ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2214, 29 July 1914, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE FORTY THIEVES." Another big audience showed unqualified approval of the pantomime "The I'orty Thieves" at the Grand Opera House last'night. The piece has proved a great success, thanks to tho beautiful ballets and scenery and the spontaneous humour of the comedians, headed by Mr. Barry Lupino. The last two nights of the season are announced. Tho final matinee is to take place at 2 o'clock this afternoon. v GRAND OPERA HOUSE. "The Fortune Hunter" is announced by tho .J. C. Williamson' management tor- Wednesday evening next as. tho opening attraction of tho season by' Fred Niblo and Josephine Cohan and the clever company of comedians which has given them such brilliant support during their' highly successful sojourn in Australia; In this popular comedy AVinchol Smith, the author, is said to havo exceeded the stage dexterity he showed in "Browster's Millions." Tho story surrounds the fortunes of Nat Duncan, who has had a college education which has proved of little uso to him in his business career. He has tried many things, but succeeded in none. Eventually he is advised to marry for money, and starts off in search of an heiress, his friends lending him the money to assist in snaring a maid of dollars. Hut Nat meets a dunned and broken druggist, Sam Graham, who lias a remarkably pretty daughter. He becomes engaged to an heiress all right, but the old druggist's daughter really holds his heart strings. He spends all his borrowed money paying the old man's debts aud setting him up in a new store,' eventually forsaking the heiress arid marrying his real love. Then tho old man comes out on top with a great invention, so Nat pets both love and money after all by following tho honest dictates of his own heart. Mr.. Niblo is the life and soul of the piece, and is said to stand out even more than lh "Wallingford." Other plays to be presented during the season are "Nover Say Die", and "Officer 666." Box plans will be opened at the Dresden on Monday morning.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. His Majesty's Theatre, Wellington's favourite vaudeville house, was packed to the doors last evening, tho occasion being the "second production of tho new programme. The three clever Russian artists attracted attention, and their dancing was much appreciated. AVhen the Jakolew Trio had given their turn the audience domanded more, and it was freely given. Dale Winter and May Field, two singing sketch artists, also gave of their best. Fred Swift played various tunes on many kinds of instruments, and ■ Andrews and Dent also entertained with their playing and singing. Stewart and Lorraine, Armstrong and Howard, Arthur Olliver, and Vincent also appeared. Tho same programme will be repeated this evening, THE KING'S THEATRE. "Tho Luro of London," tho feature film on tho current programme at tho .King's Theatre, is a dramatic romance of high quality. It introduces the famous English picture actress Miss Ivy Close, who recently Won the All-Eng-land Beauty Competition. Supporting items oii the bill include "Gaumont Graphic" (topical), "Visions of Rome" (scenic), and "Tho Joy Ride" (comic).

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. ' Tho present programme of the Em-1 press Theatre continuous pictures, headed by tho Film D'Art feature drama, "Tho Blackmailer,", will'be seen for tho last time to-day and to-night Among tho pick of tho supporting films are "Williamson's Weekly" (topical), "Haymaking in New Zealand" (industrial), and "A Mix-up at'a Mardi Gras" (Selig comedy). A complete change of prpgranimo will be presented to-morrow. "EVERYBODY'S." Everybody's Pictures, at .the ■ old Opera House, were well patronised at all sessions yesterday to witness tho screening of the current programme headed by "The Golden Beetle," an Anglo-Indian drama of repute. The plot is stirring aud well carried put, and the scenic portions of tho picture are very lino. Tho many thrilling incidents, notably tho human ladder, formea by four persons, climbing down a precipice, and tho hero tied to a railroad track, whilst an express train at full speed passes over him, proclaim it to bo one of tho most Sensational films shown in Wellington. Tho orchestra render tuneful selections at both afternoon and evening sessions. POPULAR COMPETITIONS. A specially-attractive programme is promised for tho'opening performance at the amateur trials in the large Town Hall this evening. A large number of amateur artists will compete in the following events:—-Tango, comic singing, dramatic impersonations, chorussinging, etc. Exhibition performances will bo given by the "midgets," two, talented juveniles, who are said to excel in graceful dancing. Monsieur and Mademoiselle Craas will give an exhibition of the Corrona dance. . Mr. A. Boothman, the noted Australian actor, will be in charge- of the stage, and Mr. A. A., AVhitclaw will work tho limelight effects. The management has decided to havo all entrances to the hall opened at 7.15 p.m. sharp. Tho 1 box plan is open at the Dresden. ALEXANDER AVATSON RECITALS. On Saturday evening next Mr. Alexander AVatson, the celebrated English ' reciter, will commence his season in the Town Hall' Concert' Chamber. For' Iris opening recital, Mr. Watson has selected the delightful comedy, "Twelfth Night." The second recital—on Monday evening —"Nicholas Nickleby" will comprise the entertainment.' A great treat is promised for Tuesday, when the evening will be devoted mainly to the works of Kipling. On AA'cdnesday evening Mr. AVatson will recite "Tho Everlasting Mercy,", the poem of Mr. John Masefield,. which Sir James Barrie described as "unquestionably the finest literature of the year," and which was awarded the prize of 109 guineas by'the Royal Society of Literature.- Mr. AVatson is scribed as one of the finest elocutionists that has over visited the Dominion. Plans for tho season aro now on view at the Dresden. SUNDAY CONCERT. At His Majesty's Theatre on Sunday, evening next, the AVollington Professional will givo its fourth "concert of the season. Novelties on the programme will be Keler-Bela's "Roman tique" overturo, and Ethel Bams's "Swing Song" (L'Escarpolette). The popular '"Second Hungarian Rhapsodie" of Liszt will also be included, and lovers of the heavier class of music aro catered for in AVagner's Introduction to Act 111 of "Lohengrin." The orchestra will bo under the conductorship of Mr. Herbert Bloy. A silver coin collection will bo made at the doors.