ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2301, 7 November 1914, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. In the mysteries of magic we, have Erobably eeen no more greater experts ero than Leroy ; Talma, and Bosco, a unigue trio of illusionists, who with their company are now holding tho stage at tho Grand Opera House. People say that magicians are all the same,.in that they retail tho same old illusions. Leroy, Talma, and Bosco, however, strike an entirely new naid original line. Perhaps their main characteristic is that they perform their illusions with such remarkable rapidity and deftness. The trio are supported by a talented little company of vaudeville artists, including "Santo Santucci," a veritable master or the accordion. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There will be a matinee this afternoon at His Majesty's Theatre, -where the current. vaudoville programme is -well up to the Fuller-Bremian standard. Tonight a farewell appearance will be made by Mr. Leslie Holmes and his talented costume comedy company. The last night is also announced of Matilde and Elvira, Spanish dancers; Brown and Sorlie, coloured comedians; and White and Grey. The Bradnas, Les Bates, the Foys, and Neil Cant will also contribute to the entertainment. THE KING'S THEATRE. Another packed house witnessed the gorgeous historical picture production, "Sixty Years a Queen," at the King's Theatre last night. All the.chief events during the reign of Queen Victoria are depicted in the film,, the acting being excellent. During tho screening, Mr. Barrie Marschel delivers a lecture fully explaining the different scenes. At various stages of the entertainment applause is forthcoming from all parts of the theatre. There will be a grand matinee at 2.30 p.m. to-day, and this evening the picture will be shown for the last time in Wellington.

MACMAHON'S NEW THEATRE. Capacity business—the usual order of things—was recorded.at the various sessions of the continuous picture show at MacMahon's New Theatre in Manners Street yesterday afternoon and evening. The new programme was headed by the Imp Company's production, ."When the Heart Calls,". which may ho truly described as a masterpiece in silent drama. The story is designed to show that when the heart calls reason departs and social restrictions are cast o'side by the yearning for friendship, love, and sympathy. It fs a convincing play, full of human interest and pathos, and one which can never fail to make an appeal to the gentler sex. A strong supporting bill , includes an Essanay drama entitled ' "Single-Handed"; a fine drama by the Rex. Company, "Paying the Price"; "Magnetic Raid" (Imp comedy): "Hurricane's Bought the Lino." (comedy); "Pat and the Magic Ring" (Lux comedy);' and "Isle of Skye" (Urban scenic)." The same series will be repeated this afternoon and evening. . ' • ' EVERYBODY'S The current programme at Everybody's will be screened to-day and tonight for the last time. By the latest mail the management have received an interesting topical subject entitled "With the Servian Army," which will be added to the present programme. This picture shows Servian officers planning and watching a battle, the troops manning the trenohes, and later changing their position, and other scenes which convey a fair ide* of the hardships of active service. "The Angel of Contention," a fine Western production, is the star drama on the programme. . Next Monday a list of .the latest releases will be screened,, including fresh war topicals and an emotional Russian Army drama, entitled "War's Heart Blood." ,

PATRIOTIC CONCERT. ' On Wednesday evening next the New Zealand Natives' Association will hold a unique concert in the Town-Hall, commencing at 8 o'clock. In addition to the solos by Miss Mina Caldow, Messrs. Courtenay Mphr, Charles Clarkson, and H. Wood, the N.Z.N.A. orchestra of over 50 performers will contribute overtures and accompany the whole of the items. An outstanding feature of the concert promises to be the singing of popular patriotic choruses by the children of the city schools, numbering about 400. The concert is under the direction of Mr. William M'Laughlin. Tho drawing oi the grand art union will take place the same evening, ' when the 'autographed flag now on view in the Dresden -window will be .presented to the ••winner. The box' plan is uow at the. Dresden. Prices of admission will be 2s. and Is.. •■;.'■■ SUNDAY CONCERT. The programme to be submitted 1 by the Tramways Band at His Majesty's • Theatre to-morrow evening is of a varied and interesting description. Included in the items is a selection by Wagner, entitled "Rienzi," from the famous opera of that name. This selection is expected- to arouse enthusiasm , , and the band's playing of it is said to be masterly and in keeping with the spirit of the opera. Besides this.there are three other selections by.the band, including a fantasia, with effects, by Lodz under the title of "A Sleigh Ride." ■ Iteme will also be rendered by Mr. F. R., Johnstone, a 'cello solo, "Meditation," and Mr. C. Clarkson will contribute two songs. .

TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN.RECITAL. . It is with great pleasure that the City Organist (Mr. Bernard F. Page) announces that among the items for to-night's organ recital there appears Mendelssohn's overture to "The Hebrides," a work that a former audience was delighted with. A Prelude and Fugue in D major by Glazounov (a composer recently introduced to Wellington by Mr. Page) keeps the weekly recital programmes up to a plane beyond criticism. An "Epilogue" "(Willan), Waldwoben from "Siegfried" (Wagner), Lemarc's "Marche Herioque," and Karg-Eler't's "Harmonies du Soir" complete a programme of intellectual and beautiful subjects that should satisfy Mr. Pago's followers.

DR. MACKLIN, OF CHINA. It is almost impossible to believe tho changes that have como over China during the last ten years. Tho old regime of pigtails and superstitions has departed, and the new regime set in. Among the many Europeans who havo' guided tho leaders.of China no name is better known than Dr. Macklin's, whether as translator, medical doctor, or statesman. Over 90,000 cases have passed through the hospitals in China, of the Associated Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Dr. Macklin is really one of the great preachers of the Far East, and was born in Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada, a littlo more than fifty years ago. The schools' oi Toronto afforded him ■ the opportunitj. of an excellont education, and to this day ho is a careful and. painstaking student. He is original and daring, but always Christian and courteous, Provincialism and sectarianism and Pliariseeism and race prejudice aro foreign to his feelfiigs. He makes friends and holds them with an unyielding grasp of genuine affection. All his liring and all his relationships aro guided by the Golden Rule. Dr. Macklin has kindly consented to address a united meeting in the Vivian Street Church of Christ on Sunday evening, at 7.30, and to lecture on Monday night an "China." The Mayor will preside,

and it is expected that tho Chinese Consul will take part in the meeting. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. Crowds filled the People's PicturePalace at tho various sessions of tho continuous picture show yesterday. Tho recent alterations to this popular houseof amusoment have favourably impressed patrons, and the increased accommodation is taxed to the utmost every evening. The principal attraction on the current programme is the London Film Company's famous production, "Tho House of Temperley," specially adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's well-known etory, "Rodney Stone," and staged for tho k'inematogr'aph under the personal supervision of the author. It is supported hy a number of good items, including an interesting war picturo, "Our Allies, the French Troops."

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. For the last time to-day and to-night "Schomburgk's Travels," the feature film, andl current supporting series of the Empress Theatre continuous pictures, will be screened. Of the supplementary items, the best are "White Fawn" (Western drama), "Universal Weekly" (New Zealand topical news), and "Through Death Valley" (B.and C. drama). The new programme on Monday next will bring forward a_ stirring naval drama, "Victory;" which ie reported to be of exceptional merit. "HUMPTY DUMPTY" PANTOMIME. The appearance next Saturday night at the Grand Opera House , of. the "Humpty Dumpty" Pantomime _ Company is a theatrical event of special interest, inasmuch as the venture is entirely due to Messrs. George Stephenson and Alf. Linley. two native-born .New Zealanders. Eighty-five people'will appear in "Humpty Dumpty," all of whom have been brought from Australia. It is, stated that a sum of over .£3280 will be spent before tho curtain rises at the opening performance at the Grand Opera House next Saturday. All the dresses, scenery, and effects are said to be entirely new. Miss Olive-Robin-son will be the "principal boy," Miss Molly King "principal girl," and the comedy in the hands of Con Moreni "Dame," and Ernie Lashbrook as Tiddly Wink. The ballets, invented, and arranged by Miss Ethel Clifford, are novel and pretty. The music, by Mr. Harry Taylor, is strikingly new in-the tunes, and it is said that there is not one song or sentimental lyric which anyone would not willingly listen to many times. Owing to the limited season "Hiinipty Dumpty" will only be played a few nights. The tuneful musical extravaganza, "Tho 9Jiain of Cathay," will be the next production. The box plan will open on Tuesday next at the Dresden at 9 a.m.

CONCERT AT THE Y.M.C.A. A successful concert wai given in the Y.M.C.A. Assembly Hall last evening. The hall was crowded, and those present thoroughly enjoyed the excellent programme. : - The programme opened with an overture by the Working Men's (JJuo orchestra (Mr. M'Glashan, conductor). The feature of the first half of the programme was a comedy, "Three April Fools," in which Messrs. R. Rex, Claude Smith, and J. Clifford . tookparts. Other items were: recitation, 'Charge of the Light Brigade," Mr. C. Smith; song, "The Old Rustic Bridge by the Mill," Mr.' G. Galloway; recital, "Arthur and Hubert," Mrs. E. Aitchison and Mr. W. Wood; recitation, ''Speoially Jim," Miss Brown; violin solo, "My Dream," Mr. C. Harris; re-, citation, "The Kaiser," Mr. Armstrong; recitations, Miss Betty Purdorn arid Mr. J. Culford Bell; sketch work, Mr. Tuley; conjuring, Mr. Ward; dance, Highland fling, Miss F. Sliaw (Mr Fraser, piper); songs, Mr. Charters and Mr. George Grey.; recitations, Master Laurenson and Miss E. Aitchison; duet, Messrs;.;, George .Grey ■ and .Don*-. Scott; and gymnastic display, Y.M.C.A.; boys. The Boys' Mission Band also gave a selection. The entertainment concluded with a dramatic sketch, "The Great Diamond Fraud," in which Messrs. Bert , Febey, Fish, Rex, S. Smith,. J. Pike, and J. Hume took ,parts.