ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2806, 26 June 1916, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

"MOTHER GOOSE." The "Mother Goose" pantomime drew two crowded houses on Saturday. Many could not gain admission to the inatineo, iind in tlio evening there was again a heavy overflow. The production is undoubtedly one of tho best which lias e.vci been brought through New Zealand. Tho scenery is very fine, tho dressing beautiful, and the music pretty ani catchy. The comedians and acrobats aro particularly clever. Owing to tho great popularity of tho pantomime, and to the fact that many people were .tumble to obtain seats tit the matinee and evening performances on Saturday, uie" management has decided to rearrange its bookings, so as to enable Fno company to give a final matinee and.evening performance on. Saturday next.

HIS MAJESTY'S .THEATRE. One of tho most important items in tho new programme to bo submitted by the Fuller Vaudeville Proprietary at His Majesty's Theatre to-night will be tho production of a new rovue by the favourite Victor Prince and his clever band of comedians. This new vehicle of fun is entitled "Bella Napoli," which has been written and staged by. Mr. Cfias. Zoli. The new piece is said to be uproariously amusing. Mr. Victo" Prince, Miss, Lillian Golenso, and Mr. Chas. Zoli aro all provided with suitab'e parts: New scenery has teen specially painted for the production, and tho lighting effects and ballets are said to be very striking. In tho vaudevillo section, Miss Jessie Howard, an Australian comedienne, . will submit, a melange of song and dance, in w-hich she will, be assisted by Little Stella. Miss Estello Wordette, the popular farce comedienne, will- provide a new playlet, entitled "When tho Cat's Away." The supporting company, consisting of Athol Tiers, Peggy Boss, Dorothy Gardnor and Co., and Miss Rosina .Palmerston, will appear in a change of numbers. The programme will run for sis nights and a matinee.

king:s theatre. David Belasco's ifamous story of the Californian mining days has passed from novel to drania,, drama-to opera, and is now a triumph of the screen world under the ■ Lasky-Paramount banner. Tho Auckland "Star" says of .the production:—"The qualities that.mado it such a striking success on the stage, both as a drama and as an opera, lend themselves very readily to successful production on the'sereen. With a setting,cast in the 'Wild West,' jt was.to. be expected that the picture would make the most of the' opportunities for impressive displays and remarkably good horsemansliip, but neither of these things is overdone. The hero, a splendid character, very ably portrayed by House Peters, is a 'road agent' and a. figure of the American virile type, whose, appeal to picture-lovers is usually irresistible. . 'The Girl' is a charming young woman, who is employed in a frontier saloon of the most lawless sort, but who preserves her charming realities in spite of the riotous living of thoso about her.' Eventually her simple faith and love convert the outlaw, from Mb badness and tho story ends with a satisfying pairing-off." The bill also includes one of the ludicrously funny "Mutt ■ and Jeff" cartoon pictures, - showing their adventure with a German submarine. A lively comedy, called "A Keyboard-Strategy," and one of, the latest "Gazettes" are also shown.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Commencing at noon to-day a new programme will be .submitted at Everybody's Theatre, the chief attraction being a four-act dramatic picturt-, ."The Straight Koad," prouueed by the. Famous Players Co. from the powerful drama written by- the distinguished author- Clyde Fitch. The story shows how Moll O'Hara, in spite of birth iftnd surroundings, managed to go "straight,'' and to ultimately throw oft the degradation of her old life, and find unexpected happiness. Miss Gladys Hanson, th„-well-known actress, is said to give a striking performance of. the'extraordinary- character of Moll. - Other good pictures, including tho latest official war films, will be shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. Tho Triangle Company's big laugh feature, "Following Father's Footsteps," a comic play, in which there aro over a hundred character comedians engagea, will bo shown at the Empress Theatre this morning. Ford Sterling is tho featured comedian' who portrays a doting father, and is anxious that his son will marry a girl with home-clinging instincts. Of course, his son's choice does not suit the exacting parent, and ho starts out to put an end to the folly. The young lady is warned, and she makes herself: so fascinating that pa becomes enamoured of her, and she takes' him out to see what "Tango life" and a few othpr sorts of "life"' really is. The father is quite unconscious that a joke is being played upon him, and enters into tho spirit of tJie thing and becomes more sporty than the sportiest. Then his wile is brought on the scene, and this leads up to a grand comedy climax. Two star dramatic'. plays will also be screoued, "Tlio Shadow of Fear" (Vitagraph), and "Tho Oriental Plot" (Edisou), also the Patho Gazette. "THE DANDIES." The "Pink Dandies" submitted another change of programme at tho Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday evening, there being a crowded attendance. The humorous trio put tho audience in a very good humour with their bright rendering of "Tick, Tock, Tack," and Miss Ida Newton, following immediately with "I Can't Help Making Eyes," received an excellent hearing. Mr. Lawfeuco used his fine, full voice to advantage in tho singing of "On the Road to Mandalay." Mr. John Campbell, with his humorous song "Saturday to Monday," tho good effect of which was increased by the comedians quaint antics, caused.much laughter an.t applause. "Eyes of Blue," by Messrs. Agnow, Hardman, Lawrence, and Waltlmin, provoked shrieks of laughter, Mr. Waltham making tho life of tho song with the way ho brought in his basso voico. Mr. .Joseph Bronnan, chiel comedian, was persistently encored during the evening. Miss Rita Fitzgerald gave a quaint ditty, entitled "Arguments," which was very well received and she was also admirablo in the ragtime duct "Would You Miss Me?" where she was very ably assisted by Mr. .John'. Campbell..' Mr. Robert Agnew, tenor,- made it distinct hit with "All Mine Alone."

SCOTTISH SOCIETY CONCERT. The Wellington Scottish Society held another of their periodical concerts at their rooms in Cuba Street on .Saturday evening. Items wero rendered by: Madame Anderson, Mr. A. Mackio Mr. T. Newton, Mr. J. Charles, and Mr. J. Craig, and Miss Grant. The society's pipe band gavo several selections.

OUR NAVAL HEROES. Tho programme to bo given by Madame Mueller nt her concert at tho Sailors' Friend Society Institute to-morrow evening promises to bo a very interesting one. Madamo Mueller will lie assisted by Madamo Anderson, Misses Nollio Castle. Bettv Purdom, E. G. Bcllworthy. and Violet Mueller, and Messrs. Culford Bell, Liddle, and H. F. Wood. The procecils of the entertainment will bo civ trusted to Miss Weston, of Portsmouth, tho "Mother" of tho-Navy, to augment any pensions that may be granted to tho widows of tho heroes of the North Sea battle. The Pfimo Minister (the Right Hon. W. V. Massey) will address the meeting.