ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1008, 24 December 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. The vaudeville entertainment at tho Theatre Royal ivas again heavily patronised last evening, and many of the performers engaged had to respond to repeated recalls. Comedians, vocalists, and dancers, all were markedly successful in their several parts. Nat Clifford, the popular comedian, is on the eve of departure, but his absence will bo made good by tho arrival shortly of Mr. Alf Holt, an American vaudeville artist, and the reappearance of the Flying Peclros and the Gibson Girls. . A matinee performance will be given on Monday at 2.30 p.m. HIS MAJESTY'S. The excellent picture programme that was first submitted to the patrons-of His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday night was repeated last evening in the presence of another crowded house.' One remarkablo and highly-spectacular film tells the scriptural story of the pride and fall of Nebuchadnezzar. Another takes the spectator among he cowboys of the Western States to follow breathlessly the., fortunes'of a charming heroine and watch the defeat of the most complex machinations against her. . "The Foundling" is one of those little ' dramas without speech which are so popular. ' 'Rock Climbing in the Black' Forest" is a delightful blend of the' sensational and the picturesque. There are many other films equally worthy of mention, and-those who will see the programme this afternoon or this even-1 ing have a' treat in store. ■ KING'S THEATRE. History, comedy, the picturesque and all sorts of human interest aro crowded into tho programme of animated pictures which was shown last night for the second timo at the King's Theatre. "Lest we Forget" is a drama of a little beggar girl, whose deliverance from her pitiful plight is due to a wonderful dream. The story of a young cavalier who dies in a dosperate assault on as old-time walled city is told in- the fine series entitled "Henry of Lusignac." One of the best of the scenic films is "A. Holiday in tho Highlands.". The programme (which ivill be repeated this afternoon and evening) also comprises some irresistible "comics," and in fact something good of every kind. WEST'S PICTURES AT ATHLETIC PARK. The programme to be presented 011 Tuesday night at the Athletic.'Park by. West's Pictures, Ltd., has Been carefully selected, and should provide a first-class entertainment. The fireworks call for special mention, and such items as "Niagara Falls," "Tho Star of Bethlehem," "The Mechanical Butterfly," "Japanese Glory," and "A Merry Christmas" (a magnificent .set piece); besides "Fountains of Fire," "Rainbow 'Wheels," "'Whirling Catherine Wheels," "Serpents," ana "Tourbillions," should be interesting to both old and young. In the picture section to be shown, are. tho latest Test Match, Springboks v. Australia, showing that fine batsman, Victor Trumper, being run out; the Football Matches, Essendon. v,^Brahan and The Queensland Cup Final, arid numerous dramatic and humorous films to suit the tastes of,all. ' Special electric plant' has been installed, and on-this occasion the 1 Athletic Park' will be lit by electricity. The Band has been engaged, and popular prices ivill be charged.

STAR PICTURES. ' 1% Sta^j'Pictures , management,.i,is still 'doing good'business at audi last night there was another good house. A matinee performance will be given this afternoon. QUEEN'S PICTURES. The Victoria Hall, Newtowu, was well patronised last evening, when the programme of the recently-established Queen's Pictures had a favourable reception. A complete chango of films is announced for this evening. There will also bo a matineo this afternoon. "THE DOLLAR PRINCESS." For the opening night of-Mr., J. C. Williamson's New Comic Opera Company on Monday next, there will be staged, for the first time In Wellington, "The Dollar Princess." Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Islington and a party from Government Houso havo signified their intention of being present. "The Dollar Princess" comes with excelbnt recommendation as a musical play, and there • are several reasons for anticipating a' more than good interpretation of an uncommonly fine musical play. The management state that the cast is a brilliant one, and that it must bo rarely, if ever, i that we have had so many really firstclass vocalists in one company 'in any musical attraction. In order to suit public convenience, tho- following box plan arrangements will obtain during tho holiday season To-day the plans for "The Dollar Princess," for the first six nights, will be open at the Dresden ti\\ 8 p.m. On 'Monday seats for the same opera can bo reserved at the Opera House, and, on Tuesday, at Christeson's. In consequence of tho length of the play, the management desire that seatholders will be in-their places before tho rising of the curtain. Children in arms will not be admitted. ( ORGAN RECITALS AND .CAROLS. There was only a moderate attendance at tho Town Hall last evening, when an organ recital, in combination with some carol singing, was the seasonable entertainment provided by the City Organist (Mr. J. Maughan Barnett). Tho municipal concerts are well worthy of solid' patronage, and to ensure this tho controlling authorities should see that the music-loving public are better acquainted with their occurrence, as the entertainments provided by Mr. Barnett are invariably good. Last evening the programme was quite an interesting one. Mr. Barnett, imbued with tho spirit of the season, had made a selection in harmonious accord therewith. His organ soli included the overture, and the "Pastoral Symphony" from-"The Messiah" (Handel), a fantasia on a Mendelssohn Christmas hymn tune by Mr. Barnett, the pretty, pastoral . music from "Tannhauser" (Wagner), where the shepherd pipes his merry lay in . tho sunshine before tie pilgrim band, and their solemn chanting disturbs tho rural calm; "The March of tho Magi Kings" (Dubois), and a Christmas "Olfertoire," by Grison. A compact little choir, numerically too small to bo impressive, sang a number of carols, including "A Clijld This Day is Born," "Sleep, Holy Babe" (Dykes), "Listen, Lordlings, Unto Me" (Ouseley), "The Coventry Carol," "All This Night Bright Angels Sing" (Sullivan), and "Tho First Nowell." Another concert, under the management of the municipality, will bo given in the big Town Hall on Monday evening.

ELOCUTIONARY RECITAL. Mr. Lawrence Campbell will'give a recital of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" at tlie Opera House to-mor-row evening (Sunday). Commenting on the above tho "Sydney Morning Herald" says: "Mr. Lawrence Campbell's recital of 'A Christmas Carol' must bo placed beside that of his many distinguished predecessors in a task demanding all the many qualities of pathos, humour, and character discrimination." The evenings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next at the Concert' Chamber, Town Hall, will be devoted to 'humorous and,dramatic items

Mayer, who accompanies Mr. Campbell, composes the music for the monologues. M. Eugene Ossipoff, the Russian operatic baritone, who assists Mr. Campbell will sing on Monday evening the Prologud from "Pagliacci," and the "Toreador" song from "Carmen." The box S lan.for the recitals is open at -the Dresden. , BOXING NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. Messrs. J. Fuller and Sons, who were the successful tenderers for the use of the Town Hall for Tuesday evening next, have decided to present one of their most attractive picture programmes for the occasion. Included in the bill to be presented will bo the magnificent set of pictures luiown as '•'Picturesque Sydney." It will be remembered that when this set was shown at His Majesty's Theatre there were large crowds who were unable to. gain 'admission, and these will doubtless be -glad to .learn that the Sydney pictures . will be shown at the Town Hall on Tuesday next. Sydney has many charming scenic resorts in its numerous bays. These, together with the splendid parks and domains of the city, are admirably shown in the picture, ' together With every place of note in the Commonwealth's leading capital. Sup- ; porting the . " Picturesque Sydney " films are special selections of the very latest productions from the world's leading makers. Appropriate incidental, music will be supplied by a competent orchestra. Popular picture prices of admission will be charged. 1 FIREWORKS AT DAY'S BAY. The promoters of the fireworks exhibition which is to bo given at Day's Bay tin Monday evening next mil be fortunate in the setting of tho display. The picturesque grounds of the Harbour Ferries Company at Day's Bay are splendidly adapted for exhibition of fireworks, the prolific growth of native bush and scrub making an excellent background for the set pieces. Of the latter Mr. R. T. Bickerton is providing .a large number, amongst the most effectual. being, the fountains and a very large piece set,on high, representing a waterfall. Halley's Comet is another interesting set. There will be an'exhibition of fire club swinging by Flamos, and a large supply of rockets and aerial shells bursting into gorgeously-coloured stars. The Ferries Company are running special steamers 011 Monday evening, the return trip being made immediately at th'e conclusion of the fireworks display. . CHRISTMAS CONCERT.On Monday night, December 26, a popular concert; will be given in the Town Hall by Messrs. Maughan Barnett, John Prouse, and J. W. Clark. Mr. Barnett l , will preside at the 1 organ for the following items: —"Storm Jantaisie" ("Wely)' overture, "Zampa," and works .-by AVidor, Lemare, and Lemmens. Mr. John Prouse will sing Gounod's "NazaTeth" and "Harbour Bay," and the recitations, "Christmas at Sea" and the "Volunteer Organist" will be supplied by Mr. J. M. Clark. An advertisement, in our amusement column sets forth particulars of a monster Catholic picnic, to bo held on Monday' (Boxing Day) at Khand'allah. A good sports' programme has been arranged, and special picnic trains leave ■ Thorndon. Station ; at intervals.

THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN. The second of'the Christmas concerts for sailors was given with much success" last night by Mrs. Greenwood, whose programme .was a very seasonable one and 'much jen joyed by the men. With: story; song" jokej'and conundrum i alB too swiftly. The performers'' ware Me's'dames Greenwood and Pearson, Miss M. Green-wood',-and Messrs. Pearson, Ford, Miller, • and several of the merchant seamen. '