ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2269, 1 October 1914, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE BUCKLER-PAGET CO. It is a sad businoss to say good-bye to the Buckler-Pagot Company, which h;us in the spaco oi a little over a fortnight provided playgoers with a feast of good things remarkably well played. Under ordinary circumstances it is fairly safe to say that the company would have enjoyed a "boom" season here, hut tile war lias upsot some sections of the community ratlier curiously, and the theatre has suffered in consequence. Because England is at war it is little uso glooming in a comer. While there's life there's hope—and there is plenty of life left in the English nation'. To Mr. Buckler the public owes a debt of gratitude for introducing such a number of charming plays, and for bringing with him players oi intellect who take their work earnestly. To •' produce seven plays—and produce them adequately—-in under tlireo weeks is a feat that 110 management has performed since the old stock days, and everyone in the company deserves a share of the credit.

Last evening "Fanny's First Play" was revived, to tlio delight of a large audience, which thoroughly enjoyed the satirical exaggerations ond novel characters of Shaw, and their capital presentation by the company. This evening the company will give, as their good-byo performance, Arnold Bennett's delightful comedy "The Great Adventure." which made so decided a "hit" witn everyone who saw it last week. In this play Mr. Buckler and Miss Violet Paget are seen in two startlingly original character that are quite I away from themselves. .

"LIGHTS 0' LONDON." Hundreds of people had to be refused admission to MacMahon's New Theatre in Manners Street last nigjit on account of the fact that the' building would not hold them. The afternoon sessions were well attended aiub in the evening the theatre was packed from 7 o'clock onwards. The attraction was an all-British picture entitled 'The Lights 0' London," and the eagerness with which the publio rushed to see it was a reminder of Tennyson|s description of tlie youth, "whose spirit leaped within him to be gone before him" when for the first time he saw "in the heavens the lights of London, glaring like a dreary dawn." The picture now being produced in Wellington is founded on the melodrama of that name by G. R. Sims, and, it was played for the kinematograpk _ under the personal direction of Sir. Sims. It is a touching story of the love of a squire's son for the daughter of cine of his father's employees and of the tribulations which followed their marriage, until justice triumphed and brought about their happiness. Tlie part of the Clifford Armytage, is remarkably well acted and so .too are (ill the other parts. Then a strong feature is the beautiful scenery' of the piece, some of the most delightful spots in England being used as a background of the story, while the dramatic arrangement and the photography are well nigh perfect. These is a capital array of supporting films.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. At His Majesty's Theatre tlie turns provided are very attractive. A novel Bhaip-sliooting and juggling turn by the Three Lessos is very popular, while tile tabloid musical comeay put on by Mann aiid Franks, entitled "The Candy Girl," is well worth witnessing. Rosa. Loader, "The Slavey .at the Piano," is doing good work, which appeals strongly to the public, and' items of merit are also given by Carmen and Lawrence, the Quealeys, the Mullaney_, Twins, Maud Fanning, Arthur Elliott, and Gio Angelo. programme will bo repeated this evening.

THE KING'S THEATRE. The principal attraction at the King's Theatre this week is an exciting .film, "A Mexican. 'Eull Fight." It gives vivid pictures of actual scenes in a Mexican arena,, and altogether, is one of the most thrilling pictures seen in Wellington for many a day. The Gaumont War Graphic also is very interesting, and shows the.we'aome to Paris «f Sir John French, Commander, of the British Forces at the front. . "The Airlos and Their Performing Dogs" and "Francine" are other good pictures. There will be a matinee performance at 3.30 on Saturday EVERYBODY'S PICTURES. The great popularity of the old Opera Houso just now is easily accounted for' by the excellence •of the current programme and the great merit of the otar drama "England's Menace," which, by .the way, is an All-British production, and hard to fault. Photography and acting are alike exceptional, while tho distinguished personality of r.he players creates, that .atmosphere of refinement which is not infrequently missing from screen productions. "Tho Wonder War Graphic" has views of "Germans captured at Liege," "General French's Reception* at Paris,"- and much elso of interest. l, Fraid Cat" is one of Vitagraph's best dramas, while humour is supplied by "Andy Goes A-pirating."

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "Josephine" (or ''The Royal Dinew version of-, tiho woll-known dramatisation of ' the ' marriage and divorce of Bonaparte and, the Empress Josephine,- will be introduced ta-dajy and to-night with tlie new programme at the Empress Theatre continuous' pictures. The management announces tnat there wiU be special supplementary films; "Josephine" will be : screened for three days and nights only.

PALAIS DE DANSE. How to trip the latest dances in the most fashionable and- graceful manner is being taught at tho gaily-decorated Palais de Danso in Vivian Street. There any night the public may witness a lively orowd executing the rhythmical one-step, the roclcing twostop, tlio alluring tango, the dainty hesitation waltz, and tlio mazy delights of the waltz itself. On these cool ovenings the Palais do Danso is a resort tlio delights of wliich are gradually finding favour with the dancing community.

''THE CREATION." Part 111 of' that interesting Biblical story-picture "The Creation/' winch deals vritli the life, of Christ on eaith was shown at the Town H'all yesterday afternoon and last evening before lavgo audiences.