ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1723, 14 April 1913, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. Anion),' the new artists appearing tonight at tho Theatre Royal are Airlio and Campbell, who como over with an Australian reputation as musical-comedy entertainers and xylophone experts, Prank Hawthorne this week presents an extravaganza entitled "Rehearsing the Amateurs," in which th. maximum of fun is promised in a ininimuin of time. The Harmonious Huxhams will sing "A May .Morning," and Stanley and Bernard anil Mysto, as Hebrew comedians and magician respectively, will contribute. The Screnadcrs aro billed for a complete ciiango of song, (lance, and scena. The management regret to state that Murphy, the Yankee talking juggler, will lie unable to appear until to-morrow night, owing to, the Sydney steamer failing to connect with the Main .Trunk express from Auckland last night. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. "Our Navy" has pride of place in tonight's programme, a series of films depicting tho British Navy, illustrating graphically tho mighty battleship.-;, tho cruisers, ami tho smaller craft, together with scenes relating to achievements of "Boys of tho Bulldog Brccil" on sea and on shore. Such series aro appropriate in viaw of the New Zealand battleship's visit, and should attract crowded houses. THE NEW THEATRE. "Travelling Polk," a captivating Continental dramagraph, will head the new programme of tho New Theatre continuous pictures to-day and to-night. The theme is associated with the life of travelling show-people. Tho principals aro a beartrainer and his fiancee. Tho supporting items will include—'"A Sawmill Hazard" (Kalcm drama), "Fashion Review" (topical), and "Fancy Swimminj." "WEST'S PATRIOTIC BILL." To-night at the King's Theatre West's will present a patriotic programme, tho star item of which will be a splendid series of views of AVellington's welcome to H.M.S. New Zealand. Many and varied aro the different scones, anil, taken on tho whole, gives a good idea of tho reception. Other naval mid military subjects will bo included in tho films to bo shown. The remaining pictures are entirely new, and include n romantic love drama, "A Daughter of Eve," illustrating tho troubles of a beautiful but penniless girl in her efforts to obtain a livelis liood. Two Yitagraph studies, "Awakening of Bianca," a. tenso dramatic study, and "Susio to Susannc," a' light amusing comedy, are also included. Tho programme also contains tho ever-welcome Patlio Gazettes. Signor Truda, conductor of the King's Lyric Orchestra, is arranging patriotic and othor aii'i for the various items to bo shown. . THE EMPRESS THEATRE. There will a complete change of programme to-day and to-night of .the Empress Theatre continuous pictures, when a sensational A.B. drama, "Lovo in an Apartment Hotel" will be tho principal item. Tho plot loads up to the discovery of a _ thief in an hotel by a housemaid, who is wound and gagged by the intruder. An exciting climax is developed after thrilling incidents take place. Another important subject will bo tho Selig drama, "Tho Voico of Warning." This is described as an impressive enactment, artistically expressed. Tho Western typo of drama will bo represented by "Broncho Billy's Promise." The A.B. comedy, "The Press Gang," is reported to be a thoroughly , humourous conception, interpreted in a manner which provokes tinrestrainahlo merriment. Tho Solig comedy-drama, "Her Education," will also prove a popular inclusion. . "Tho Bald-headed Gljib," by tho Imp Company, .is''another hilarious film. The scries will bo shown from 11a.m. till 11 p.m. , SHOBTTS' THEATRE. Messrs. Sliortt announce a change of programme at their picturo theatre iu Willis Street to-day. The feature item is entitled "Tho Orphan," and is said to bo an exceptionally interesting film. . There is a long list of fresh supporting. items as well. . 1 "THE BLUE BIRD." Seldom has there been a play which has. excited so much interest as "The Blue Bird," and tho announcement by the J. C. Williamson management that it is .to be presented at the Opera Housoon Saturday next will doubtless be read with pleasure by play-goers. The electric and other effects essential to present "The Blue Bird" on tho same complete scale as when it created a sensation in London aro so intricate, that it was at first thought impossible to stage it outside the largest cities of Australia, but theso difficulties have now been surmounted,' and it is promised its representation here will be oil the same scalo of magnificence as the Sydney production. "The Blue Bird" comes to New Zealand as a' great London success, but it is much moro than that; Russia, America, Prance, England, Scotland, Wales, and Australia have all learnt to love the story of tho two children who wander through the world of fairyland in search of the bird of happiness. Its message of beauty, love, and happiness has made it a household word from New York to Moscow. In "The Blue Bird," tho Belgian poet and dramatist has embodied a wnole world of philosophy in the guiso of an enchanting lairy play or "dream poem," a philosophy so simple, yet so profound, that adults, as well «s children fall under the dominion of its enchanted wand, and are held spellbound with delight as.they watch the unfolding of tho beautiful allegory. Tho plans will bo opened at' tho Dresden on Wednesday next at 9 o'clock. The J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management aro advertising the fact that prizes will be offered for the best essays on "Th© Blue Bird." l''or scholars over the age of 1G years, a prize of .£3 3s. is being offered; between the ago of 12 and IG, <£2 25.; and under 12, XI Is. BAND CONCERT. The Wellington City Band (late. Garrison) held a grand concert in His Majesty's Theatre last evening. Altogether tho concert was an enjoyable one, and deserved better attendance. No doubt the rough weather kept a number of 'people indoors. The band contributed five items: A selection (Reminiscences of Weber); an intermezzo (Aletter); a march (Bagly); caprice (Mercadante); and a quickstep from Lingo's "Our Lieutenant." Tho inarch was well delivered, and niado the theatre resound, but-the quickstep appeared to be the most popular piece. Of the other items, four in number, two were given bv Miss Muriel Bennett, and two by Mr. Hamilton Hodges. The former was heard to best advantage wlieu she tang "I Hear You Calling." The song was moro suited to her voice than "There is a Green Hill," which was tho other song she sang. Mr. Hoi'iges sang "My Solitude." (Schubert), and "Aline Enemy" (Olga Kudd).