ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1763, 30 May 1913, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"PUSS IN BOOTS." Brisbane lias now added it 9 voico to that of _ Sydney and Melbourne, declaring "Pu6s in Boots," which is to "bo staged liero by the J. C. Williamson management for a season of nine nights, commencing on Thursday night next, 0110 of tli6 brightest pantomime productions which lias yet delighted Australasian play-goers. "Puss in Boots" is said to be freely peppered with novel specialty turns, clever acrobalism, remarkable mechanical o/feets, beautiful ballets, catchy songs, tuneful melodies, wholesome fund, and gorgeous costumes and scenery. It is also stated that it was only the offer of a very largo salary which tempted the famous Gaudsmidts to leave Europe, and Messrs, Collins and Hart, the other specialty stars, are, it is said, two of the highest-paid artists who have ever visited Australasia. Miss Violet Loraine, who appears in the role of Colin, is considered ono of the leading pantomimo principal boys in England. Naturalness and gaiety are two of the characteristics ono notice's immediately, in Miss Loraine, who is also gifted with a Tcally good voico. Mr. Georgo Miller, who takes the l.do of Dame Shortly, has played the Dame in a number of successful pantomime productions in England, and ono of his biggest successes was achieved in the leading comedy part in "A Runaway Girl." Mr. "Pip" Powell, who last year made himself a great favourite with New Zealanders as the Dame in "Sinbad," has scored even heavier as King Grabbus, a part which gives him every opportunity to exhibit liis abilities as a humourist. Another new airival is Miss Alice Russon, who will appear as Alice. Miss .Russon has, it is said, a sweet soprano voice, which she uses to every advantage in a number cf caich.v songs. The plans will be opened at the Dresden for the first four night-', and the initial matinee 011 Monday next at eight o'clock. A guieuo will lie formedat 7 a.m. THEATRE ROYAL. Madame Marvell and her exceedingly well-trained birds, still entertain visitors to tho Theatre Royal. The bird-like whistling of Fritz von Liston invariably brings tho applause it deserves, and this, together with his other 110 less clever imitations, lias earned him a high placo in tho estimation of theatre patrons. _ A general favourite is the dog "Mysterious Slik," and when his timo comes to "move <Jn" he will be missed. The Serenaders still open the performance and help in 110 small way towards the success of tho programme. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. His Majesty's Theatre was again filled to overflowing last night when the current fixtures were displayed. Tho picture comedy "In 11 Fix" still holds ite pusition, and owes not a little of its success to the excellent acting of Miss Asta Neilson. To those with sporting leanings the' Liverpool Grand National of 1913 gives all the excitement needed and is much appreciated. Another picture of interest is "The Man ho Might Have Been." This, combined with others of no less merit, go to make a thoroughly good programme. THE KING'S THEATRE; Patrons of tho King's Theatre were again treated to the exciting' detective picture-drama, "Shadows of the Night" last evening. From tho opening of the first act to the close of the last scene, interest in this prcturc never (lags. The Pathe Gazette, with its local and wideworld incidents was much appreciated, as were the other pictures included in thb programme. To-night a benefit is being tendered to Mr. .1. Holland, the special features of which will be the vaudeville items. THE NEW THEATRE. "The Shaugliraun" was the leading feature ill yesterday's chango of programme at tho New Theatre. Ffolliott, finding his 'last hour has comes, summons his old friend, Father Dolan, the parish priest of Suilaberg, and his land agent, Corry Kinchela. Into their hands he commends his two children, Robert and Claire. In later years Kinchela determines to secure possession of the lands and finds that he must eliminate Robert, who has reached his majority. To this end ho schemes with an unscrupulous police agent, Harvey Duff, to swear that Robert is a Fepian. Robert is sentenced to penal servitude in Australia. Several years later he escapes, and sails for Ireland. In the meantime tho cstato has been going to ruin, and Claire and Arte is largely dependant on Conn the Shaughraun, who supplies them with food by his poaching. After n lot of exciting incidents, in -which the Shaugliraun takes prominent part, all ends happily. In addition to tho above, the. following pictures were also shown:—"Faco or Voice," "How a Horseshoe Upset a Happy Family," "Tho Pierrot's Nightmare," "Kitchen Kate," "Valley of Yersula," and "Albion Docks at Louise." SnORTTS' THEATRE. Yesterday was change day at Shortts' continuous picture show in Willis Street, and an excellent programme was submitted. Chief 011 the new programme was a dramatic study, entitled "Sagacity v. Crime," which dealt with tho efforts of a gang of burglars to rob a bank. Other pictures were, "Old Colonist's Gratitude," The Grand National, 1913," and "The Patho Gazette." EMPRESS THEATRE. An Edison drama, entitled "The Secret Cupboard," was tho leading attraction at the Empress Theatre yesterday. Briefly, the story of tho plot was as follows:—Sir. Vernon, an elderly 'gentleman, whose hobby is the collection of jewels, lives in a flat alone, except for an agtd manservant. Ho shows his gems to a friend, Johnson, who tells of the valuables lie has seen to his club members. Ho is overheard by certain - cracksmen of the "X" band, who determines to steal tho gems.. Shortly after, Mr. Vernon is cleverly kidnapped. But meanwhile, the manservant has called in Nat Pinkerton, who, told where the jewels are, substitutes an empty box for them. This the thieves carry away, nnd Nat, keeping to their trail, disoovers Mr. Vernon shut 111 a vault. Another good pictnro was "Deep-sea Trawling in Australia." An instructive industrial study showed trawling work, and many closo views of tho various kiuds of fish captured. Other films., wore, "False to their Trust," "Mr. Fixer," "Tweedledum as a Boxer," "The Female Detective." TnE DANDIES. The Opera House last night was crowded and standing room only was available when The Dandies presonted a capital programme. 'Die audience appeared lo enjoy most the concerted items, especially the comic ones: Mr. Claude Dumpier, the character comedian, was in excellent vein and when backed up by Mr. Geo. Morgan was irresistibly funny. One of his best items was that in which, together with Miss Irene Verc, soubrette, lie fan;; and played "American Ragtime." _ Miss Vcrc appears to best advantage in such a duet. Mr. Oliver Peacock and Mr. Gavin Wood both sang songs appropriate to their voices and took part in the several burlesque choruses 011 the programme. "The Village Pump" rendered by the male portion of the company, was vigorously encored. Miss Hilda Lit no hftd an excellent reception for her song "Come Away," nnd Mi.is Uvelin Ward likewise charmed the audience. On Saturday i)Hit The Dandies will take their leave of"Wellington in a final change of programme, which it is staled will be composed of the best and most popular items of their repertoire. It was previously announced that they would make their final appearance to-night, but an extra night iias liecn now added to their season. SUNDAY CONCERT. At His Majesty's Thcatro 011 Sunday evening tho Wellington Professional Orchestra will give the seventh concert of tho 1913 season, under the eonductorship of Mr. Herbert Bloy. Tho chief attraction will bo Coleridge-Taylor's "Ballade in A." A (lute and clarinet duct, with orchestral accompaniment, will also l>e an attraction. A silver coin collection will be token at tho doors. At the Town Hall to-night a complimentary concert and dance will bo tendered to Mrs. Sutcnffe. There will bo lato trams to Thorndon and Newtown after tho danco. .