ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1387, 13 March 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. The .Wellington theatre-going publjc is losing no opportunity of witnessing Miss Ethel Irving in "Lady Frederick." In itself tho play is of the more modern society type that is increasing in popularity so much in London. The performance last night was witnessed by another very largo and appreciative audience. Referring to "The Witness for the Defence," which is to be staged for tho first timo in Wellington, on Friday evening next, .Miss Irving says: "i have never a bad night's business with it. In a season in London characterised by but few successes we were exceedingly fortunate to get such a. striking play "as this. It made good right from tho start. Its author is A. E. W. Mason, whose books, "J'he Four Feathers,' 'Tho Broken Road,' Miranda of the Balcony,' etc., must be well known to New Zeaianders. It is a wonderful dramatic creation. The story is compelling, and the characters are real types. 1 play 'Stella Ballantyne,' and I call it an overpowering part—in fact, 0110 of tho hardest—physically and mentally—that an actress could bo called upon t) undertake. Tho night before I sailed for Australia it reached its hundredth performance at St. James, and Sir George Alexander played in it." The story opens in the richly-contrived interior of a spacious tent at a hill station in Rajputana, whore Stella, in misery and fear, is awaiting tho arrival of a guest, Harry Thresk. Ho is to dine with her and her" husband, who is a dipsomaniac on tho verge of delirium tremens.

THEATRE ROi'AL. [ The Indian magician, Fasola, held a huge audience snellbound and utterly mystified in the Theatre Royal last night, l'nsola's illusions are all wonderfully convincing and puzzling, and it should be a long time yet before Wellington audiences see enough of him. His most bewildering trick is tho cannon and box mystery. A girl is placed in a huge cannon", which isfired at a box hung from the roof. Then the box is lowered to tho stage floor and opened. Inside it is another box, securelv fastened and roped round, and insido that is still another smaller one. In the innermost box of the series is the girl, safe and sound. Tho Westminster Choristers won more success with their part songs, and the other members of the company were cordially received. Tho same programme will be repeated to-night.

FULLERS' PICTURES. The programme of pictures now being screened at the Skating Rinlc is varied and interesting. "Blackbeard," a sea drama _of the old pirate days, and "A Flash in the Night," a railroad drama, are two very fine pictures. A very amusing film is ono entitled "Willie Wise and the Motor Boat." In addition there ara tho "Pathe Gazette" and other studies. . ; .

THE KING'S THEATRE. A capital programme is now being shown at the King's Theatre. "The Elopement" is the name of an exceptionally fine film by the Britannia Company. The picture is founded on work by the celebrated painter, John Lomax. An adaptation from the drama "The Octoroon" also is screened. Other pictures are: "Willie Wise and the Motor Boat," "A Woman's Craft," "Lake Garda," "Red Cross Drill," "Stickfast Paste," and the "Patho Gazette."

NEW THEATRE. "President Taft at 'Frisco" is certainly ono of the best items at present being screened at the New Theatre. Tho views of ono of America's greatest and most romantic cities cannot fail to bo of interest. "The Cobbler" is also a good picture. A poor cobbler wins a fortune in a lottery, and settles himself and daughter in a fine house in Chicago. Unused to an idlo life, the cobbler allows himself to bo overcomo by drink, and slowly but surely squanders his fortune. Tho story ends well, hoivover, for the cobbler, a poor man once more, takes up his work "and leaves drink alone, while his daughter marries tho brother of her school chum. "A Victim of the Mormons" is to be shown for tho first timo in New Zealand at tho New Theatre, Manners Street, tomorrow afternoon and evening. The dramagraph is the work of tho famous Nordisk Company, and will occupy about an hour in showing. "A Victim of tho Mormons" deals with a daring attempt by a Morman to kidnap a beautiful girl. Tho Mormon and his victim are hotly pursued half-way louud the world. The fngitivo contrires to elude the pursuers, but finally is betrayed by wireless telegraphy and tho girl, is rescued. All through tho story there are exciting episodes following with rapid sequence. There will bo nn enjoyable supporting programme of various subjects.

THE STAR THEATRE. Again thero was alarge attendance at tho Star Theatre, Newtown, last evening, where the current picture programmo is of high standard. Two capital films are "Tho Quality of Mercy" and "Tho Octoroon," and there is a variety of others. Music is supplied by an efficient orchestra. The theatre is now under tho joint control of Messrs, T. J. West and Henry Hayward.

ALLAN HAMILTON'S COMPANY. Arrangements havo been completed for a season by Allan Hamilton's new company commencing at the Opera House next Tuesday evening when W. W. Jacobs's delightful farce "Beauty and the Barge" will bo staged. It is some seven years since this piece was produced in Wellington so successfully by tho Broughs, and theatregoers will still retain pleasant recollections of the quaint humour and pretty scenes in Jacobs's clever comedy. Mr. Hamilton has organised a strong company to interpret tho many fino charater studies in tho play. He was particularly fortunate in engaging Mr. Charles Brown, the. popular comedian and Miss Beatrice Hoiloway, the charming young Australian actress for the principal characters, and in addition secured the services of such well known favourites as Messrs. Robert Greig, Hilliard Vox, Wilton Welch. Richard Bellairs, John Fordo, Stuart Clvdo, Kenneth Brampton, John Bruce, Misses Lillian Lloyd, Muriel Dale, Katie Towers, and Agnes Kcogh. Tho box plans for tho season will-bo opened at the Dresden on Friday morning and popular prices will bo charged.

PIANOFORTE RECITAL. The Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall will to-night witness Mr. Baxter Buckley's recital, when ho will oss.-n a programmo of great variety. Items by Bach, Schumann, Chopin, Moszkowsk'i, and MacDowell aro included. These represent all schools of technique and expression. Miss Carey-Wallace, vocalist, and monologuist, will assist, and Mr. F. R. Johnstone w.tll play 'cello solos. Tho box plan is nt tho Dresden. The concert begins at 8.