ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1183, 19 July 1911, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE BELLE OF BRITTANY."

"The Arcadians" was played for the last time in Wellington last evening to a large and delighted audience. All the principals were singled out for applause, anil the musical numbers were encored without exception.

To-night's production will bo "Tho Belle of Brittany," which is said to abound in melodious music and healthy non.-ense. Miss Winifred O'Connor has some very attractive solos, Mr. Harold Thorley is more kindly treated than in "The Arcadians," and there is a wonderfully fjuaint comrdy part which thoroughly suits Mr. Tom Walls. To hear him croak "Sing to Your Dear Olio" is said to be even funnier than "I've Ciottcr Hotter." "Tho Belle of Brittany" can only be played for two nights.

THEATRE ROYAL. Tho audience which gathered at tho Theatre Royal last evening extracted its full measure of enjoyment from the programme which was presented. Tho quaint little Elliott sisters contributed a most attractive "turn," which literally brought down tho hou». Miss Mauil Fanning, Joe Watts, and Madgo Lucas, Ward Lear and Arthur Elliott wero all loudly applauded for their contributions, and the other members of tho strong company were well received. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The "Lyons Mail," tho drnma. which Sir Henry Irving mado so famous, and which his son produces with equal success, is the chief pictorial attraction at His Majesty's Theatre at present. The details of the tragedy are easily followed, and the scene at tho French inn where the Lyons mail is robbed and murder committed, tho trial scene, and the final climax, whero Dubosc, intoxicated, and mad with fear, is taken by the infuriated populace, were excellently depicted. There are also other first-rate films, the whole going to make a splendid programme. KING'S THEATRE. A benefit performance in aid of the harriers was given last evening at the King's_ Theatre. ■ The "Pageant of Empire' is a really splendid series, and tho "King at Aldershot" is a picture full of interest. "The Lyons Mail" is the chief attraction, however. "Slim Jim's Last Chance" is one of" the best of the narrative pictures. The programme will be, repeated this evening. I

THE NEJV THEATRE. An attractive series of new films drew large crowds to the New Theatre throughout the day ami evening yesterday. A feature of tiio entertainment was the picture production of tho famous London historical event, "The Pageant of Empire." It is splendidly screened, and gives a capital idea of what a grand affair the pageant must have been, the concluding tableau being particularly impressive. Tho dramatic items ore all up to tho usual standard. "His Sergeant's Stripes," by tho Melirs Company,-is a touching story of a soldier's devotion to duly. It tells of a young corporal's venture on a mission with dispatches, tho safe carrying of which meant not only promotion, but marriago to the girl of his heart. On the journey the corporal is followed by Indians, and, fearful that ho should bo captured, ho carries out his instructions to burn the dispatches, knowing full well that the fire will betray him to bis foes. And so he meets death rather than fail iu duty. "A Knight of the Road" is ono of the American Biograph Company's best dramas. Tho hero is a tramp, who in return for a slight act of gallantry to tho daughter of a ranch owner-receives a rose from her hand, and so captivated is he that he becomes tho girl's protector against his comrades on a subsequent occasion When they break into the house of tho ranch owner. For his action he is offered a position on tho ranch, but ho declines it and prefers to stick to his roving life. Another good dramatic film is "A Sioux's Reward." On tho comic side aro "Foolshead has lost a Needjo" aud "Captain Barnacle's Courtship." Tho programme will bo shown again to-day and to-morrow,

"A TICKET IN TATTS." Speaking of the picture drama, "A Ticket in Tatts," which Messrs. MacMahon and Donnelly will present at the Opera House next Saturday, Mr. Gaston Mervale, the actor who thought out and arranged it, says: "I had set my heart on elaborating a story that should help men, without any possible risk of harming them. I set out to have nothing goody-goody, but everything straight and strong. I determined that I would have no suggestion of a prosy story. I wanted the drama to be literally of what the French call scenes lived. I think I have that." MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA. Tho Municipal Orchestra, which has been catering to the musical people of Wellington for about nine months, has arranged another concert to be given on August 1, when there will he a particularly attractive programme. Handel's Organ Concerto, Nicolai's "Merry "Wives of Windsor," and others equally "celebrated Trill bo rendered. Mr. Maughan Barnett's soli for the organ have been chosen with particular care, and will be a treat in themselves.