ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1312, 15 December 1911, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

RICKARDS'S VAUDEVILLE CO. Judging by the largo attendance at the Opera House last night it can easily bo seen that the Wellington Theatre-going public know how to appreciate good vaudeville. Tho Rickards Vaudeville Co. contains a number of star artists, who perform sorno exceptionally clever feats, particularly in the case of Aplide Capitame, ticularly in tho case of Alcido Capitaine, a clever trapeze actress. To-night and to-mon-ow night arc the last nights of tho company. FULLERS' PICTURES. The picture patron, undisturbed by the turmoil of tho elections, assembled in force at tho Skating Rink hist night to witness the usual bi-wo'ekly chango of programme. During the' course of the evening as tho ftiic ol tho various candidates became known, the results were anuouueed on the screen, and the audience received thein in stoical silence. Their interest for the timo being appeared to he in pictures, not in elections or the late of the Government. Of the programme presented it ma.v be said that it -was admirably diversified, and contained several excellent studies representative of different phases of kinematograpliy. An excellent illin in the. industrial series is "Making Safes," which shows how receptacles are constructed to withstand the attentions o£ burglars, anil, incidentally, fires. An effective dramatisation of the popular novel "I.orna 1'oonu" was screened. It was lioticeablo for excellent acting and superb staging and setting, whilst the photographic quality was of a high order. "Love anil War," a historical dramatic production, found great favour with the audience. Somo excellent costumes wero introduced in this work, and artistic colouring gave added charm to this pictorial playlet. The Nordisk Company's artistic work "The Ballet Girl" was again screened and created a line impression. It is an emotional story, characteristic of stage life. "Xntural Studies at tho Zoo" serves admirably an education in natural history, many quaint animals having been taken well within range of the camera, "i'atho's Australian Gazette" again contains several Xew Zealand subjects, in addition to interesting items from tho Commonwealth: '"i'ho,,:,.Berlin Firo Brigade," and the usual quota of humorous concoctions, complete one of the finest selections yet presented. THEATRE ROYAL. Kinemacolor, tho latest improvement on tho black and white moving pictures, attracted another large ■house at tho Theatre Royal last evening. Besides numerous kinemacolor pictures, a number of excellent black and white pictures were screened, much to tho approval of tho audience. The programme will bo repeated this evening.

THE KING'S THEATRE. . | Notwithstanding the excitement of the secoud ballots, West's and Royal Pictures' new programme was witnessed by a large "house." The films presented were of the usual merit, and a judicious selection of_scenic pictures helped to win Sopularity in the new programme. In the ramatic section is "Tho Totem Mark," which calls for special mention, the story dealing with tho anenteral mark of the Mississangas, a snb-tribo of the great Algonquin Family, of Southern Canada, who indelibly placed upon the breasts of their children the semblance of a tortoise. This picture is an Indian drama of great scenic efi'ect, in which a young maiden is reunited to her tribe, being discovered by her totem n.irk or tribab coat of arms. "The Queen's Attendant" and "The lady and the Burglar," tho comedies, "Two AVhito Roses," the humour of the situations, and the delightful contrast of characters make this a particularly good item. Other pictures arc.—"Tnntolini Wants Work." "Tho Burglar Fxnretcd." and the seen'e stmlies, "St. Michael's Mount," and Blackpool Pleasure and Palaces.". To-morrow the usual prize matinee will bo held.

GRAND OPERATIC CONCERT. So far Wellington has heard Mr. Philip Newbury in oratorio and in "Faust. 10moTrow evening the public will bo given an opportunity of hearing him in a popular operatic concert, programme, when ho will be heard in tho gems of his extensive repertoire. Those who remember Mr. Nowbnry of years ago will bo delighted to hear him once more in: "Te3, Let Me Liko a Soldier Fall" ("Maritana"), in which his voico rings out like tho sound of a silver trumpet. It is one of his finest efforte. Ho will also sing that dramatic scene "On With the Motlev" (from "I Palinrci"), "Come Into the Garden, Maud," "Tako a Pair of Sparkling Eyes'" (from "The Gondoliers"), and "Thy Raptured Gaze" (from "Martha"). With Miss Rita I.yons (who is to givetho ".Tewel Song" from "Faust"), Mr. Newbury will sing the charming duct from the garden scene in "Faust." Songs will also bo contributed by Miss Agnes M. Segrief, tho popular contralto, and Mr. Hugh Wright. Mr. Dave Kenny will assist at the piano. Tho prices are 2s. Gd. (bookod), 25., anJ Is. Tho box plan is at the Dresden.

"THE SPECKLED BAND." Sir Conan Doyle's latest London success is full of original ideas, and holds its audience breathlossly intent from curtain rise to curtain fall. The characters are actually drawn from life. "The Speckled Band" is to have it? Xew- Zealand premiere in the Opera House, Wellington, on Wednesday next, when it will he interpreted by a combination of dramatic stavs personally selected by Mr. J. ■Williamson from the best available English, Amorican. and Australian artists. Thoso include Mr. William Desmond, the yomis American act/ r who made such a. favourable impression when ho was last in Xgw Zealand. Tluau is also Miss Dorothy Dix, an accomplished English actress from the I.yric and other principal London theatres, who will bo making her first appearance in Xew Zealand; Mr. J. B. At.holwood, ono of the bwt character exponents* in tho dramatic world; Miss Susie Vaußlian, whoso career lias been one series of successes, and Mr. Gnshm Mervnle, -who has been specially retained t/i annear in his original charactor of Dr. Kylot. The box plan is (<, be opened nt the Dresden on Monday next at fl a.m. SCHOOL COXCEKT. Tho annual concert in connection with the Marist Brothers School takes place at the Town TTall this evenim:, s ml the many friends of tho Marist Brothers are suro to be well entertained by the .pupils. Another attraction will bn the rendering of thu "Soldiers' Chorus" by St. JJary of the Angels' Choir, and selections by the Axuic'fi Fife and Dram Bend.