ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1849, 8 September 1913, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. Despite tho unpropritioris weather, tho final performance of "Mail and Superman'' at tho Opera Houso on Saturday evening wis witnessed by a crowded and enthusiastic audience. Tho comedy lias met with an excellent recoption at tho hands of tho Wellington public, and it may safely bo assumed that tho Capital City will wclcomo with open arms tho next work of Bernard Shaw that comcs this way. Tho scintillating wit of tho play was thoroughly appreciated by tho audience, and produced roar after roar of hearty laughter. After many recalls at the end of tho play, Mr. Julius Knight mado a brief speech, thanking the audionco for tho warmth of their reception of tho company and their appreciation of his work in plays of a different class from tiioso in which ho had - formerly appeared in Now Zealand. _ Mr. Knight added that ho hoped to visit Wellington. again next year and bring with him how and some old playß. THEATRE ROYAL. As far as,professional occupancy is concerned, tho Thoatro Royal closod its doors for good and all on Saturday evening. Tho occasion was permitted to pass off without anything to rnarlc it as a milestono in tho local history or playhoUses,"which'was perhaps regrettable, as tho old theatro in Johnston Street is packed with memories of plays and'playors, singers, and lecturers, who have from time time during. tho last forty years enriched tho evening hours with music, song, and story. Tho usual programme was submitted, tho best items being submitted by tho Lyrio Four, a T'lrtot of cultivated singers, who mako good harmony, and Gloria Mayne, whoso lino, florid soprano is marred by enunciation so poor.that it was with difficulty that one could hear any of her words. A new Brennan-Fullor Company is to open in His Majesty's Theatre. Courtenay Place, on Monday next, when tho celebrated Banzai troupo of Japanese en--1 tertainers will appear. . Tho oxtendod .period undor which the Brennan-Fuller Company was permitted to give entertainments in : tho Theatro Royal does not lapse.until September, 27,' and Mr. Fuller has given permission to the Wellington Corporation Tramways and Electrio Lighting Friendly • Society to give an entertainment thsro in aid of its funds this evening. ■ lhis will be the last .performance to bo given in the building; .Tho lesneea of ■ the site d& not intend to procoed ■>v<th any building scheme for the presont. THE "SMART SET." . At tho Town Hall, that clever combination, "Tho Smart Set," continues to draw largo crowds. Tho items are bright and sparkling, and tho variety which is the keynote of tho programme is a big factor in tho popularity of the entertainment.' 1 Tho laughter-raising burlesquo "Kia Ora" would awaken a sense of humour in tho most irresponsive audience. ."EASTLYNNE." At His Majesty's Theatre to-night Barker's all-British reproduction of Mrs. Henry Wood's famed novol "East Lynno" in 7000 feet of pictures will bo. S resented for tho first timo to a Welngton audience. To-night is also the beginning of tho ond of Biograph exhibitions at His Majesty's, as after six performances of "East Lyiino" tho management will, on' September 15, move to the King's Theatre. This pictorial reproduction of an ever popular book is claimed to have boen mado from a special dramatisation, and is on a much more comprehensive scale than is the usual Btage version with which playgoers • aro familiar. For this reason tho 'screening will bo "lectured." A feature of tho Barker production is tho costuming of tho different characters,_ From • Miss Blancho Fonythe, the highly eulogised impersonator of the erring heroine Lady Isobol Vane down to tho smallest part in tho cast all are said to he properly dressed in old-fashioned garb,' correct to the period of tho book. "East Lynne" will be preceded by a curtain-raiser, and tho unfolding will be to the accompani-. Mont of appropriate music supplied by His Majesty's Orchestra. Seats for any r.ight of tho season may be reserved at tho Dresden. THE KING'S THEATRE. Tho presentation of a first-rate programme on Saturday evening met with an appreciative reception from a large audienco. Tho theatro will now remain closed until Monday, September 15, on which date it reopens with a wonderful picture and complete entertainment, "Millionaire Rainey's African Hunt.!' During tho terms of closure, the King's will bo completely renovated both insido and out, special attontion being paid to comfortable, up-to-date seating accommodation. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. ■ A completely new programmo will appear to-day and to-night at tho Empress Theatre Continuous Pictures. Tho principal subject will bo another A.B. "feature" drama, "Tho Reformers."' Tho plot, it is stated, concerns a citizen who, on becoming Mayor, sets out to reform everybody's morals, but his zeal leads to tho neglect of his own homo, and ho discovers this to .his cost only at tho eloventh hour. Another important inclusion will ho the Edison drama "In tho Old Dutch Times," described ns a charming story of other days. "Eclair Journal No. 31" will Supply interesting pictorial flows from various parts of the world. Tho Vitagraph Company's leading comedian makes a "hit" in the comedy "Bunny's Birthday Surprise." 'The AIB. Company's comedy "Tho Widow's Kids" will be prominont among tho humorous selections. There will bo, among others, a capital zoological study "Deers in Captivity." THE NORWOODS. These popular ontertainers, who visited Wellington a year and a half ago, and who have sinco been amusing iaige audiences in Australia, China, and the Philippines, open for a short season in tho Opera House to-night. Those who saw tho company before have remembrance .of more nearty . laughtor and honest fun that is usually squeezed in two and a half hours' time. Many new features will bo presented during the present season. Professor Norwood announces that no subjects below the age of twenty-four years will bo used foi tho mesmerist part of the entertain ment, and judging from lus formei "class" tlir-ro should be .many vilun teers to-night. Miss Winifred Nor wood will again mystify all with Jioi tests and thought transference. SHORTTS' PICTURES. A new budget of pictures will bi shown at Shortts' to-day. Tho princina item will bo the Pathccolor drama "Un til Death Us Do Part." It is stated ti be a beautiful example of colour kiiie matography. Other pictures on th< programme will be: "A Tramp's Grati tude," "Alkali Ike's Home-coming,' "Two's Company, Threo's a Crowd," anc th»,"Warwick Chroniclc." A grand concert will ho hold i? Hilda's Schoolroom to-morrow (Tues day) evening at 7.45 o'clock. Patnn: will bo given a musical treat. Tin programme is advertised elsewhere.