ENTERTAINMENTS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2638, 21 October 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

CHILDREN’S BALL

Miss Goffe’s first annual entertainment and ball in connection with her children’s class for dancing and physical culture was held in His Majesty’s Theatre last night. Miss Goffe’s enterprise in securing the Theatre for the holding of such a function was rewarded by a fairly numerous audience, composed chiefly of relatives of the pupils, who watched with interest the display given by the youngsters. Considering the fact that the children had only been under Miss Goffe’s tuition for a single term, the results were very creditable, their deportment being especially good. The programme opened with dumbell drill by 36 pupils, after which Master Val Steele gave a well-executed barbell solo. The principal dancers were Misses Ivy Parker, Eileen Barry, Olive Cooper, and Eileen Goffe, who gave a graceful skirt dance and a lively rendering of the' sailors’ " hornpipe. The' most popular item was the “Merry Widow”waltz, danced in costume by Master Val .Steelc_aud Miss Eva Barry, Who were heartily encored. Another well-executed number was the “Sandow Girl” drill by Miss Goffe and eight pupils. After the display, which included marching and wand drill, the children danced for an hour or so, adults being allowed on the floor after 10 o’clock. By this hour the attendance had considerably increased, and dancing was kept up till a late-hour. Lang’s orchestra supplied a programme of music, which, as usual, was excellent. Supper and refreshments were provided at the back of the stage. PATHE PICTURES—TRAFALGAR DAY. This afternoon, at 3.30, and to-night at S o’clock, the Pathe Picture Company will present a special naval programme in commemoration of the anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar. A splendid series of moving pictures of the life of Admiral Lord Nelson will be shown, including incidents of liis early life and personal deeds of valor. The usual weekly programme, including “Wright’s Aeroplane in Full Flight,” will also be shown, making - a grand double bill. The subjects will include “Dreadnoughts in Action,” “Life on a Battleship,” and several splendid scenic subjects. Mr. Dudley Trent will sing. “The Death of Nelson” at both performances.

MR. .‘HUGH J. WARD’S COMPANY

The announcement in to-day’s issue that Mr. Hugh J. 'Ward’s Comedy Company have arranged to visit Gisborne for Carnival Week should - greatly attract lovers. The new farcical-comedy “A Bachelor’s Honeymoon/’ Vliich has everywhere paved the way to success, will serve to reintroduce to New Zealand playgoers such old favorites as Mr. Hugh Ward, Miss Grace Palotta, Miss Rose Musgrove, Miss Celia Ghiloni, arid several other well-known performers. A Melbourne, contemporary says: “Mr. Ward has igot together a band of comedians who are well equipped to deal with the airy, but highly amusing nonsense which stands for the comedy of the moment.” The evening’s diversion begins when Benjamin Bachelor brings home a bride, Juno Joyce, actress, but has a strong motive for posing as a bachelor, in estate as well as in name, as a fortune comes to him should he please a maiden sister, who unfortunately for him abhors the stage. He therefore introduces his wife as the new governess, but omits to tell her that he has been left grown-up twin daughters by a former marriage, whose lovers forsake them in favor of the new governess. The ensuing complications lead to some excruciatingly funny situations, which give ample opportunities to these artists to display their, well-known capabilities in comedy business. The vocal and dancing items which are introduced considerably enhance the production. Other members of the company include Mr Reginald Wykeham, a fine actor, whose “Duke of Graceborough” in “Mr Hopkinson” will be pleasantly remembered. Mr. Arthur Eldred, recently of Sir John Hare’s company, Mr. Robert Groig, a lato prominent member of the “Squaw Man” Company, Mr. H. H. Wallace, who was one of J..C. Williamson’s leading comedians. Miss Ruby Baxter and Miss Florence Redfern soon win popularity by their charm and talent. The company can only appear hero for a short season, therefore brisk business is expected when the box plan opens at Mr. W. Miller’s to-mor-row morning.