ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1117, 3 May 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. Those who appreciate melodrama where hairbreadth escapes and alternate triumphs and delr.its are the lot of the hero, and final discomfiture the portion of the villain, can hmo their penchant gratified by attending, the presentation of Arthur Shirley and Benjamin Laudock's well-known drama "Nick Carter. Detective," which is now beinsr presenfed at. the Opera House by tho George Marlow Dramatic Company. Though tho play lacks subtlety, and the ultiimte overthrow of the leading rascal is accomplished not so much by the cleverness of Nick Carter, the detective hero, as by a series of inexplicable misfortunes which soem to dog tho path of tho evil-door, the play generally attracts good audiences, and last night wr\s no exception. A murder, an attempted execution, a sensational leap on horseback through an open window, an attempt to wreck a train, still another attempted murder, and a safe robbery arc a few of (lie many sensations which this melodrama provides. The piece is splendidly staged and the cast effective. Messrs Bciitloy. Scully, Currau, Lilton, and Misses.Guiidford, Adelo Kelly. Thelma Flanagan, and Addic Jenkers arc "persons of the play" who contribute materially to its success. On Saturday next the company will conclude a successful season by the production of the celebrated romantic drama, "East Lynne." The parts of Lady Isabel and Archibald Carlylc will be taken by Miss Ada Guiidford and Mr. Herbert J. Bentley respectively. THEATRE ROYAL. That a good .vaudeville entertainment is liked by theatre-goers was evinced by the attendance at the Theatre Royal last night. Tho best items of the evening were the turns of Mr. Jules Garrison and his Two Roman Maids, and also that of Miss Maud Fanning—a very clever coon impersonator. These two turns are easily the "star" acts of the evening. Bob Lloyd, a clever comedian, and Mabel Lynnc, comedienne, are deservedly popular, while the two Rhodesburys, sketch artists, also command the, applause of patrons. Others worthy nf mention arc: Tim Howard,. the. Elliot. Sisters, and the Gibson Girls. HIS MAJESTY'S. A glimpse, of dramatic events in the opening phase of the present Mexican war, the quaint, beauties of. an ancient Japanese temple, and a series of beautiful snow scenes are some of the best pictures in a programme that charmed patrons of .His Majesty's Theatre last evening. A number o"f exciting modern dramas also find a place in the programme, and it is lightened and relieved by comic films that are well up to current standard. An interesting picture is mat which illustrates , the manufacture ot pottery as it is carried on in Arabia. The same pictures will be shown this evening. KING'S THEATRE. The picture programme sere-sued at the King's Theatre last evening covered a wide range of subjects, and each detail had its features of beauty or interest or both. A bright little comedy is that entitled "A Tintype Romance." Other good.items are "Bobby as a Social Reformer," and "Playing at Divorce." "Feeding Wild Animals" is another picture that commands attention. It is In striking contrast to a picture of. the •Great St. Bernard, in which mountain scenes of stately grandeur are tho principal feature. The lighter side of things is admirably pictured in a series of comic films that provoked free laughter during their progress- over tho screen. Tho programme- will be repeated this evening, i NEW THEATRE. A new programme was presented at the New Theatre yesterday. Among the "dramatics" appears a romance of medieval times entitled "Joseph of Celano." Joseph is an Italian count, who, called away to tho war, leaves his cousin, Contrail', in charge of his castle. With Jo-, seph away Contrail makes love to Joseph's wife, and, when repulsed, locks her up in a dungeon. Her cries reach tho car of Peter the Miller, who with his friends makes an assault on the ca»tle, but are beaten back. Pctor, resorting to strategy, becomes one of Contrail's band, and locates the cell in which tho countess is confined. Suddenly Contran is thrown into confusion by tho announcement of his cousin's return, and he resolves to murder him. Peter overhears the plot, and tells Joseph's guard, who frustrate the attack, and Joseph is conducted to the dungeon, where he discovers his wife struggling in Contran's arms. Vengeance short and sharp is dealt out.. Another of the "Red Wing" series appears under the title of "Red Wing and the White Girl." This tells the story of a baby who strayed from a pioneer camp in Western America, and was found and brought up by a tribe of Indians. Fifteen years later the girl's brother is still looking for his lost sister, and offers a big reward for news of her whereabouts.. The placard is seen by Red Wing, who had years before found tho wandering chilnV She promptly restores the girl to her brother, but tlv Indians object, and attempt to recapture the girl, and have actually retaken her when cowboy help is summoned, and the Indians are put to rout. Other pictures shown are "Whist" (comic),

"Changing Cooks," "A Faithful Wife," and "Among tho Rapids." The star film, "A Royal Divorce," will be included in the programme submitted at the day sessions from to-morrow morning. SKATING RINK. Large attendances are reported at Fullers' Skating .Rink. Tho patrons, taking advantage of the colder weather now experienced, are taxing the floor to its utmost capacity. The beginners' sessions, at six each evening, are very largely patronised, which augurs well for the continued success of the season. Tho special engagement of Madame Read, the expert skater from the Olyinpia Rinks, London, is highly appreciated by those availing themselves of her services for tuition in the art of graceful skating. The Olympia Band is in attendance afternoon and evening sessions. BARNOLD'S FAMOUS ANIMAL ACTORS. To-morrow night, Messrs. John Fuller and Sons.will present Barnold's famous animal actors before tho Wellington public. The enjoyment of this wonderful animal act is grpatly enhanced by tho absence of any trainer or "professor" during the timo tho animals aro on tho stage. A special matinee for children will be given on Saturday to enable tho younger folk to witness this marvellous act. "WHY MEN LOVE WOMEN." Miss Frances Ross, who won her way into the hearts of New Zealand audiences v.-hon she was hero about ten years ago with the Bland Holt Company, is to appear again next Monday night as Violet Livingstone in Mr. Allan Hamilton's production of "Why Men Love Women," at the Opera House. Mr. Conway Wingfield, who is starring with Miss F.os?, is an English actor, and is snjrt to bo the artistic and physical embodiment of his present part, Gerald Fielding. Miss Agnes Keogh, recently, with Mr. Georgo Willoughby's English Comedy Company, is to appear with Miss Netta Bundall, being called upon to don the harem skirt in the first act. Other members include: 'Messrs. Ililliard Vox, Fred Cambourne, Charles Wheeler, Frederick B. Keadc (his first appearance in Now Zealand), and thfl Misses Clara Stophenson, Esther Furtado, and Muriel Dale. The I scenic settings, furnishings, properties, etc., are said to ho. up to tho highest melodrama standard. The box plan opens at Holliday's to-morrow .morning, at !) a.m. TRAMWAYS BAND. The Tramways Band will give a performance at Lyall Bay at 8 o'clock tonight.' SONG RECITAL. Mr. C. H. Stephens, tho well-known louor singer, will give a song recital on Thursday next in the Concert Chamber, Town niill, at 8 p.m. Full details of the iiiwramme will be found in another column. The accompanist will be Miss Ina Gow. Tickets and box plan are at the Dresden,