ENTERTAINMENTS,

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 877, 25 July 1910, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS,

OPERA HOUSE. On Saturday night at the Opera llouso before a large audience, Mr. ii. R. Roberts and Miss Beatrice Day and other members of tho Rupert Clarke, Clyclo Meynell Company, playing "Rebellious Susan," bade farewell to Wellington theatregoers. At the conclusion of tho performance both artists were called upon again and again, and finally spoke a lew words- of thnnks for the appreciation showu by Wellington audiences during their season here. THEATRE ROYAL. On such a night as Saturday was, the Theatre Royal proves a cosy retreat. The theatre was well filled when the management presented tho week's programmo for the last time. On Monday night the usual change will be submitted, and tho hist nights of the Rogers quartet aro announced. These juvenilo artists arc decidedly clever, the work of tho little boy who takes tho part of the clown being always greeted with hearty laughter, lveildi'i'son is entrusted ,with what might b& called tho "stui" act of a very good programme. His quick change nnperson--1 ations representing many men of note, such as Lord Roberts, the late Hon. Mr , Gladstone, the late Ring Edward Yli, ■ uml others, being well worth seeing. lIIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. His Majesty's Theatre was again largely attended on Saturday afternoon and evening, and the programmo submitted fully elicited tbe approval of the audiences. "The Angel of Dawson's Claim" is a dramatic picture of great merit The rugged Western scenes v.lliich it portrays are in striking contrast to tho clever* acting of a tiny girl of tender years, who plays a leading part in tliQ unfolding drama. Tlv? programme will be repeated this evening. KING'S THEATRE. Tho matinee and evening performances at tbe King's Theatre 011 Saturday were each largely patronised by tho public. Of the dramatic films, one of tho finest is that which pictures gun-running on the West Coast of Africa. In this many exciting situations are vividly portrayed. "In the Laos States" is a scenic film of great beautfy, the effect being greatly heightened by tbe tints with which it is enriched. Numerous comic films pleasantly lighten the programme, which will be repeated this evening. STAR PICTURES. A large audienco assembled at St. Thomas's Hall, iVewtown, 011 Saturday evening, and viewed appreciative!}' an extensive range of scenic, dramatic, and comic pictures. To-night there will be an entire change of programing and new gems of kiucmatographic art are promised for the' entertainment of patrons. OLYMPIA RINK. . The Olympia Rink presented an animated spectacle on Saturday, when both afternoon ami evening sessions attracted a crowded attcndar.ce of skaters. It is noticeablo that tho great majority of those who now attend the rink aro export in managing tho rollers. "Spills" aro infrequent, and patrons aro enabled to pursue their pastime under safe and pleasant conditions. "THE GIRL FROM RECTOR'S." Mr. Hugh J. Ward and his company of comedians will renew tho acquaintance of local theatregoers at the Opera llouso on Monday next when they stage for the first time hero a farcical comedy adaptation from the Fronch entitled "The Girl From Rector's." Among tho successes associated with Mr. Ward's < previous visits aro "Tho Man From Mexico," "Mr. Hopkinson," "A Bachelor's Honeymoon/' and others, and from reports 1.0 hand from Australia and Dominion centres, "'Tho Girl From Rector's" is ono of the most absurdly humorous plays yet staged by Mr. Ward. It is a four-act extravaganza, in which neither tho actors nor actresses, nor the audience get any real rest. Absurdity follows absurdity in such quick succession that there are no breathing spaces. It is easy to conceive that a comedy such as "Tho Girl From Rector's" would be spoiled by indifferent acting, but as each member of Mr. Ward's company is a real funmaker - the attitude of tho audience is one of successive convulses of laughter. The box plan for six performances opens on Wednesday at the Dresden.

."THE KELLY GANG." At the Opera House to-night the Messrs. MacMabon inaugurate their new season, when will be' presented for the first time in Wellington, that' which is declared to ho a very ambitious effort with regard to the wonder-working possibilities of tho kinematograph, viz., the living picture reproduction of the famous and daring exploits of tli-o notorious Australian bushrangers, "The ICelly Gang." The. picture, which measures 3000 feet in length, costing «£UOO in the taking, was token specially and recently for the Messrs. MacMahon, by tho well-known firm of Messrs. Johnson and Gibson, of Melbourne. All the historic spots in the north-eastern districts of Victoria, and known as tho "Ivclly Country" and made famous by these desperate criminals, havo boeu photographed with great accuracy. Chief among the incidents in the story to bo re-enacted by biograph to-night may be mentioned tho sticking up of the banks, the uiurdcr of a policc officer, tho shooting of Sherritt, the informer, locking the police in their own cells, cutting tho telegraph lines, the burning and attack on tho Glenrowan Hotel, tho heroism of Father Gibney, and the last stand and capture of Ned. Kelly. The first half of tho programme will consist of a charming selection of new and up-to-dato animated picture subjects. The story of "the Kellys" will be narrated by Mr. Alfred Boothman, and an orchestra, under the direction of Miss Abbio'.-Taylor, ■will contribute appropriate musical numbers during the evening. Mr. Sam. Crew is tlve company's chief electrician and operator. It is announced that popular prices will prevail, and that seats enn be secured without extra fee at tho Dresden. Early door tickets are obtainable at Christensen's. ,

SUNDAY 'CONCERT. Tho Town Hall was crowded last evening when a concert was given by tho Wellington Tramways Band, assisted by the Lyric Male Choir. The concert served to prove what a really excellent band we have 1 in connection with the tramway service. It improves with every public performance, end last evening did itself great credit in fonie rather ambitious selections. Thc.se included •). Old Hume'* fantasia, "Gems from Sullivan," tho "Tannhauser March/' j-omu well-arranged variations on the air "Sandon," and the march, "Rua Paraha" (Lilhgow). The Lyric Malo Choir is an earnest little band of vocalists, who are doing a good deal an a quiet way to foster choral singing in Wellington South. Under th<? baton of Mr. H. Gladstone Hill, tlioy fang tho "jflallolujah Chorus" ;(Handoi>, which must always lack much without tho femalo voices; "Comrades in Arms/' and the choral accompaniment to "The linage of a Kose.'* the solo of whicli was nicdy rendered by j\lr. Alf. Smith. Tho choir rather handicapped itself in singing from one side of the stage instead of coming forward to the front. Tho duet, "Flow Gently, Deva," was sung by Messrs. A. IC. Potter ami H. Holland. Thfo band was conducted by Mr. J. I\. Clarebiit. A verv enjoyable concert was given by Mr. Geo. Wilson and party in the Harbour Board shed on Friday night to entertain the crew of the Pioneer, now in port. There was a large attendance of sailors and friends. A very enjoyable programme of inusie was gone through, concluding witli a dance. liems wcro rendered by tho following:—Overture, Mr. Kean; songs, Messrs. Geo. Wilson, J. Knowles, «T. Sharps. G. Lansdowne, J. Green; recitation, Mr. Schmidt; songs, "Misses M. Wilson, T. Foley, jr. Maiiloll, L. Foley, and M. Cnshman. Mr. Kean and Miss Foley acted as efficient I accompanists.