ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1103, 17 April 1911, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. ' A special holiday programme was put on at the Theatre Koyal on Saturday night, and this succeeded in drawing a packed house. Several new artists made their first appearance and the old favourites mads a change in their items. During the first half there was tho usual minstrel part, the only new faces being those of Pat ltooce .iud*l'hc Scyft'er Twins. The former is a comedian and . dancer and appeared to delight the audience occasionally with his patter. As an endman he did not make a decided hit, for in this respect he was like his colleaguesshowing no life. The Seyft'er Twins were seen to advantage in a pretty little song and dance. They also opened the second half of the programme with a turn of tho same description. Miss Mabel Lyjine always has a good reception from Theatre Royal patrons and was recalled many times on Saturday. . The second half of tho entertainment'was quite a relief after the first part, for it was brimful of good things. George Harris and Edith Vernon, who have come direct from successful seasons in the United States and Australia, made their initial bow to a NewZealand audience. They are billed as "those two dancers" and their turn lias seldom been equalled by performances of its kind in Wellington. From the time they appeared before the footlights they made an impression on tho audience and their song, entitled "Fashion Plates," was loudly applauded. Then the lady meinher executed a clever step-dance, which aroused the enthusiasm of the "house." This was followed by an original stuttering sonp by Sir. Harris, and a most eccentric dance. The two artists then finished the turn with a splendid piece of footwork on a specially-constructed wood mat, on which the beat' of the light clogs was distinctly heard. A refreshing change from tho old gags and sayings was the smart dialogue* which the pair indulged in. In "The Khodesburys" Messrs. Fuller and Sons have secured two of the best patter comedians who have been scon this side of the Tasinan Sea for some time. Their turn is a very clever one, as well as very funny. Their singing is much above the ordinary, find for the rendering of "Elaine" they had to respond to a double encore. The 'Tour Racoons" also added to the evening's entertainment by indulging in some clever acrobatic tricks. Taken on . the _ whole, the programme is well worth seeing, esspecially tho second part.

KING'S THEATRE. The excellent programme of pictures shown at tho King's Theatre on Thursday drew another big house on Saturday night. Araon'pr the numerous pictures shown were "Blue Horse Mine," "His Father's Enemy," "Tho Chimney Sweep's Boy," and "Grindlewald." Music was supplied by the King's Lytic Orchestra. There will be a matinee at the theatre at 2.30 p.m. to-day, and another performance at S p.m. Two special programmes have been arranged.for. the holiday. At the matinee there will he attractions for little folks, and in the evening the entertainment will include all the latest pictorial attractions direct from England.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Special holiday programmes have been arranged for both this afternoon's matinee and this evening's performance at His Majesty's Theatre, the. principal attraction this afternoon being a beautifullycoloured film entitled "The Sleeping Beauty," a pantomimo in pictures. Tonight an entirely new series of the latest importations will be presented, including the American Biograph's greatest success, "His Trust" and "His Trust Fulfilled." "His Trust," the faithful devotion and self-sacrifice of an" old Negro servant, is the first part of a- life story, the second part being "His Trust Fulfilled," and while the second is the sequel to tho first, each part is a complete story in itself. . "The Colour-Sergeant's Horso" is a British war-story,-in.which a wonderful horse, "])on," recovers the flag, which has been captured from his wounded master. "A Tin Tvpe Romance," a delightful little comedy, "Life on Italian Warships," "A Trip Through Picturesque Japan," and a number of other equally interesting subjects will be included in the particularly strong programme. Seats may be booked at C'hristenson's.

THE NEW THEATEE. Novelty, interesting and entertaining for old and young alike, will be tho feature at the New Theatre in Manners Street, .which is to open its doors to the public to-night. There has been a great evolution going on. in the matter, of.entertainments of this nature. Few people .who. recollect the .'lmagic-lantern": of their childhood's fancy could then .'have imagined . that'. the developments which have taken place in.the world of science would in later years have enabled them to witness the marvellous transformation , , that the "moving picture" has brought about. From an educational point of view the value of the kiuomatosraph will not bo disputed.. To the young mind, impressionable as it is, "the world in picture," moving scenes and incidents of engrossing, realistic interest, cannot fail to Iμ of tho utmost benefit; while the man who has travelled delights to renew his acquaintance with places which, perhaps, in earlier years afforded him the greatest pleasure. The arrangements which Messrs. MacMahon and Donnelly have made with the Greater J. D. Williams Co., Ltd., the pioneers of the continuous "moving picture" show in Australia, will enable them to present their patrons with all the latest novelties in this direction. The doors will open tonight at .7 o'clock, tho performance beginning at 8. A special tariff of one shilling all over the theatre will be charged for tho opening, a general tariff of sixpence for adults'and half-prico for the little ones being announced for the "continuous," which will be inaugurated to-morrow morning at 11 a.m., and thenceforward.

FULLERS' SKATING RINK. The ever popular winter pastime drew largo attendances at the Fullers' Skating Rink on Saturday last, when each session wasexceptionally well attended, and the management announce that an extra session will be given to-dav, commencing at 10 a.m. Tho additional illuminations which have- been added' this season are greatly appreciated •by patrons, and the music of the band adds greatly to the ■enjoyment of the skaters. A bsßinners , session is held every evening from G' to 7, when every assistance is given by competent instructors to those being initiated into the pleasures of skating. WONDERLAND. Those who journeyed out to Miramar on Saturday afternoon to visit Wonderland were provided with plenty of amusement, and enabled to spend a pleasant afternoon. The various side-shows, such as the miniature railway, toboggan, and water-chntc, and, the other attractions that make this holiday resort so popular were all in full swing. Visitors were given every facility to enjoy themselves, and it needs must be a very dull person who left there dissatisfied. Wonderland will ue open all day to-day, and in the evening the Tramway Band will he in attendance. ' ■

■ SACRED CONCERT. M. Eugene Ossipoff, the Russian baritone, ' made his last appearance in Wellington last, evening, the occasion being a sacred concert under his management at the Opera Uouse. The concert was announced to commence at 8.15 p.m., but long before that hour the house was packed to its utmost holding capacity, and several hundred people. must have been unablo to gain admission. M. Ossinoff sang "Jerusalem" (Doliler), "Morning Prayer" (Glinka). "First Palm Sunday" (Faun-), and "Eventide" (KochetolD. As encore numbers hn sang "Will-o'-the-Wisp. and the Toreador song from Carmen. M. Ossipolt nUo sang the duet "The Crucifix" with Miss Reneo Lops. Miss Lilian Edmonds sang Gounod's "Avo Maria." Mr. Charles Norman ployed Mendelssohn's "Song Without Words" as an oboe solo, this felection being the gem of the evening. Not the least pleasing feature of tho concert was the accompaniments played by Miss Rence Lees. .