ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2372, 30 January 1915, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERA SEASON. The Grand Opera Bouse was again well filled last evening, when "The Gondoliers" was produced by tlie J. C. Williamson Comic Opora Company, for the last time. "THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD." To-night "The Yeomen of the Guard" will be revived. The music in "The Yeomen of the Guard" shows the wonderful versatility of Sir Arthur Sullivan. Hero and there it fringes the stately preserves of grand opera; in another direction the composer taps a fresh spring of beauty in the lyrical music, and occasionally, particularly in the early scenes in the first act, the score gives a fleeting glimpse of the music of old England. The librettist, Sir W. S. Gilbert, has, too, given of his best in "The Yeomen," and it is generally recognised as being one of the most popular of all the famous collaborator's work 6. Mr. Charles Walenn, in the important role of Jack Point, is said to be fine. It is said he pre-, sents the character of the jilted jester subtly and artistically, and in the midst of his fooling is in every sense the fellow of pretty wit, ready with quip and jest, but all the while 'consumed by a passion. Mr. " Edward M'Keown has some superb numbers to sing as Colonel Fairfax, and his rendering of "Is Life a Boon" is a feature of the opera. Miss Pearl Ladd as Elsie Maynard received far greater opportunities than she had in "The Gondoliers," and it, is said that she rises to every occasion, particularly when tho music is of the grand opera order. Miss Katie May created a distinct triumph in Auckland as Phoebe Meryl), and Mr. Albert Kavanagh scored his hest .triumph in the northern town, as the gaoler, Shadbolt. Miss Ethel Morrison is 6aid to be excellent as Dame Carruthers, and makos a feature of the number "I'll Keep My Silent Watch and Word." The chorus and orchestral work is 6aid to bo a feature of the production. Only three performances can be given of "The Yeomen of the Guard," and.it will be folowed by "lolaJitho" oil Wednesday next. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Those who have not seen "Schell's Lions" at His Majesty's Theatre should not miss the last opportunity to-night of seeing one of the finest animal acts of its kind over shown here. Among other fine turns on the present programme is the hat manipulation of John Earl. . The Driscolls provide a really arousing turn with their absurd patter and songs. Other performers worthy of note are Madame Hose Lorenz, the Two Franklins, Herman and Shirley, and M'Kenzie and Guest.

There will be a matinee this afternoon.

THE KING'S THEATRE. The great dramatic picture "The Biute" will be screened for the last time at the King's Theatre this evening. The picture is really one of the finest of its kind ever seen at the King's. The Players Company are the producers, and Mr. Malcolm Williams, the' noted American actor, appears in the piece. Other films include "Hello, Mabel!" (a Keystone whimsicality), some interesting descriptive pictures, and war films.

' There will be a matinee this afternoon.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. One of the biggest draws ever shown at Everybody's Theatre, "Warfare in the Air," will bo shown, there for the last time at all sessions to-day and tonight. Tho film is an enthralling one, and should not be missed. The Keystone picture "The Masquerader," in which Sir. Charles Chaplin features, has proved itself.,a' great, laughter-maker. The remainder of the programme includes interesting war pictures, and the latest scenic, dramatic, and comic releases. Commencing on Monday, a new change of bill will bo introduced, when "Shadows of. the Past," a Vitagraph story of social and political life will do screened. It introduces us to the great evils of corruption .and graft to which all American towns are heir. In their early married life an estimable couple and their ward were the dupes of a political scoundrel. Years after, when fortune knocked at their door, the shadows of the past reared up its hydra head, and only after a lot of''self-ab-negation aTe the plans of the villain Med. A' pretty love romance figures prominently in the theme, and the production, is on a m6st magnificent scale.

PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. After a phenoitenally suocessful ran the great filmic adaptation of "Trilby" is to be shown for the last time at all sessions at the People's Picture Palace to-day. The supporting subjects to the feature picture include an A.B. drama ■entitled "Chief's Love Affair," "Pals" (a very pretty story), "A Vegetarian's Dream," "Umbrian Scenes," and "Under the Flag of France." . THE EMPRESS THEATRE. The Latium Company's "feature" drama "Fangs of Hate," and current supporting programme of the EmpreßS Theatre continuous pictures will be 6eon for the last time te-day and to-night. Other attractions arc: "The Topical Budget," "The Silkworm," "The Poblet Monastery," "Uncle Tom's Cabin Troupe" (an A.B. farce-comedy), and "Old Doc' Yak" (a quick sketch film). A new programme will be submitted on Monday.