ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2758, 29 April 1916, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE STROLLERS.

The Royal Strollers continue to drawcapital audiences to the Grand Opera House, lvlioro a now programme lias (riven further endorsement to the unusual cleverness and versatility of this company. The art- of Mr. Sydney .Tames as a ventriloquist is Riven a new test in this programme, when "Billy" commences in a shocking state of inebriation, and.winds up quite a decent member of the company. The "Excelsior" number was m ludicrous as it ''was clever. Miss Rossiter scores a great success in her

"Pierrette" song, and gives fresh evidence of her abounding grace and elan as a dancer. Serviceable assistance is rendered by Miss Owen Lewis, Miss Connie Milne, and Messrs. Graystone and Desmond, a.'l of whom figure in the igiil burlesque, ''A Spanish Bull Fight,''*m which a iKO't formidable bull is reduced to J bottle of bovril by the prowess of Sydney Jnmev as a toreador. Another change is due on Monday evening. HIS MAJEoIT? THEATRE. Neckelsonn, the Parisian prestidigitator, who is now appearing at Hi? Majesty's Theatre, is one cf liie mcft.finished sloight-of-ha'.id artiits seen, in- Wellington for a *ong lime. Without speaking a word (his English Is iij't v.-ry coed) M. Neckelsonn •nys'ii'ies and amuses .at one_ and the same time. The manner in which he palms money is amazing. After transmitting coins from the air, he vfcntiuves among the audience, and plucks half crowns from people's hair, ears, whiskers, etc., with laughable nonchalance, and where they all come from—who can tell? Perona, Carlton Max, Milner, and Storey, Ted Stagpole, Mable and Malfe and Sydney Jones also appear on the bill. THE KING'S THEATRE. The Army and Navy pictures, "Britain Prepared," which have been such a huge success fcr the past two weeks at the King's Theatre, will be screened this afterno.i.a at 2.30 and for the last time in Wellington at eight o'clock to-night. Seats may .be reserved without extra charge at the Bristol till noon, then at the King's Theatre till 7 p m. "NIOBE." Commencing on Monday, night, the usual programing of drama and comedy will be presented at tlie King's all next week. The chief item is the film-adaptation of Paulton's renowned play, "Niobe," as produced by the Famous Players Co., with Miss Hazel Dawn, the "prettiest girl in Pilmdom," in the.name part. The play was one. of the most prominent successes of tho stage a few years ago, achieving a remarkable measure of fame wherever played. The adaptation to the film is said rather to enhance the delightful story of tho dream of Peter Amos Dunn, in which the beautiful statue entrusted to his care comes to life, and leads the staid business man into many embarrassing situations. One of the most 'humorous situations in the niemory of old playgoers is that where Petramos measures tho half-clad Niobe for more modest and modern garments. The story is a humorous blending of ancient and modern, and the acting ot Miss Dawn is stated to bo charming to a degree. A fine drama, "Good in the Worst of Us," a splendid farce-comedy, "Deserted at the Auto," and the latest Pathe Gazette'complete the programme. The box plan is at the Bristol. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The interesting picture, "Jelfs," adapted to the screen from H. A. Vac-hell's novel of that name, will befshown this afternoon and evening at Everybody's Theatre for the last time. \ "THE SUBMARINE PIRATE." On Monday, at noon, a new era in pictures will be. inaugurated, when the first of Che Triangle features will be' screened. Inaugle pictures are at present the rage of America, due, no doubt, to the association of D. W T . Griffiths, Thomas luce, and Mack Seunett as producers for the .company. Every detail that makes for success is said to be introduced into tne piotures, and tho plays rank in a class by themselves. .The opening Triangle picture, which will be seen at Everybody's is a Keystone Triangle comedy, "The Submarine Pirate," which features Syd Chaplin. In this iour-reel star comedy all the gamut of comedy thrills is run, and Syd Chaplin uses all the acrobatic comedy arte of whiob he is master in making the picture one of the best comedies yet seen. Nothing so startling and unique in novelties has been used as a submarine for photo play. • The U.S.A. Navy Department placed a new submarine at the disposal of Mack Sennett for the purpose of the play, and the und,er-\wter scenes are most humorous. The star comedy will be support?.ir 7 - l' The Butler " (Edison drama), Waterfalls of 'Africa," and "Gaumont Graphic. THE EMPRESS. To-night is the last appearance of •Albert Chevalier, in the great emotional play, "My Old Dutch," at tho Empress lheatre: there is a particular charm in the acting of Albert Chevalier, and he sends ripples of laughter at his characterisation of coster life. This laughter i 3 occasionally stopped by sentimental touches which bring a sob to the throat. "My Old Dutch" is one of tho big picture successes of tho year. "HELEN'S BABIES." "Helen's Babies," which will be produced at the Empress' Theatre on Monday morning; is said to be a picture that will outbid the book in popularity. The novel has added to the gaiety of nationn for many years, but like all big successes there is a splendid heart, interest story tucked away, which comes to light just at the right moment. Everyone knows the story of the two vexatious children who played so many pranks upon their bachelor uncle who thoughtlessly offered to take charge of them while his sister and her husband went for a trip. • Stalkey and co. were torments enough to satisfy any ordinary person, but these two children raise the limit to tho sky-line. But as they eventually manage to bring about the marriage of their uncle with the girl ho loves, they are forgiven, and feted in a royal manner. There will also be shown a three-reel drama of thrilling adventures, "The Third Commandment." The outstanding features of this .ire the unity of the plot, the tensity of the story, and the great rushing climax. Tho balance of the programme is also strong.. _. CLEMENT L. WHAGGE. Lectures, or scientific entertainments are not generally supposed to appeal to the million, but it is stated that large and enthusiastic audiences have supported Mr. Clement L. Wragge, F.R.C.. Soc, tho well-known astronomer and meteorologist, who has been touring in various parts of the world during the past fifteen years. Mr. Wragge 'will again visit this city, commencing on Monday next at the Town Hall,- when a series of entirely new subjects will be introduced. Althonsh dealing with scientific subjects, Mr. Wi'aggo has proved himself to be an entertainer of no mean order. He is instructive, but bis original humour constitutes the greatest charm .of his entertainments. His entertainments are doubly interesting owing to the addition of a large number.of magnificent slides displayed by tho aid of a very powerful lantern. The views depict the solar system of the earth, Jupiter. Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and the two asteroids. In addition to the astronomical subjects, Mr. Wriiggo has obtained specimens of radium, with which ho will give 'demonstrations during the season. Tho reserved seat plan is now open at: the Bristol. <