ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1235, 18 September 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"TEE GAY GORDONS,

Bad weather on Saturday night (lid not prevent a largo audience assembling to witness tho second production of "Tho Gay Gordons" at the Opera House. From tho pretty transformation scene at opening to tho happy ending of an unconventional love story in tne second, act the comedv ran its course with a merry swing, and tlio audienco to all appearance wero pleased with their evening's entertainment. Broad burlesque, tender interludes subdued in tone, and melodies, most of which are touching and tuneful, each find a.'place in the composition of "The Gay Gordons," and blend happily to produco a bright and breezy comedy. It would bo difficult to put anything upon the stage which would imposo less effort on an audienco in the way of following a story, but there aro no dull moments, the fun is continuous, and the interest never slackens. For -wearied people seeking relaxation, "The Gay Gordons" is a tonic, and a really good.one. Tho comedy will be repeated to-night and on following evenings.

THEATRE ROYAL.

A new star turn was introduced to a large house at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night. It was performed by Anita Dia/.'s troupe of trained monkeys. Billed as the "limit of animal sagacity," tho various members of the troupe greatly amused the audience, and tho almost human acting was so irresistibly comical at. times that two of the monkeys joined in tho laughter themselves—they have been well trained in that line. The act begins with a series of acrobatic feats, such as balancing on a moving sphere and on a cylinder, twirling casks with feet, somersaults, and hand-balancing up and dorm steps. Thej follows a little comedy by two of the animals, who play tho parts of dentist and patient. Ihe finale, in which nearly all take part, consists of a merry-go-round performance, in which music is supplied by one of the monkeys turning tho handle of an organ. The loader of the troupe came out and bowed his acknowledgment of the applause that followed. Tho remainder of the programme went along smoothly. Miss Lily Vockler, balladist, and Delavalo and Gilbert, comedians, being very well received. To-night's bill will include tho Vagges, American ball-punchers, with a big reputation. Tho other members of the company will contribute new items.

THE KING'S THEATRE. Large audiences witnessed the final performance of West's "Our Army" series on Saturday night. A new budget of pictures, not previously seen in Wellington, will be screened this evening. Among the pictures to be screened will be "Tho Great Nitrate of Soda Industry in Chile," an educational subject, the principal features of which aro tho blasting operations, firing of the charges, and quarrying the debris afterwards. "The Roso of St. Augustine" is a dramatic story of old times, when pirates and buccancers abounded on tho Spanish Main. Tho story has all tho dash and excitement of the old days of chivalry, and depicts daring exploits both on land and sea. Other pictures, humorous, beautiful, and of mental value will also bo shown. On Thursday evening next "'The Circus Girl," one of the greatest of pictorial successes, for which West's Pictures. Limited, hold the exclusive rights, will be screened.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tho series of biograpli pictures now being shown at His Majesty's Theatre comprise two thrilling dramatic studies, and both are romances of war. They aro entitled "Fighting Blood" and "Tho Railway Raiders of '62." The scenic film, giving several glimpses of the historic Isle, of Elba, "Napoleon's Last Kingdom," was also much appreciated. OtlieT pictures worthy of special mention include "A Dead 'Man's Honour," "Tho Paths Gazette," and "Bertio and his Rivals."

THE NEW THEATRE,

All sessions of tho. continuous picture ontertainment at the New Theatre wore attended by crowded audiences throughout Saturday. The superb Edison photo-play "The Doctor," notable for its intensely emotional theme and its capable interpretation, is easily the most successful production of its kind shown for a considerable time past. A dazzling historic drama, "Cleopatra" (tho last Queen of Egypt), was added to the programmo on Saturday. Tho luxurious costumes and mountings, and tho hundreds of performers who appear in the piece, mark the work as one of exceptional merit. Tho beautiful woman who assumes tho role of Cleopatra makes a convincing impression, rind the smallest details of tho play iiro not lacking. In addition to the other subjects, "The Doctor" and "Cleopatra" will bo shown for the last time "to-day and to-night. A new programmo will bo introduced to-morrow.

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS.

As a finish to what has been a successful and comprehensive tour of tho Dominion, the Scarlet Troubadours will play for a brief season of four nights at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, commencing this evening. Entirely new programmes will bo given, but oil Thursday night any of the old favourite numbers desired by tho audience will be given. Requests for this night should be forwarded early to tho management. Tho box plans for the four performances can be seen at tho Dresden.