ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1819, 4 August 1913, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. A particularly strong bil; will be presented by tho Bremian-Fuller manngement at tho Theatre Royal this evening, when Max Duffek, the celebrated musical contortionist, will make his first appearance. Duffelc, who hails from England, has just concluded a most successful tour of the firm's Australian theatres, where his act caused something of a senkition. The first appearanoc is also announced of Siguor Corona, the musical tramp, and tho man who makes the cornet talk; Levato and Collins, comedy skctch artists; tho two Duckworths, comedy jugglers and acrobatic artists; Tho Rosebuds, Australian serios and dancers; and Harry Collins, coon impersonator. Van Camp, tho clever magician, will introduco for the first time in New Zealand a three-round wrestling match between two pigs, said to be 0110 of tho most humorous acts ever seen on the vaudeville stago. Misß Violet Carmen, tho brilliant young English artist, will sing, amongst other song novelties, "Como to Rotorua," written and composed by her composer pianist, Alf. J. Laurance. Tho Two Franklins will, by request, appear in the American sketch, "The Messenger Boy and tho Heiress." Tho Ridgway Boys, acrobats and Oiand-balancers, will introduco for tho first timo their champion greyhound, in. a series of high and long jumps; and Tho Gazzas, heavyweight lifters,, make up what promises to be one of tho most attractive programmes seen for some considerable time.

"THE SMART SET." Though one of the "smartest seta" of entertainers which has ever visited Wellington, tad a change of venue on Saturday night from the Town Hall to the Opera House, there was no change in tho numerical strength and approbation of the audience. Those unfortunate individuals who arrived after thp rise of tho curtain without having previously booked their seats had to bo content with standing room, but tho quality of the entertainment was well worth this sacrifice. Without being invidious, special praise is duo; to Edward Elliott, who, with "Sunshine James" on his knee, gave ono of the cleverest exhibitions of ventriloquism yet witnessed here. Miss Georgia Martin, always popular, surpassed herself on Saturday and earned a double encore for her inimitable rendering of "I ain't Got No Money," "Honey, Sonny. Money," and "When Twilight's Shades are Falling," whilst her sketch with her "pets," the Gollywog and the Teddy Bear was also vociferously encored. Miss Emily Ivroll was encored for a very fino rendering of "Come, Siug to Me," as was Mr. Ernest Parkes for "Oberon in Fairyland," and "It's Good to Love When tho Heart is Young." "Tho Smart Set's" impression of grand opera was excruciatingly funny, especially tho rescue of tho heroine from tho "Red Sea," whilst Miss Georgie Martin and Mr. Walter George earned unstinted applause for their parody on a lesson in acting, trying a voico and rehearsing a part. 11l response to am encore Mr., Maynard Dai kin gave various ways of proposing by tho masher, the Cockney, and the curate, and again being encored sang "The Major" in dashing style. Tho evening's entertainment concludod all too soon with a miniature musical comedy "In Sunny Japan,'' in which Mr. Edward Elliott, as a waiter,,created roars of laughter, his song "Little By Little and Bit by Bit," with'skits at tho wharves and the. Town Ilall clock being one of the hits of the evening. Tho company will bo giving an entire change of programme to-night, every item being entirely new and original. It is also decided that "Tho Smart Set" will appear again at the Opera House on Saturday, August 9. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. That great .film depicting the ' story "Quo Vadis?" was shown for the last time at His Majesty's on Saturday niglvt. This evening another great attraction will be depicted, in a 'picture presenting the glorious opera "Carmen." Realistic stones from this great opera, specially acted for the film, will bo shown, while special music from tho opera will .lend an added touch to tho : px-oduction. ' . THE KING'S THEATRE. To-night's new programme at this J theatro boasts an exceptionally strong star feature in what is described as tho greatest of all French comedies, "Tho Holy State," a big screening 3000 ft. long, which is said to be replete with genuino refined humour and many particularly interesting situations. ' It is stated that the actors concerned iri tho production were all inonibers of the famous company attached to tho Comedio Francaise Theatre, so that the character impersonations should bo well worth witnessing. Other subjects include tho latest Gaumont Graphic, "New Neighbours" (comedy), "Highways.of tho Sips," and a sensational Vitagraph drama, entitled "Ono Good Turn." THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Ths now progiramms of the Empress Theatre continuous pictures to-day and. to-night will, it is stated, bring forward a. lavishly-staged "feature" drama, "A Fatal Love." Tho film, which is beautifully coloured, occupied about threequarters of an hour in tha showing. Tho jilot depicts how an engagement between, a young artist and the daughter of a duchess is broken off to 'enable the girl to marry a. wealthy banker, to whom the' •d,uchess owes a large sum of money. There is a. sensational fencing scone, which terminates tragically. "The Ranchcro's Rovenge," a starring A.B. drama, "Gaumont Graphic," and "Jenks, a Desperate Character,' an A.B. farce-comedy, will be tho most notable of tho supporting items. SHORTTS' PICTURES. An exciting dramatic film entitled "Kelly' of tho Emerald Isle" or "A Fight for Fortune" will be screened at Shortts' Theatre to-day. Tho film shows many, exciting events, including tho firo escape, a greut. railway sensation, an explosion, etc., and tho whole 3000 feet are said to bo full of interesting events. An A.K. drama "Greater Gift," and "Fatty's Busy Day," and "The Mystic Mat" will also be shown. HUTT SKATING RINK.; On Saturday a large number of skaters attended tho. Hutt Rink. The couples' gliding competition was won by Mr. L. Martin and lady.. On Monday night a hockey match will %s played, and a fresh novelty will bo put on for Thursday. The two-step is catching on 'in good style, bo there will be a two-step Vpompetition put on shortly. The band programme of new music was thoroughly appreciated by all. MADAME MARY CONLY. At the Town Hall to-morrow week Madame Mary Conly will appear with tho | Eoyal Wellington Clioral Sociotv as tho principal Boprano, in "Elijah." I'he other soloists associated with Madamo Conly will bo Madamo Edith Braihsby (contralto), Mr. Harry Phipps (tenor), and Mr. John Prouse (baritone). A full rehearsal for chorus, orchestra and soloists will bo held in St. John's Schoolroom tonight, at 8 o'clock. At 9 o'clock this morning the box plan for this favourito work will open at the Dresden. The Hutt and Johnsonvillo trains mil be delayed till after the performance. SUNDAY ORGAN RECITAL. Dr. W. K. Fyffe continued his series of organ recitals at tho Town Hall yesterday afternoon, when there was another "largo and appreciative audience. Tho organist was heard to great effect in the "March" (Henry Smart), "Andante Cantabilo" (Widor), "Andantino" (Lemare), ond "Three Pieces (Gadc). A pleasing feature of tho free entertainment was the rendering of two anthems by St. Peter's Church choir who were heard to great advantage in "Holiest Breath an Evening Blessing" (Martin), and "Tho Gloria" from Mozart's "Twelfth Mass."