ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2257, 17 September 1914, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. There have been so many light ephemeral productions at the Grand Opera Houso sinee its opening that the advent of the Hugh Buckler Company with Pinero's masterpiece, "His House in Order," with a train of worthy successors to follow before the season closes, may be welcomed. Tho witty dialoguo of the play, its interesting plot, and last, but not least, the very fane interpretation of tho play by the Buckler Company, makes "His House in Order" something to remember. On Saturday "Fanny's First Play" will'bo presented by tho company. 1 HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Main interest at His Majesty's Theatre to-night centres in the Hesitation Waltz competitions. Eighteen couples are announced to be taking part, and the spectators are to bo allowed to choose tiie winning couple. In conjunction with the competition tho curlent programme of vaudeville, included in which aro a'number of interesting turns, will be given. THE KING'S THEATRE. An expellent coloured Pathe drama entitled "A Tragedy of the Clouds" is tho lieadliner on the current programme of pictures at the King's Theatre. Apart from the grip of the story there are unfolded in it some particularly fine scenic views of places in and around Paris and in Holland.. The supporting .programme is a strong one, and includes. Mabel's Married Life" (A Keystone absurdity). A special matinee performance is to be given on Saturday afternoon. '. MACBMAHON'S NEW THEATRE. ■ The New Theatre in Manners Street continues to attract large attendances nightly,, and last night was no exception to what appears to be now an established rule. To-day there will be a complete change of programme, the feature picturo being arfotber of tho excellent Klaw and Erlanger pictures, which have won their way to the top of the ladder in the field of photo-plays. _ This is "Lord Chuinley," a picture which comes with a very strong reputation from Syd--*v and Auckland. Included in the programme to-day are two other excellent • pictures, a diverting C. and M. comedy, entitled "Through the Keyhole" and a very pretty and bright Lubin drama, "Diamond Cut Diamond." At an early date "The Lights'of London," which was purchased specially for' presentation at this theatre by Jlr. MacMahdn, will be produced, for the first time in New Zealand. EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. , The big picture "Antony and Cleopatra" at Everybody's Pictures in the old Opera House in Mannors Street, is attracting huge crowds there daily at all sessions, 'l'he film is 7000 feet long, and is a triumph of the' kinematographer's art. A competent little orchestra contributes injidoirfal musical. items, llie theatre is open daily from noon till 10.30 p.m. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Another Klaw and Erlanger "feature" drama, "A Fair Rebel," will bo introduced at the Empress Theatre Continuous Pictures to-day and to-night. According to the story Steve and Ezra are chums at the West Point Military College. Vf'hen Steve has completed his training he returns, to his home in 4ha south. Shortly afterwards tho American,civil war breaks out, and the chums join opposite armies. Ezra becomes a colonel of the Northern forces, land rwhile' on a-visit to the south hefalls in' love with Steve's sister, Clairette. Captain de Perrin, a French officer, forces his unwelcome attentions on Clairette, but she prefers • Ezra. Subsequently Stevo returns, and is reluctantly compelled to take his old chum prisoner. Despite differences in poli- ; tical opinion, and the evil machinations of de Perrin, Clairette assists in Ezra's escape, and when the war is over the .young couple are wedded. There will be a special supporting series. PATRIOTIC TREASURE HUNT. This most novel and attractive function should draw a record crowd to Lyall Bay on Saturday afternoon next. The entranco fee is only one shilling, and every shilling will help the Empire besides rewarding the privileged donor with a most enjoyable afternoon by tho sea, seasoned with the spice of good healthy sport. , The treasure hunt is likely to appeal with equal force to men, women, and children, and indeed, the prizes are well worth, a good deal of digging. Many of them are of considerable value and the smallest are half a crown. There will also. be bright music to stimulate the efforts of the merry, crowd, all working away at the sand, all laughing and happy, and all doing their little bit to contribute to the comfort and well-be-ing of the brave boys at the front who are striving and risking their lives in tho cause of right and freedom. Evefy shilling helps, so citizens are begged to take the wife and all the children to Lyall Bay on Saturday afternoon. "SAMSON AND DELILAH." "Samson and Delilah" is to be heard for the first time in New Zealand tomorrow evening at the Town Hall ; by the Royal Wellington Choral Society, with a chorus and orchestra of 250 under the direction of Mr. Herbert Bloy. Mr. Walter Kirby will sing the music allotted to Samson ; This is what tile London "Standard" said of Mr. Kirby's. singing:—"Mr. Kirby's tenor voico is full arid particularly sweet in quality, and he has wonderful control of it." Parts have been assigned as follow :—Delilah, Miss Mina Caldow; Samson, Mr. Walter Kirby; High Priest, Mr. Barry Coney; Abimelech, Mr. Fred Twis; Aged Hebrew, Mr. Frank Young; Philistine, Mr. P. Culfdrth. The final rehearsal will bo held in tho Town Hall at 7.45 this evening, and only performing members will bo admitted. It has bean decided by tho management to set aside 200 one shilling seats, and the one shilling tickets will be on sale at the Dresden to-day. Doors will open at the hall to-morrow evening at 7.15 p.m.