ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2886, 26 September 1916, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

"AS YOU LIKE IT.". Shakespeare's ever-charming pastoral comedy, - 'As You Like It," was performed Wore another large audience at the Opera House last evening by.the Allan Wilkie Company, whioh, also gave a matinee performance of the same play in the afternoon. "As You Like It" will bo played for the last timo this evening. To-morrow the company will appear in Shakespeare's great tragedy, "Othello," in which Mr. Wilkie will appear as the noble Moor of Venice, and Miss HunterWatts ' as Desdemona. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Lovers of good singing should not miss this week's programme at His Majesty's Theatre- aa it is probably the finest vocally that has been heard since the theatro was opened. Miss Margaret Jewell possesses a very finished lyric soprano voice of superb quality, which has been most admirably trained. Miss Jewell waß fortunate enough to interest Madame Melba, who gave her two lessons a week fop nearly eighteen months. Tho result of that training was delightfully apparent in the beautiful aria, "Ah, I'ors o Lui". (from "La Traviata"), with which the fair singer, fairly captivated the audience present'last evening. In re- N spouse'to a storm of applause Miss Jewell sang the charming ballad, "The Sunshine of lour Smile,"' and alter that "Coming Homo," which roused the audience to choers. Miss Jewell's voieo is admirably placed, her wonderful pianissimo is crystal clear and always true to pitch, and her ouunciation perfect. Another good singer is Miss Dora Oberman, who has a strong mezzo soprano, which was capitally displayed in "II Bacio" (L'Arditi) and other- charming songs. Among tho welcome reappearances was Mr. licrald Grlflin, the sweet-toned tenor, who sang his way into the hearts of tho audience in a budget of Irish songs, which included "The ltiver Shannon," "A Little Bit of Heaven," and "Come Back to Erin." Mr. Griffin's stylo has improved considerably since ho was last here, and the yarns he told in between his sones had the' virtue of not being hackneyed. One of the big comedy hits of tho evening was the farcical sketch, "A Business Marriage," played with plenty of dash and real humour by Lester, lirown and Co.' (tho "c»." being those clever performers, Mr. Geo. Parkes and his wife, who are favourably known on tho Puller circuit. Miss Lallie ■ Brooko introduced some changes into her original "Feminine Tads and Fancies" sartorial sketch, including the "Gibson," "Harem," and "fiovue" girls. Starr and Starr stand for a big husky black-faced comedian, and his dusky wife, who sing and joke comically, if not always in.the best of good taste. The Cerise Sisters are attractive acrobatic song aDd dance artists; "Orphea 1 " returns with her circular trombone and cornet, and Miss Grace Compton sings ballads. THE KING'S THEATRE.'. A largo audience heartily appreciated the fare provided at tho King's Theatre lost ovening. The principal picture is a five-reel dramatic story, "At Bay," which exposes tho methods of an unscrupulous but clever gang of blackinailors. With a gambling hell to which wealthy society men and women are lured as a startingpoint there is no limit to their nefarious practices. A strong district attorney breaks up the gang, but his daughter is compromised with ono of tho leaders, and only after a most exciting time is she cleared. Tho photography, stago settings, and production generally are on a magnificent scale,, and the acting is an outstanding feature. "Tho Freno'h Advance on the Sommc," taken as reoently as last, July, is wonderfully interesting, tho camera man having got right up to the front trenches. The "Pathe Gazette," a Mutt and Jeff comedy, and scones with tho Mediterranean Squadron are also shown. Tho programme will bo repeated to-night. - EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Tho White Hope," a dramatisation of the well-known novel by W. H. Trouliridge, is tho star feature at Everybody's Theatro this week. - The story is an exceptionally interesting one, and deals with the love affairs of Jack Delaine, destined to becomo tho middle- - woight champion of tho w.orld. Tho real interest of the story is in the great boxing contest, in which Dolaino wins the title from tho coloured ohampion. capably played by George Gnnthor. Tho light sceno is astonishingly vivid and realistic. Tho great "French Advance on the Sommc," July 1916, showing tho smart work of tho French artillery and infantry, also the surrender of Gormans, is an excellent picture. The "Gaumont Graphic," "Jerry's Big Lark," and other items support this well-choson programme. "THE CIRCUS OF DEATH." - The Empress Theatre was taxed beyond its capacity at every session yesterday, when the remarkable picture, "The Circus of Death," was produced in all its magnificence. The picture is full'of whirlwind: surprises, and sensation follows sensation so quickly that the.audience is kept at high tension throughout. Madame Evelyn is not only a consummate actress, she is a marvellous acrobat, and her acts during the action of the story are amazing in the extreme. •The management state that the forward booking of "The Circus of Death" makes it impossible for it to bo shown in Wellington after Friday night. The-first performance of the picture takes place each day at 11 a.m., and every hour and a half, till 10.30 p.m. : NEW (MACMAHON'S) THEATRE. Mary Pickford, the most charming of all film actresses, is at MacMahon's Theatre this week, appearing in "Madam Butterfly.'" Hers is a perfect characterisation of the unhappy little Clio Clio San, who lost her heart to the faithless American sailor-lover. It is a very sad story. Poor little Clio Clio San fell madly in love with the handsome Lieut. Pinkorton, and, according to the customs of Japan, they were deemed duly wedded. Pinkerton sailed away in his ship, and his little Japanese wife waited long for his return, but happy with her babe. Pinkerton did return, but not to Clio Clio San. Instead, there came another Airs. Pinkerton, a haughty American lady, to whom Clio Cho San gives up her baby son for the sako of the boy's future. Thereafter, there is no speck of blue in the sky for Clio Clio San, and after a period of utter wretchedness she drowns herself. Tho presentation of the story by the kinoma and the Famous Players is artistic, and in every way satisfactory. There are other pictures of less consequence on the bill, some of them comic and some otherwise. ; , MR, WILFORD'S LECTURE. , Evidence that interest in the war is intense was afforded last evening bv tho crowded. audience which filled the 'fowii Hall when Air. T. M. Wilford, M.P., delivered his lecture entitled "An Up-to-date Review of the War." Mr. Wilford's explanation and commentary iipori the various phases of tho campaign, past and present, and on the operations now going on in all theatres woro listened to 'with keen attention. His review was, in fact, a very interesting one, for Mr. Wilford has made a study of this war, and has made himself acquainted with many matters pertaining to it of which tho ordinary ,rcader of cablegrams has not accurate or complete knowledge. His references to tho Balkan theatre were especially interesting. The lecture was delivered under tho auspices of the Patriotic Society, of which Mr. Wilford is president. THE NORWOODS. Commencing on Saturday night next for a short season at the "Grand Opera House, the Norwouds will make their reappearance in Wellington in their famous hypnotic entertainment, comprising hypnotism and telepathy. Tho Sydney ."Morning Herald" says:—"Mr. M. 11. Norwood, who is giving nightly demonstrations of hypnotism at tho 'National, has placed a heavy debt on the shoulders of tho Sydney'public for the merriment which his tests inevitably incur.'' The performance has mystified the public of America, Australasia, and the Far East. Since their first visit to New Zealand in 1912 the Norwoods have travelled Australia and the Orient with great success. Many will remember this extremely funny entortainment of three years ago, and Wellington theatre-goers, will doubtless hail the coming season with delight.

BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Tho Divinity of Motherhood" at the Britannia Theatre has proved a great attraction for the past week, and is still being shown this week to crowded audiences. Tho subject is a delicato one, but the producers have handled it with great judgment, and have made tho picture ono that cannot be objected to. It could scarcely have been presented to the public in a more artistic manner. The picture is studded with charming effects, and 'it will continue during the remainder of this week. "DR. BILL." Tho farcical comedy, "Dr. Bill," wad' repeated by the Natives' Associatiou Dramatic Club at the Concert Chamber last ovening before an audience which found plenty of matter for amusement in thu comical complications with which tho play abounds. The comedy will be played for the last time this evening.