Facing The Music.

This farce, played in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, on the nights of 8th and 9th April, in aid of the Gymnasium and Social Hall fund, had, contrary to modern custom, much to do with the title. Two Mr. John Smiths,—one a Reverend—with the assistance of their wives, some relatives and friends, an actress, a housekeeper, a police sergeant, and other domestics, made a plot thicker than molasses. Eventually of course, the plot unraveled in a manner the secret of which is only known to play-writers. F. W. Roberts proved his ability in playing the lead, in the part of Mr. John smith. D. N. Isaacs cleverly impersonated the curate of St. Andrews, and Mr A. W. Newton made good use of the part of Uncle Duncan. F. A. de la Mare, who as sergeant Duffell was less prominent on the first night than his prompter, gave the desired impression that he was unwise to forsake the police for the detective branch of the service. E. Lyon laughed infectiously as Dick Desmond and minor parts were filled by V. B. Willis. The ladies were uniformly successful. Miss Olive Moore was excellent as the garrulous Mrs Ponting; Miss page 60 Lennox was convincing in the difficult part of Mrs John Smit; and Miss May Newman and Miss Longton both acted well as Mrs "Rev." Smith, and Miss Fotherin gay, of Bijou theatre respectively. A String Orchestra under Miss Ethelwynn Kirk assisted the performance.