shown by the operaseope covered a variety of subjects. Each was of a high standard of excellence. The pictorial representation of that thrilling drama, "An Englishman's Home," was far more effective than the drama itself. THIS AFTERNOON AND TO-NIGHT. This afternoon a matinee is to be given, and this evening a complete change of programme will be submitted. THE WOMEN'S PARLIAMENT. Those bilking part in the "Women's Parliament" had another rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon, and the whole thing went with a fine swing from beginning to end. Some of the "members" are unusually good; indeed, in some ways the Parliament will be better presented this time than ever before. Until one has heard it two or three times, one does not realise what a very clever skit it is; it fairly bristles with "points" froih start to finish. If only those taking part will speak up and' not forget to face tho audience, and also remember not to applaud "before the joke comes, the thing is bound 1 to go we'll, the material being so good and the enthusiasm so great.