ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1386, 12 March 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"LADY FREDERICK." Somerset Maugham's delightful comedy "Lady Frederick" lias unquestionably mado a deep impression on Wellington playgoers, and tho manner in-which it is presented takes ono Imck to tho palmy Urough and boucicault days. Tho advent of Miss Ethel Irving is exceptionally wcltome, for slio brings, besides her captivating art, plays that aro worth seeing. As Lady Frederick,-Miss Irving gives us a perfect portrait of tho warm-hearted, extravagant, clover, and over so human little Irishwoman. In 'ho finer work she is delicately subtle, and where broader touches are needed, as when sho imitates the Jew money-lender, and in Iho boudoir scene, she is positively illuminating. Noono to whom a good comedy, well played, makes am- sort of appeal can afl'ord to miss "Lady Frederick." Owing to tho limited time availablo for tho present season, "Lady Frederick" can only bo staged for three uioro nights, in order that this great actress may bo seen in "The Witness for the Defence." Those who havo enjoyed her charm as rovealed in comedy may imagine this to bo her forte, but playgoers will appreciate the opportunity of seeing for tnemselves her supremacy in tragedy, which is also accredited by English, Australian, and New Zealand critics. THEATRE ROYAL. Patronago of a very liberal order has favoured the Theatre "Royal since the revival of the vaudeville entertainment. There was a large audience present last evening, and all wero thoroughly mystified by tho wonderful manoeuvres of I'asola, tho Indian Fakir, who is extremely clever at his work. Ono of the most remarkable illusronary feats was that in which lie fires an attractive young lady from a 15.2 cannon, and immediately afterwards apparently tho eame lady is discovered in the inner box of a nest which has been in plain view of the nudienco tho whole time. There arc lots of other smart exhibitions of legerdemain, ancient and modern, which Fasola tho Silent does expertly. Ouo that should be mentioned is an elaborate illusion in which a piano, a charming young lady, and a curtain play parts. The young lady is seated plnying the piano, a curtain is lowered round them, and by a rope both tho animate and inanimate are suspended for a few seconds. Fasjln fires his pistol, and before tho .sound has died the piano, its player, and the curtain have "vanished into empty air." It is a puzzling performance that is apt to lessen tho onlooker's belief in his powers of perception. Fasola's performance was greeted with very hearty applause throughout. The Windsor Choristers, <v quintet of lads, sing familiar lays tunelullv and harmoniously, and their leader, Master James Ilos, lifts up a pretty soprano in seng. "Excelsior" was particularly favoured by tho audience. Miss Elsie ICnowlcs is an attractive balladist, and Missos Chris. Sylveni and Winnie Bond contributed acceptably. Other performers who contributed to a long and varied programme wore: Misses Cranshawe, Nellie Lovatt, Dolly Day, the Sonia Duo. Jim Barry, Will Bracy, Alf Nolan, Mark Erickson, and Joe Hurley. There should be large- audiences at the Royal during the week. FULLERS' PICTURES. Tho new picture programme at the Skating RinK was screened before a largfi and appreciative gathering last evening. Tho most conspicuous items of tho now series include a dramatic tale of the sea and the old-timo pirates, entitled "Blackbeard," and a sensational railroad drama, "A Flash in the Night." It is the story of a girl and her engineer sweetheart, who have arranged between them a signal code for private messages, tho sending medium being tho flash of a lamp. Later, tho girl's homo is entered by burglars, who bind her to a chair. Unseen by them, she pulls the cord of an ... electric lamp and gives tho signal to her', lover as his train passes. "Willio Wise and the Motor Boat" is an amusing comedy, while Pathe's London Gazette and other studies of variety and interest complete an excellent programme. THE NEW THEATRE. Thero wero the customary crowded attendances yesterday at the continuous pictures at MacMnhon and Donnelly's New Theatre, Manners Street. Tho leading attraction of tho now programme to-day and to-night is "President Tnft at 'Frisco," showing tho President's sojourn at the Californian metropolis for the purpose of turning the first sod on the sito of the 1915 Panama Exhibition. This photo, spectacle is a lengthy production, giving fine views of the rebuilt San Francisco. Tho function of turning the first sod of the exhibition, with enormous crowds of spectators, is an impressive affair. A magnificent march past of the troops, the casket containing the shovelful of earth, tho hoisting of the flag, and Madame Nordica singing the National Anthem are clearly seen at close range. This subject concludes with a marine sceno in which the rising sun is reflected, tho Golden Gate being visible in tho dim distance. "The Redemption of a Coward" is a capital Champion exclusive drama dealing with an incident in the Civil War. Tho good fortune of a working man who wins a ten ' thousand dollar prize in a lottery is tho basis of tho plot of "The Cobbler." Much laughter will Ik> compelled by "A Cheap Holiday." Other items include "A Sheriff's Love" and "A Policeman who Obeys." The now prograinmo will bo shown from 11 a.m. to-day till 11 o'clock to-night. A sensational masterpiece will be shown next Thursday. THE KING'S THEATRE. A capital change of programme was screened at tho King's Theatre, before a crowded house last'evening. "Tho Elopement" is the title of an exceptionally fine coloured film by tho Brittania Company. It has numerous changing scenes, all beautifully coloured, and, it is claimed, not at all overdone in the. important matter of vividness of tint. The first meeting of Robert and Susan, is followed by pleasant hours in a glorious English garden. Susan's father, however, refuses the entree to his homo to Robert, and the latter thereupon plans an elopement. Tho lovers meet olandestinely, mount two horses, rido off, und are married. Susan's father pursues them, but—as these scenes generally have it—arrives too late, and finally forgives his dnughter and brother-in-law. "The Elopement" is founded on work by tho celebrated painter John Loniax. The programme . also includes another splendid picture entitled "The Octoroon," which is adapted from tho well-known drama bearing that name. It is a talo of the American slavery days, and somewhat on tho lines of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." "Pathe's Gazette" heads the topical subjects, and this week's edition is a very fine number. A comedy picture of interest is one entitled "Willie Wise and tho Motor Boat." Other pictures screened were: "A Woman's Craft" (drama); "Red Cross Drill" (military), "Lake Garda" (scenic); "Stickfnst Haste" (comic), and a number of others. On Monday night, next the management will •screen an exclusive subject-entitled "SansGeno," in which Madame Rejone plays iho leading role. THE STAR THEATRE. Messrs. T. J. West and Henry Hayward, who have joined forces at the Stir Theatre, Newtown, had reason to bo pleased with tho patronago on the occasion of the inaugural performance. A few minutes after 8 o'clock every .seat in the house was occupied, and, subsequently, a large number of people had to Ix; refused admittance on account of the crowded state of the building. The entertainment was worthy of the attendance, tho programme- "including varied subjects of interest that wore srrconi'il to the best advantage, and to tho accompaniment of music by nn eltieient orchestra. Those who were unable to gain admission last evening will have an opportunity of seeing the same films to-night. "Undoubtedly tht« star Horn in the series is n stirring drawn entitled "Tho Quality of Mercy." This deals with the city life of a young girl of lowly origin. Attracted by the gay city life, she is hired away from her parents, and subsequently basely ileserfud by thp man she loves. Returning home, sho finds her mother dying of a broken heart, and, when tho blow falls, her father refuses to have her in tho homo again. In her attempt to gain an honest living, fato seems to bo against her, and, finding her burden too heavy (o bear, sho endeavours to drown herself. She is rescued, her father is sent for, and, finally, n reconciliation is effected. Another very fine film if "The Octoroon," adapted from the well-known drnmn, nud vividly portrayed. An edition of the Fathe Gazette contains such

interesting picture news as the departure of war dogs from Italy for Tripoli, skating on ice. by Eton boys, wreck of tho liner Bayardo, and the trial of a hydro--aeroplane on Lake Windcrmere. "William Tell" is tlio picture story of tlio Swiss hero, who shot an arrow through an apple on his son's head, ami who freed his countrymen ironi the rule of an Austrian tyrant. "Willift Wiso and nie Motor Boat" is a most amusing Edison comedy, while "Caught With the Goods" is an item by the American Biograph Company that provokes laughter. Pallio li'reres' are noted for their coloured scenics, and tho programme includes ono of the firm's best—"lfivers and Canals of Sinm." Good attondanens should be tho order at tho theatre whilo tho entertainment is of such high standard. SHOHTT'S PICTURES. There were good attendances at all tho sessions at Shortt's Continuous Theatre in Willis Street yesterday, and at the evening sessions, when a new programme was screened, Hie theatre was crowded. Tho star film of tho new series is undoubtedly tho sensational Nordisk drama entitled "A Flight to Death." This is a thrilling picturo narrative concerning the discovery of a Nihilist Club by the police, the escape of tho leaders in amotor-car s and the pursuit of tho fugitives. The race culminates in a tragedy—the Nihilists' car plunges over tho edge of a cliff, while the pursuers' car stops short just in time. Another dramatic item of absorbing interest is "The Substitute," tho story of an American railroad hold-up and the discomfiture of the gang of robbers by a troop of United States cavalry. The "substitute" is a young girl, who, disguised, .takes the place of her lover on the footplate of tho locomotive, and after tho robbery eludes discovery, taps the telegraph wire, and signals for relief. Tho Gaumont Graphic is a bright number, and includes somo good football and steeplechase pictures. Tho programmo irill bo repeated to-night. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. The programmo selected by Mr. Baxter Buckley for his recital on Wednesday evening is comprehensive and varied. The classics are represented by Bach, the romantic, school in tho Sonata by Schumann, the poetical fancy by Chopin, whilo tho modern school is in evidence by MacDowcll, etc. Those who heard Mr. Bucklev at the recent Wellington competitions will no doubt tako an opportunity of spending Wadnesday evening at the Concert Chamber. Miss 31. Carey Wallace, vocalist, and Mr. V. R. Jolmstone, 'cello, will assist. Tho box plan is at the Dresden.