ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 965, 4 November 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"LOVERS' LANE." . That sweet little comedy, "Lovers' Lane," attracted another large audience to the Opera House last evening, and every line—and there are many good ones —was heartily enjoyed. Mr.. Harry Plinimer, as the Eev. Thomas Singleton, has a part which suits his manly, robust style to a. hair, and his unconscious love-making with Mary Larkiii is about as pretty, a thing as- one could wish to see. Simplicity's love; of the minister.is another charming bit of sentiment. "I know you love her (Mary)," says Simplicity, "for when she went inside your eyes followed her, and they haven't • come back." Miss Xizette Parkes is irresistible as Simplicity, albeit she' does nob suggest the romp and tomboy in her dress, which is the pink of neatness on' all occasions. She—and a troup. of clever children—brighten up the ■ scene outside the schoolhouse wonderfuly, and for her dainty singing of "The Old Red School" Miss Parkes was thrice encored. The scenery is in the best of "rural taste. The ' village square (Act II),. with its school, the rural grocer's shop and postoffice combined, and the familiar hoarding is quite typical, and the orchard scenes—the same aspect in autumn and spring—with a wonderfully' real apple tree >in the middle distance, is a scenic triumph. Only two more performances of "Lovers' Lane" can be given, ! : . THEATRE ROYAL. The star item at the Theatre Hoyal this weak is Mr. J. M. West/ the equilibrist. Among his feats of skill is the balancing of his whole body upon one hand, rested on the tip of a brass rod set in a pyramid of tables. A similar feat is also performed with a ■ lighted kerosene lamp placed upon his head..Tie strength .of the performer is amply proved by descending a brass rod, eet at a sharp angle, by merely gripping with his hands. Messrs.. Gray and Graham delighted the audience' in. their new musical comedy, and. - were made to respond to. several recalls. Miss Beryl' Gilman song "Dream Voices" and "A Faded Picture" with great success. Little Olive Sayer's rendering of "Down pn the Old Swanee" was one of the features of the evening, which drew forth prolonged calls for an encore, and in response she gave "The Sentimental Coon." Other pleasing items were contributed by Messrs. Fred. Eicki Horace Dentice, and the "Two Rosebuds." The last-named in their song and danoe scenes were given a flattering reception. A number of biograph films were exhibited, including "The Industries of Cairo," and some in a lighter vein, all obtaining favourable response. ■ ■"' HIS MAJESTY'S.;, ' Numerous dramatic, scenic, and comic pictures of good quality are included in the programme of the current week at His ' Majesty's.' Of ■ the scenic pictures one of the best is.that which carries the observer over a range of' scenes on the Volga River. Lovers of sport, are' catered for in a' film entitled "Romance of-. a Jockey," in which a splendid steeplechase is • screened. One of the best "comics" this week is a picture, entitled "Advertisement Answered." Others that should be mentioned are, "Burglars Expected," and "A Thief Well- Received." Undoubtedly this week's entertainment is well up to Messrs. Fuller , and Sons' usual standard. The same programme will be shown again to-night. . ' KING'S .THEATRE. Quite the leading attraction at the King's Theatre this week is a picturo showing the recent race on the Zambesi River/ -in .which Arhst and Barry competed for the-world's sculling championship. One is enabled to-follow the progress .of the race from start to finish. Another film of interest is that, depicting the training of lads in seamanship on board the Mercury. Included in the "Pathe Gazette" are some striking scenes, chief among them being the autumn manoeuvres of the Home Fleet and the .visit'of the Tsar and hjs suite to Germany. The comic element-is well represented in the current week's programme. The. programme will be -repeated : to-night} and- following evening?. STAR PICTURES. The scenic, dramatic, and comic programme presented: nightly- by. the Star. Picture Company was well received last evening. The same bill will be continued until the end of the. week. A NOVEL THEATRICAL CARNIVAL. Newtown Park will be the scene of a novel gala and • theatrical carnival on Saturday afternoon next. The function is in aid of a most worthy cause—to provide funds for' Mother Mary Joseph Aubert's homes. A strong local committee has been working hard for weeks past, and fine weather is all that is necessary to crown-their efforts with success. The programme advertised should provide a fine "afternoon's entertainment, as it ranges from.an'athletic sports meeting, in which many of 'Wellington's prominent athletes -will compete, to a baby show. A special feature will-be a theatrical gala by -members 'of the. PUmrner-Reynolds-Denniston Dramatic Companyand Messrs. Fullers' Vaudeville Company. During the afternoon the star artists of these companies will give frequent performances. In addition there will be many side-shows,■'. Punch and Judy, for-tune-tellers, and a lady's beauty show is also promised. . -There should- be a very large attendance of the public. :