ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1069, 7 March 1911, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MISS AMY CASTLEiS. THE SECOND CONCERT. Visits of singers of the calibre of Miss Amy Castles, the talented Australian soprano, are all too low to be missed." Miss Castles was accredited with havinj possessed a very beautiful voire which,: in its untutored condition, was full of rare promise, and that promise she may easily claim as having bsen fulfilled, for whilst she has learned much at the hands of competent teachers, and in the broad world of experience, her voice has lost, none of the freshness and charm of youth, whilst it has gained a breadth and finish that have raised her far above the mediocre—and has not reached the zenith of her powers yet. Last evening she sang the ambitious "Cara Nome" aria from "Kigoletto" IVerdi) in a manner that gave pleasure to all present. It was not a high-strung dramatic effort that reached tho heights of passion which the number lends itself to, but as an exhibition of vocalism it took high rank, and exhibited" once more the clarity, strength, tonal steadiness, and truth of a. singularly pure soprano organ under splendid control. Miss Castles also gave the brilliant Waltz Song from "Romeo and Juliet" (Gounod), which she sang with a suspicion of coquettish abandon. She could have gone farther in this regard without offending the canons of her art as. a concert artist. Other songs sung very prettily were "Love's Whisper" (WHlebv), Gounod's "Ave Maria," "At Twilight," and "'Twas April" (Nsvin), and "If No One Ever Marries Me." As on Saturday evening, Mr. Louis H.ittenbach's 'cello playing gave intense pleasure. The finish, poetry and refinement of his playing will linger long in the memory. His items wero the popular "Le Cygne" of Saint-Saens, the lively "Scherzo" of Van Goens, and a very delightful rendition of Chopin's "Nocturne" (Opus.2, No. 2). The only slip the artist made was in the obhligato to the "Ave Maria," where his memory momentarily failed him in the introduction. The audience was greedy for encores. Mr..Alexander- Camphausen-.mnde rather heavy, weather of that sombre number "The Erl King" (Schubert), but he made considerable amends in a rather fine interpretation of "0, Star of Eve," from "Tannhanser" (Wagner), to which ho was forced to append "Still in the Night" (Bohni). Mr. Win. Conway played Liszt's "Rhapsodic-Hongroise," and Chopin's sparkling "Polonaise in A Flat" acceptably, and ; in his hands the accompaniments were quite, safe.

THEATRE'ROYAL. Fullers' Vaudeville Company has teen attracting large audiences oil late, and last night the honsa was filled in every part.. The particular attraction, apart from tho usual weekly change of programme, was the first appearance of several new artists. Among these were tho "Williamson Girls," who come direct from a successful season at Australian music-halls. They are a dainty duo, and their performance is somewhat different to tho usual class of entertainment given by comediennes at the Theatre Royal. They were Well received." George Jones and Ettie Williams were also.newcomers. Their turn consists of bright patter and. vocal comedy. Some of tho jokes, were capital ones, but it. seemed as if the pair went a little too fast for the audience, and therefore the best jokes were missed. The lady is an excellent. dancer. Miss Daphne' Leslie made her reappearance last evening, and scored a decided hit. with her rendering of "One of tho Girls." Arthur Elliott was a host in himself, and his comicalities kept the house in excellent humour. Tho turn provided by the cooii impersonator, Miss Maud Fanning and.her three little assistants, was distinctly good, and they were recalled again and again. Miss Fanning puts plenty of "go" into her work,, and never seems to tire, for after each recall she conies back as vivacious as ...ever. George Banveen-discovered -sweet -music on all kinds of instruments,'and Hassan, tho Indian magician,- again mystified the audience with his tricks. Ettie Williams was heard - to. advantage. in "Man! M an! Man!" As also was Elma Anderson in "My Mother Sang to Me." The Elliott Sisters assisted by Littlo Huia, George Jone3, and Ruby Wallace were also pleasing. The same programme will.be produced until further notice.

HIS'MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The latest series of pictures shown at His Majesty's Theatre was responsible for a large attendance at this popular house of entertainment last evening, and judging by the quality of the films shown patrons could not have been ;disappointed. A long' film describing Singapore, its beautiful harbour, with .quaint .-na, tive crnft flitting across its waters, the busy scene where crowds of "coolio lum-. pers are coaling the ocean liners,' the splendid public buildings of the city; and the wide streets lined with rows ot shade-giving trees provide delightful studies for the camera and are remarkably well depicted. Oriental life is further illustrated in the same film by ■ entertaining •'snapshots' taken around the city and of the mode of life of the inhabitants of the native quarter. The usual number of picture dramas have their place'upon the bill. "The Vampire," a picture drama from Sir Edward Burne-Jonos s painting, was one of the most successful. "The Cow-punch'cr's Glove" tells ii storv of .Western American ranch lifo that is most interesting. = This' week's Patho Gazette is up to date'with its budget of latest events. Among the subjects, that find a plac'e upon it are, military manoeuvres at Melilla, Spain, in which King Alfonso is seen chatting familiarly with the commandant and' his staff, the recent' Rugby match England v. Wales, which resulted in a win for Wales by a narrow margin, the latest • Paris fashions, a storm on the coast of Morocco, and a number of other interesting topical events. The' "Domestic Troubles of Davy Jones" formed the subject of an amusing picture, which ends by Davy netting sail never to return to his domestic > circle. -"Tweedledum and Frothy, "Cousin Tontalini Arrives" and "Mr. Four Flush" are other sure mirth-pro-vokors. This' programme will be shown to-night again.

KING'S THEATRE. That the interest taken in pictures is as great as ever was proved last night, when West's and Royal Pictures presented their change of programme at the King's Theatre. .Only those who arrived early or had booked their seats were able to 'gain admission. A good picture cf American Western life is shown, whew a tramp makes friends with Dick Broadhurst, a young miner. The; latter offers the tramp work in his mine, but seeing him with a roll of notes Todd shoots him in the back, and robs him. The boys rush up and help Broadhtirst home. _TO"«. gets there first, and shows Mrs. Broad-hur-t a note signed by her husband, asking her to send him a good horse, as no lias shot a man who has tried to jump his claim. She gives Todd the horse and lie rides away as the men arrive with her wounded husband. Realising how she has been deceived by Todd, she trains her "un on him as he is" escaping, anil shoots Fiim down. Another good dramatic film .is ono entitled "The Lesson." In tins there is a strong moral. Tho comic element has not been neglected, as in this week s programme Davy Jones, Tontohni, Calino, and Coco all appear in various situations. In the scenic department this week the programme is exceptionally stroll" -V verv interesting picture is that entitled "A Holiday Trip in Wales," in which is portrayed all tho beautiful scenery for which Wales is noted. Another 'scenic picture ot interest is that taken in Africa on the borders of Nyanza, and is an exciting travel picturebeautifully coloured. Three large elephants are killed. A giant native mounts an elephant and stands, spear in hand, as if addressing his fellows. In the Patho Gazette this week the latest Paris fashions aro depicted. The proprietors of West's and Royal have augmented their orchestra by engaging the services of an additional violinist.

HIGHLAND RIFLES BAZAAR. The Highland Rifles' Bnzanr was again well attended last evening in spile of the many counter attractions. A most entertaining programme had been arranged, including military tableaux and camp-fire scenes, in which the Wellington Highland Rifles were the actors. Variety was added to the entertainment by several side-shows, and other items. To-innrrow evening there will bo still further attractions, and those attending the bazaar may be quite sure of spending a most entertaining evening,