ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3150, 31 July 1917, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. ,< Tho auditoriuin of His .Majesty's Theatre wore its customary congested appearance Inst, eveningj, when a new programme, which nreduced several new artists. gavo full satisfaction. One of the most original acU over seen in Wellington, and distinctly interesting to students of raligraphy, was that presented by Launuit. His solo adjuncts were blackboards and chalk, yet for ten minutes he showed duality of mind as well as marvellous ambidexterity as a, writer. He writes just as easily and plainly backwards as anyone docs in the ordinary way; not, only Unit, but with a of cholli in either hand he writes two distinct, sentences at the same time, and adds to the wonder of it all by writing backwards whilst his back is turned to the blackboard, and then upside down. Hi-5 crowning feat was one. that involved writing.backwards what ho read from yesterday's paper, whilst reciting a poem of "Banjo" l'aterson's. One has heard of "two minds with but n, single thought," but to do the three things mentioned required one mind with three- thoughts simultaneously. Jl'Lean and Drury presented a novel and extremely clever dancing turn. Together the little couplo demonstrate some of tho latest ballroom steps a la Americaine, which Mr. M'Lenn varies by whirlwind acrobatic dancing, in which he introduced some of those teetotum Russian swirls that makes ono dizzy to watch, leavo alone execute. Miss Drury, who is an attractive little lady, lifts up a sympathetic mezzo voice in song. Koso and Dell intorsperso daring trick work on the safety cycle, with humorous gagging, which has tho charm of spontaneity. The Ibsons make dulcet harmony on saxophones and other instruments of more vibrant tone quality, and Baron appeared once more with his comic dummy. Jlr. William Liddlc, who made hi« initial appearance, has a baritone organ of good even Quality which, he knows how to use. He Bang

"Shipmatee o' Mine" in good style, hut his encore songs—tuneful trifles of eiotlc Eastern songs—wcro too bizarre for the taste of the majority of tho audience. The Royle Trio offer an excellent sinuiiiK and dancing turn. As simultaneous steppers they were prtzc-winners with the audience. Taylor and ll'Cjuain were vory amusing in their sketch, "Proposing." Both of these reformers sing and act well. Tllton and West also offered comedy of a. fort which found appreciation with the audience. THE NEW DANDIES. Tho New Dandies last evening drew another good house. Their programme is one offering every attraction to the lover of performances that are at once refined and clever. Both in eolo and concerted work tho oompany i« strong, and they have no trouble in exactly meeting the tastes of their audiences. Included in their bill aro some of the old favourites that never pall, but there is at tho same time a great deal that is new and fresh. Perhaps the most popular numbers are tho operatic eicerpt3, which, as rendered by the New Dandies, are excellently received. ■, KING'S THEATRE. "The Pinch-Hitter" is the extraordinary title taken from baseball language ami applied to the excellent Him starring this week at the King's Theatre. Now that America, 13 our ally, and we a'e placing a considerable amount of dependence- upon her, her national game possesses a greater interest for us than it did before. A game of baseball creates more excitement in an American town that itusrby does in Now Zealand, Tho Triangle studios have turned out a splendid production in this play, and although there is much light comedy in it, tears arc brought very jjeur the surface in many of the scenes. The spectacle of the huge crowd that attends the bis games is -.'.mtuinf;, and the clusters of excited college students, never absent from such an attraction, are most realistically portrayed. Charles Kay, as the awkward country lad who has failed to impress his father in any measuro with his ability, does a very line piece of acting. He is suddenly transformed by regaining his skill as a player, and proceeds to perform some surprisingly rapid love-making. The leading lady of the pieuo is Miss Sylvia Brcmcr, a pretty Australian girl who has come right to the front ranks of the movies. She keeps the students' sweet shop in "The Pinch-Hitter" and is the beautv who conquers tho heart of the big college lad. She is very fascinating, and her acting in the final scenes is particularly flue. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A battle in the clouds between a German and French airman is one or the startling new scenes of "War as it Really Is" at Everybody's Theatre. To get this fight. Captain Thompson took the place of the machine gunner in a French aeroplane, and went up several thousand feet. This left tho machine defenceless, and a German aeroplane is seen approaching with its Iron Cross design. Another French aeroplane darts in and attacks, and Captain Thompson ascends to 10.CO0 feet and photographs the fight from above. Tt is a wonderful piece of daring and a splendid PMce of photography. Douslas Fairbanks and Bessie Love ore amusing in "The 3fystory of the Leaping Fish," a burlesnuc detective drama.

THE EMPRESS THEATRE. In "Moral Courage," the scene is laid in America, but most of the atmosphere is as Hcotch as the bonny heroine and her father. Muriel Ostriche is a beautiful <iml capable star, ami Artliur Ashley, though at first apparently in his usual role of villain, ends up by malting a real hero husband. The third story- of The Iron Claw, "The Cognac Cask." abounds with, thrilling moments.

"TUB BIRTH OP A NATION." A strong orchestra, special theatre decoration, choral singing, and ;i range of ingenious altogether now effects, will mark the special presentation of "The Birth of o. Nation," which is to bo made at the King's Theatre ou Saturday next. Mr. Griffith's brother (Mr. A. L. Grey) has been in Wellington for some time, and promises a revelation to Wellington audiences. The English run of the niece was a triumph, and this was at a time when America had plenty of detractors. The London success was due in the main to the ■unique manner in which the film was put on. The box plan will open at the Bristol on Thursday. SOLDIERS' CONCERT. A concert of unusual interest will be given, in the Town Mall this evening by the visiting French soldiers, who will render several French trench songs. They will bo assisted by the several wcll-ltnown local performers. During the evening a, tricolour autographed by soldiers from Verdun ami Doiiaumont will be sold by auction. The concert, which is under the patronage of Ilia Excellency the GovcrnorOencral, is in aid of the Bert. Cross and the Returned Soldiers' Club funds. "VERY GOOD EDDIE." The coming of Messrs. J. and N. Tait's New Musical Comedy Co. of over 60 artists is arousing considerable interest among playgoers, and the season of eight nights wlucli commences at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday, August 8. will introduce many new artists in addition to renewing acquaintance of two wellestablished favourites hi Barry Liipino who is principal comedian with the company, and Andrew Qigginson, whose appearance as D.inilo in "The Merry Widow" still remains a pleasant memory. Miss Fayettc Perry is said to occupy a very high position on the American stage, while Miss Lilian Tucker, in addition to her ability as a musical comedy artist, is claimed to bo ono of the most handsome women on the United Slates stage. Mr. John Beck has earned unstinted praise from the Australian Press. The opening piece will be "Very Good Eddie," described as the smartest of musical comedies, full of good clean comedy, tuneful numbers, original ballets, gorgeous scenery, and dresses that are said to bo magnificent. "Verv Good Eddie" will bo staged for the first six nights of the season, and will bo followed by "The White Chrysanthemum l - « muswal talc of Japan. The box plan for the iirst six nights of the season opens at the Bristol on Thursday.

"The Follies of Pleasure." which ha™ been seen in revues for some months past in Australia, arc at present in Wellington They are to commence a tour of the Puller circuit at Duuedin to-morrow evening.