ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 771, 21 March 1910, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. . On Saturday evening a large crowd witnessed the final production of the current programme, which had so much to commend it. Most interest centred in the marvellous display given by "Hassan," the Indian magician whose doings completely mystified the spectators. A new programme will be presented this evening. .. THE KING'S THEATRE. A matinee and an evening display were given on Saturday at the new King's Theatre, under the joint proprietorship and control of West's Pictures ajid the Royal Pictures. Every child attending the matinee received a souvenir. 'Hie house on each occasion .was crowded. Among the most popular of the films are a couple of dramatic story pictures entitled. "His Reformation" and "The Engineer's Daughter." The programme will be repeated tonight. HIS MAJESTY'S •PICTURES. , Good houses were present at both the matinee and evening performance of His Majesty's Pictures on Saturday last, when the . present week's programme, grave, gay, and scientific, was continued. lie genesis of sleeping sickness was seen, and the "Lady of the Camellias" stepped through her sorrow-laden part, while the humorous vagaries of-the plumber were again seen, amid the'storm, of his own misdoings. The present programme will be, shown to-night and to-morrow night. 1

STAR PICTURES. There was, as usual, a large attendance at Saturday night's display of the Star Pictures in St. Thomas's Hall. "The White .Sea" i 3 one of the finest films that have been' seen here for a long while. Another meritorious pioture is entitled "The Seventh Day." Of the humorous films, "The Football Craze" is especially entertaining. All arare now completed for the representation of the famous picture, "Othello," to be shown by the Star Pictures at the Opera House on Good Friday night. Every detail of this Shakespearean drama is faithfully depicted by .some of the foremost artists of the French stage, and the story is made thoroughly understandable. In addition to the "Othello" picture, full programme of the Star Pictures' latest importations, of a dramatic, scenic, industrial; and humorous nature will be presented, every- item being carefully considered so as to I make up an attractive entertainment. "PETER PAN." \ v .' , ! : When a .play gains for itself such' a world-wide reputation as that which is possessed by J.,M. Barrie's wonderful imaginative creation "Peter Pan," it is 'not to be .wondered at that the prospect of, seeing it is anticipated. by playgoers.. The Wellington public is to have the opportunity of witnessing, the delightful fantasy, at last—for at the Opera House on Easter Saturday Mr. J. C. Williamson's splecially organised company will produce it for tie first time in New Zealand. The season is limited .to thirteen nights and several .matinees.. The, first of the afternoon performances is announced'for Easter Monday. There is a charm about the creation of "Peter Pan" which appeals to people of varied climes, and all - 9orts and. conditions. It is not a story, it is not in the least degree probable; it is simply a; weaving together of the ideas and fancies of an imaginative brain, placed for the time being at the .disposal .of childish re-, quirements. . It. is essentially a. chil-. dren's creation, and because it is such, it appeals, not only to them, but to all those of older growth around whoso hearts and lives the children have woven ■ the spell, of their bright, young; happy presence. So "Peter Pan" is justnseries of wonderful' happenings, and adventures which befall Mr. and Mrs. Darling's children when they "Never, ■ Never, Never . Land," under Peter's guidance,-are just -to be acr cept-ed as incidents which- occur in the most natoal way possible. Albeit they are strange miracles.. "There is," says a Melbourne paper (where the play had a most enthusiastic season), "a daintiness of treatment, which makes, the impossible seem : almost and furnishes to. the story an irresistible, alluring atmosphere, to which both old and young must succumb., Box plans will be opened at the Dresden to-morrow morning. -

- BESSES 0' TH' BARN BAND. Over three thousand people attended the open-air ■ concert which was given by the Besses! o' th' Barn Band at Day's Bay yesterday. The programme (which, of course, like everything else which the band does disclosed "brass in perfection") included Handel's "Halelujah Chorus" ; Mozart's' overture, "Zauberflote"; the march ."arranged by A. ■ Owen, entitled "Schiller-Meyer-beer"; trombone solo (a) "Hide Thou Thy Hated.Beams," and (b) "Waft Her Angels," :by' Mr. Weedall; cornet solo, Tosti's "Good-bye," by Mr. Ryder; Handel's "The Harmonious Blacksmith".;! and - Wagner's ''Rienzil" In consequence of the great success of the Wellington season, Messrs. J. and; N. Tait have arranged for the Besses to play again here at Easter. Performances , will be given 'at' the .Athletic Park on Good Friday evening and Saturday evening, and on Easter Monday afternoon and evening, whilst , another open-air performance will be given at Day's Bay on Easter Sunday. A change of programme, is announced for each occasion. Admission will be at popular

prices. - _'■ The Besses play at Ot-aki and Levin to-day;, at Foxton '. and' Paliuerston North to-morrow; .thence at Woodville and' Pahiatua, returning, to' Wellington on' Good Friday .'