ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1144, 3 June 1911, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

Mr. Deveroux's historical piny "Henry of A'avarro," with its fine air of romance, its fascinating story, nmt terrifying momenta, was witnessed by another largo anil enthusiastic audience at the Opera House last evening. The play is exquisitely mounted and costumed, and as an acting performance takes high rank. Among the leading playgoers who should be awarded praise in liberal measure aro Mr. Ambrow. Manning, as Kins: Charles, and Mr. Lionel Atwill, as Henry of JNavarrc. The former actors characterisation is an evidence of high art, and the freshness, charm, and finish of Mr. Atwill's performance give him a placo among the best juvenile actors.seen in Wellington for some time. "Henry of Navarre" will bo played for the last time this evening. . „ „ , "Henry of Navarre" is to be followed by "Via Wireless"—another melodramatic production on tho grand scale. There, is an ocean liner, a steam yacht, a wireless plant, a foundry, a big gun casting, an explosion, a shipwreck-all going at top some time in the drama, and all in high working order. It is by means of wireIts? telegraphy that assistance is secured for tho;o in peril on the yacht lrvessa, which is breaking to pieces on. a reet. The ocean liner Mongolian, receiving tne cry for help, conies promptly to the rescue. This is one of the modern and quito thrilling situations in the new play. In the stage set representing the Mongolian—where the ship rolls in the heavy seat—the wireless room is seen, a smal cabin dimly lighted below the bridge, and fitted with tho elaborate plant, with the instrument emitting a heavy blue spark and a curiously sharply pitched bujzmg noise as tho messages are rent. Hera all is excitement as the news comes out of the storm: "We aro brenkine up on a reef." This is all wonderfully fascinating. There is also a big spectacular effect in the steel works scene. THEATRE ROYAL. Last night additional interest was given to the' excellent progrnmme -which is being presented at the Theatre Royal, by the first' appearance of tho Staig's- Steeple Jack Cyclists, who perform some extremely daring and skilful tricks on the cycle and motor-cycle. In the centre of the stago is erected n huge cage, the upper portion being perpendicular, and inside this tho cyclists, on motor-bikes and cycle?, rode round the walls. It is a most exciting and daring performance, and the troupe were loudly applauded. Other members of the company capably filled tho balance of the programme. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "Tho Drunkard's Reformation" is the star item in a capital picture programme screened for the second time at his Majesty's Theatre last evening. Other notable items are "A Byzantine Tragedy," and a breezy Gipsv romance, "The Open Road." Scenic pictures figuring in the series include a remarkably fine study of the Great Pyramid. Lovers of Light and amusing fare are well catered for in a programme that is studded with comic studies of unusual merit. The usual matinco and evening entertainments will be given to-day. KING'S THEATRE. A picture programme, both varied and extensive was screened at. tho Kings Theatre last evening. Interesting items were pictures of aeroplanes in flight and of American motor-boat racing. Pictures of tho Boat Harbour at Wellington and of a number .of local yacht races were received with demonstrations of approval. In the picture entitled: "The She Wolt a drama of thrilling interest was unfolded. A very pretty scenic picture was of a coconut plantation. The item of comic relief Ims not "open forgotten. Today there will be .a "Coronation badge matinee and ..in the evening. ..* kew theatre: " 1 ■'■'" The New Theatre, at the present time, is belli" accorded a meed of patronage that, must make the hearts of its proprietor.? glad. Yesterday, when a capital change programme was submitted, crowds visited the continuous show during the dav, and in the evening the building was repeatedly crowded to tho doors. Often djzens of people were standing in the alley-wavs, while every seat was filled. One- of the best pictures in the new pro-gi-amme was a spectacular representation of an elephant procession in Burraah. Tho noble beasts in their magnificent trappings make as striking a as has ever been thrown on a screen. 'In the Heart of the Sierras" is a dramatic story of life in a remote frontier. The adventures of a little squad of soldiers in charge of a pay-chest, the vicissitudes of. a pair of lovers and an exciting skirmish by tho road-side, in which a girl, unaided, routs a gang of villainous half-breeds, are salient features in a rapid play of. incident that fills the story with animation and interest. Of another order, but equally good, is a representation of the incidents described in Sir Walter Scott's famous ballad, "I/oehinvar." Needless to say the feat of the gallant young lover who carried off his destined'bride from her father's banqueting hall, in spite of all that assembled kinsmen and laggard rival could do, made him . immensely popular with tho audience. Comic films aro not wanting in tho programme, and it includes n number of capital items that have not been mentioned here. The pictures named ' will bo screened again to-day, and the management extends a special invitation to ladies and children to visit tho New Theatre in tho afternoon.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN TO-NIGHT. To-night the Royal Hawaiians open at the Town Hall. The company is reported to be one of the cleverest parties of. refined entertainers that has ever toured the American, Canadian, and Australian cities, and they present an entertainment that, from start to finish, is filled with brilliant specialities, gorgeous Hawaiian music, and the pick of the latest concert successes of the European world. Included in." the company is the Hawaiian Glee Club—a select coterie of eight male singers and instrumentalists, whose harmonising of English and Hawaiian songs and music has won. high praise through America and Australia. To-night's performance will bo balanced with English a.r.d Hawaiian contributions. Amongst the English items will be new settings of . "Annie Laurie," "My Rosary," "God's Garden," and many new ballad solos. An added feature will be the hula dance, which i.i paid to bo 'distinctly novel .and spectacular. There is a charm in the Hawaiian entertainments that appeals to all classes. Every item of tonight's programme has been carefully selected, and all the best melodies-of their repertoire are included. The entertainment is of such a varied nature, and possesses so many sparkling features, that not a dull moment is allowed to obtrude it=elf during the two hours and a quarter that the company appear on the stage. The box plan is at the Dresden. THE MOUNTEBANKS. That bright company of local amateurs known as the "Mountebanks" show in the Opera House on June 8 and 9. The box plan is rapidly filling, anil there is every indication that their venture will be successful. Particular attention is being given to staging and dressing. There is additional interest in the performances because of the fact that "A Tragedy," the clever farce comedy they have secured, has never before been nroduced in Wellington. It is full of delightfully funny situations. A strong oast includes: Misses Mollio Marshall, Irene Mason, Eva Sham, Olive Moys, and Messrs. Charles P. Page, C. Bo'ntley Russell, V. "Winfird Millar, Erank Plaiidford, Reginald Bishop, and Frank H. Woodward. SKATING RINK. Fullers' Skating Rink appeals to the large numb:r of skaters who patronise the scene of brightness and pleasure at each session. One secret of this revival of winter pastime is the up-to-date management, which aims to cater for their patrons in a very complelo manner. The largo attendances at the various sessions show that rinking has again caught on, and big crowds may bo expected to visit the rink during the coming winter. Every facility is given to beginners at the G o'clock session, the result being that many are gradually acquiring the efficiency of the graceful art of skating.

"THE PRINCE AND THE BEGGAR MAID." Mr. William Anderson's specially organised company, including tuc well-known artists, Mr. k. K. Roberts ami Miss Beatrice Day, will commence a reason at the Opera Kouso on Saturday evening next. Tlie opening production will l>o Walter Howard's romantic play, "The Prince and tho Beggar .Maid." In referring to its recent representation in Melbourne, a contemporary writes:—"Not for a long while has a work so full of interest, of colour, of life and of movement, been staged in a Melbourne theatre. It is a melodrama of the highest class, with a saving tense of restraint running through it. It is a breezy ; attractive production, and as such tho crowded King's Theatre acclaimed it." When produced last year in. tho Lyceum Theatre, London, a special performance was given before her Majesty tho Queen, and recently iu Molbourno before his Excellency Lord Dudley (tho Governor-General) and Georgina Countess of Dudley. Mr. Anderson's new organisation comprises several artists new to tho Dominion and a number of old favourites. Mr. Michael Joseph, who has not visited Wellington for tho past six years, is in charge. Mr. Jim Mack, impersonator of Harry Lauder, notifies in an advertisement in this issue that he is open for engagements.