AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 61, 21 June 1910, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

PETE. Last night the Rupert Clarke-Clyde Meynell dramatic, combination played Hall Caine's stirring drama, "Pete," to an audience that filled every portion of the Theatre Royal. Hall Caine's success, lies in his deft pourtrayal of the feelings and passions of everyday people, and the subtle pathos of this dramatisation of one of his most powerful novels at once attracts the sympathy and holds the interest of everyone who is interested in a stirring tale soulfully told. If the hero of "Pete" is impossible, the is also lovable, and is used by a clever artist to touch human emotion and plumb the depths of feeling. The story tells the tale of a strong man's love and his great sacrifice, and because of its simplicity, less than for its truth, it has the desired effect of bringing a sub to the throat of many not easily affected, and of showing how beautiful a thing is saca-xnce and the love of a human heart. The company played "Pete" with an understanding of the beauty of the story. Mr. H. Roberts, as the hero, is fitted in most ways to make a lasting impression, as the man whom no circumstance could prevent from doing his obvious simple duty. Mr. Conway Wingfield, as Philip Christian, gave a characterisation full of fine points. Both players' work was highly acceptable to the audience. Miss Beatrice Day always attracts as much by her natural sweetness as by her art. The character of Kate demands much of a player, and Miss Day, as adri ways, excelled in a part where emotional acting of a high order is necessary. She I certainly carried her audience with i her. As the father of Kate, Mr. John F. Forde | made every possible point. The cast is a long one, and the,players generally showed a sympathy and knowledge that made the audience wish that their stay was to be a longer one.

LIEDEKTAFEL CONCERT. The box plan is rapidly filling for the Liedertafel concert, which takes place in the Theatre Royal to-morrow nicht. The Society has filled a long-felt want in our town, and has made itself popular on account of the willingness of its memhers to help when called upon. The Theatre Royal was crowded when the Society gave its initial concert in December last, and, judging by present indications, it will he favored with a house of like proportions' on its second appearance. The members are very enthusiastic, and enter into their work with plenty of vim, and that is the only way that musical societies can attain success. The prices of admission are very reasonable, - 2s being .charged for the dress circle and orchestral stalls and Is for the body of the theatre. We would advise intending patrons to hook their seats without delay, so as to save disappointment. Yesterday's booking was very large.