ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1358, 8 February 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

H, B. IBVIXG SEASON'. The Opera House was crowded again last night for the second performance of "Louis XI" by Mr. H. B. lrviug's company. Tho play, and especially -Mr. Irvlng's powerful and versatile, presentation oi the. biul old king, thorougnly gripped Uio attention of tlic auiiiencc, and applause was ireuuent and enthusiastic. "The Lyons .Mail," to be produced loniffiit J'or the first time iu Wellington at tlio Opera House, was dramatised by Charles Keade, tho weil-known novelist from '•'Lecoiirier du 1.y0n." written bv Morc-au Stvaiidin, ami Delaeour. The English version was the fii>t produced in ISoll, and subsequently Charles J'vnde prepared it for presentation in London by Charles Kcan (who visited Australia with his wite in IS63|, with the title of "Courier of Lyons." Sir Henry Irviug revived the drama under its piesent name (which more ne.irly accords with tho original French) about thirty-four years ago. Mr. 11. B. Irviug began his London management at the Shaflesbiiry Theatre with the same production on October 15, 1908, and his impersonation of tho diverse characters of tho magnanimous Lesurques and the diabolical Dubosc, between whom there is the same moral contrast as between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde—was so keenly appreciated that tho* piece ran for 128 consecutive performances, a "record" for the drama. The whole force of the play rests upon the marvellous personal likeness between the villain and the gentleman, which was so extraordinary that 't deceived not only the criminal associates of tho former, but the father of Lesurques. The "Lyons Mail" will l,e preceeded by a "Maid of Honour," in which Miss Dorothy Baird will appear. The curtain rises at S p.m., at which hour the audience are requested to be seated. THEATRE ROYAL. The current kinemacolor programme at the Theatre Royal includes a number of pictures of great beauty and all-round merit. One of the best is devoted to life and scenes in Cairo, and other phases of African life are shown in pictures of Bishara and the Sahara Desert. Some admirable naval pictures are another notable item, and the film entitled "Lady Beaulay'a Necklace" is described as one of the finest productions ever turned out by the kinemacolor process. The programme includes besides a number of excellent studies in black and white. It will bo screened again this eiening. FULLERS' PICTURES. Last night at the Skating Rink tho story of tile eventful life of "Rob Roy," tho outlaw whom Scott made immortal, was told effectively by the kineinatograph. The other pictures, ■dramatic, scenic, and comic, in the well-balanced programme, wero heartily appreciated. A new programmo is promised for to-night. KING'S THEATRE. Tho excellent programme of pictures at the King's Theatre again attracted a large audience last night. The various scenes in connection with the late tramway striko wero one of tho features of tho programme, and gave an interesting touch of local colour to the entertainment. "Twist Love and Art" is the "star" drama. Also, there are "The Kiss of Mar} , Jane," "Road Hogs of Toyland," "Kelly as Gasworkcr," "A Cure lor Knnui," "Ravines d'Edmondo," "Kit Carson's Wedding," "A Hustled Wedding," and the Pathe Gazette. THE NEW THEATRE. Crowded attendances yesterday at MacMaliou uiid Donnelly's continuous, picture entertainment at the New Theatre, itanliL'rs Sweet, evidenced the popularity of tiiis cosy place of amusement. Among the leading attractions are: "The Copperhead," a graphic story of tlio American Civil War, "Tlio Land of Malaria," a scientific travel treatise , ; "Hot Springs, Arkausas," an travel item; "Across the Frontier," a drama of smuggling on the Continent; and "An Indian Legend," a Bison exclusive, romance, 'i'ho usual complete change is announced for to-morrow. SHORTT'S THEATRE. A good selection of pictures attracted liberal patronage at Shortt's Continuous Theatre iu Willis Street yesterday, ami at most times, during the evening the building was crowded. To-day and tonight a complete ciiaugo of programme will bo screened. Among the items promised ara: "The Daughter of an Engineer," a thrilling railway story; "tt'onders of Plant Life," an interesting scientific study; "At the Threshold of Life," a drama; "Early Settlers," :i picture detailing the adventures of American plainsmen in Indian country; and the popular "Pathe Gazette." "Detective- Puzzle's Triumph" is described as an amusing comic picture. As a whole the programme is said, by tho management, to bo one of tho best ever screened in Wellington. NEWBURY-SPADA CONCERTS.' The hearty support which is given by the public to tho weekly popular concerts by Mr. Philip .Kewbury and Madame Emily Spada, assisted by Miss Peggy Bain (violinist), Mr. Hamilton Hodges (baritone), Miss Madeline Webb and Mrs. Qucreo (pianists), is a very encouragir.g indication of the fact that entertainments of this class are more than acceptable;— they have an established place in the round of entertainment. There was a good attendance at last evening's concert, when a capital programme was presented. Mr. Kewbury, who was in excellent voice, selected from his repertoire "Tho RequitUil" (Blumenthal), Mattel's "Broiica," and the charming aria from HamleL "Where'er You Walk" for his solo items. "Bianca," especially in the last yorse, was his best effort In his other items, and also in tho encoro number, "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes" ("Tho Gondoliers"), his voice was somewhat hard and unsympathetic. Madame Spada's sweet soprano voico was eminently suited to the charming conzonctta "Mia Piccirdla" (Salvator Rosa—Gomes), while her singing of Somcrvell's "Shepherd's Cradle Song" was quite enjoyable. Mr. Ncwbitry and Madame Spada were also associated in the dramatic duet "The Hour is Late" (from Gounod's "Faust"), a taste of grand opera which was very acceptable to tho audience. Miss Peggy Bain, whose talent as a capable violinist has already been very favourably noticed, contributed the graceful "Andante," from Mendelssohn's concerto for the violin, and Ernst's "Elegie," and wns accompanied, at the piano, by Miss Madeline Webb. Mr. Hamilton Hodges sang Pinsuti's "Bedouin Love Song" in characteristic style, but was more enjoyable in Blumentinl'e "Acrofs the Far Blue Kills. Marie," and in tho bracket—"Requiem" (Footed and "Mavourneen" (Lancrc). He was also associated with Mr. Xewbury in Balfc's fine <l'iet "Excelsior." Mri. Ernest Queree played the accompaniments. "THE BARRISTER." Thn Wellington CatMic Club produced tho farcical comedy, "The Barrister," in the Concert Chamber ff (he Town; Hall last pvenine. befr.ro a crowded audience, by whnm the performance was thoroughly enioyed. Thp story embodies ii sents of extraordinary misunderstandings nrWmj from a couple of minor incidents. Tnm Price, a s-rvnnt. who has bf?u left in chnrro of Captain .Arthur Wnlker's hoiisp, whilo the piiptain is in Imlin. derides to nv-iko a little money fnr hi.msolf by letting rooms to Mr. Arthur Maxwell, a barrister. Scarcely i* tho contrnrr completed, howevrr. -ivlion Price rtiscnvors Hint Captain Walker has been invalided linmr, and is cxprctod in n cmiplc of days. Hti is at his wit's end to lcnmv hmv'to pp,f rid of the barrister. Owing to (he illness of a Q.C., Mnxwell has jupt been briefed in a bis will cnw\ Ba<;]ev ■,-.

liacley. and is takinir bis papers hm'no in a black bag "no niprht when lie mnols a young Indy. who has beer, robbed of h Pr purse. He obtains her a cnb tn ciiiiblo hnr In reach her loillmiirs, and Ilipn v-emjs l\is way towards bis nwi. "N>xt morniii" ho is horrified f" find himself in nnsspsl sion of ii bag, which apparently belong tu I.lm lady, while his own bn;,'. in which the liacley papers were, is missing, and th« lady has left her lodgings fur an unknown address: at Brighton. The \ m . forlumile young barri?tcT not only has lo boar I lie worry of Hip search for the missing bug, but flrikcs double (.rouble through the other bag, which his wife

and his father-in-law discover. The subsi'rjiUMil: evi'iils and the unpleasant Mluatiuns in which Tom Price and the barrister find themselves an; lnirlli-provoking in tho I'xireiiK! until the mystery is finally unravelled. As Tom Price, Mr. Will 13. Kenny showed a good grasp of what is required to bo successful in comedy, and Mr. Robert liurns wns effective as the waiter at Sandbank Hotel. Mr. Francis Kllit as (lie barrister, and Mr. C. J. Plulf as -Major Draylon ibis i'lilher-in-law) also did well in Ihuir respective parts. Oilier cliaraclors in the piece were sustained with effect by Mr. Clias. Jl'Krleau, Mr Lambert, Miss Miiiwn Griliin, Miss Miidgu Sullivan, Miss Hilda* Myers, mid others. MUNICIPAL MUSIC. The Municipal Orchestra have had large additions tu thoir stork of music (luriiir» Ibe recess, and at the usual practice which w.-is held ln=t evening some of it was put into use, and should prove most welcome, being both attractive "and tuneful. .No dato has yet been decided upon for tho next concert, but the last Wednesday in the present month is mentioned, and it is probable the concerts will be given every two weeks till tho end of March.