ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 481, 14 April 1909, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

♦ OPERA HOUSE. The lively comic opera, "Tho Merry Widow," with its colour and sparkle and delightful music, has quite caught the fancy of Wellington playgoers, and the Opera House was crowded for last evening's performance. Mr. Andrew Higginson, ns the Prince wJio refuses to make love to the widow, resisted his temptations with becoming obstinacy, till he is made to yield in the last act. Miss Fanny Dango was an attractive Fi Fi, Mr. Victor Gouriet was an amusingly self-satisfied but simple ambassador, and Mr. Percy revelled in the humorous part of Nisch: The dances, scenery, and music of the-opera met with very warm appreciation. "Tho Merry Widow" will repeat her wiles to-night. THEATRE ROYAL. The thrilling dra.ma, "The Woman Pays," was repeated at the Theatre Royal "last evening, before a crowded audience,' which followed the mingled pathos and sensation of the story with the strongest interest. The fino scenic effects wcro given unstinted admiration. The play will bo repeated to-night. THE ROYAL PICTURES. , The final exhibition of the week's series of pictures was given at His Majesty's Theatre last night before a largo audience. To-night a new selection of animated pictures will be submitted, and they should prove as interesting as their predecessors. One will show the nationa.l dances of Brittany, China, Japan, South Africa, Caucasia, and Spain; another gives a fino display of the drill of the Hussars of the Guard at-Moscow, the pick of the Russian cavalry. The parkii and lakes of Gottcnburg and scenes in Sia.m arc also included. A Patho drama, "Bad Example," is included in the moro serious subjects, whilst tho amusing portion of Iho programme will bo as well provided as formerly. MR. HAMILTON HODGES. Tho last concert by Mr. Hamilton Hodges takes place at tho Town Hall Concert Chamber next Friday. Mr. Hodges will bo heard in some of tho great songs that arc sung all too rarely, viz., tho famous Freebooter Songs," and that magnificent English ballad, "Across tho Far Bluo Hills," a song, such as only a good singer can do justice to, depicting as it does a wholo gamut of emotions, and requiring perfect control of all the phases of the vocal art. WEST'S PICTURES. Tho popularity of West's Pictures waxes rather than wanes, and last evening saw another largo attendance in tho Town Hall. Do Grocn's high'-class orchestra is a valuable adjunct to tho pictures, wliich in themselves aro a great attraction, being all of tho highest standard. Tho progratnmo will bo repeated to-night. LIEUT. SHACKLETOiYS LECTURE. Lieut. Shacldeton's lecturo on tho work and adventures of tho British Antarctic Expedition will bo given in tho Town Hall, tonight. Those who havo purchased tickets aro asked to make an effort to secure their seats as early as possible, becauso it is expected that tho accommodation of the hall will bo taxed, and the orderly seating of 3000 peoplo within a limited space of timo is not an easy matter. Tho doors will bo opened at 7 o'clock. In addition to tho lecture, the. audienco will bo entertained by somo excellent music on the fino city organ, Mr. Maughan Barnett (city organist) Slaving generously signified his willingness to play. A few reserved seats may stilt bo booked lit tho Dresden. WELLINGTON SOUTH CARNIVAL. Tho Rink was filled last evening, when good business was done, by all tho stalls. .Tho fancy dancing of tho children was much admired, whilo tho many novel sido shows aro proving groat attractions. To-morrow afternoon tho authorities aro arranging a special, opening for the children. The Rink will ho opened at 2.30 p.m., and children aro promised a most enjoyable- treat. Tho takuiiis last oveninc totalled £SO.