AMUSEMENTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 364, 27 May 1911, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

ALEXANDRA RINK

The above rink continues to attract large numbers of indulgents in this invigorating amusement, and Thursday evening was no exception to the ruio. There was quite a laree audience too. The final of the novice handicap race was run, and resulted in an easy win for Longhurst. The hockey match on skates was even more exciting than the ordinary, and it was amusing to watch the antics of one or two, who were not quite sure of their foothold, and who, after a desperate strike at the ball, would finish up in a sprawling nosrure on the door. With a little more practice, the hockey matches should become a feature of the rink, as no doubt they will. On Friday there was a large attendance, and, despite the inclement weather in the evening, between thirty and forty skaters were present.

| Some, good skating will be included i in Monday night's programme, the j event of the evening being a half-mile open handicap. EMPIRE PICTURE COMPANY. The programme to be presented on Monday evening next by the. above company has been meeting with a great reception during the week at Hamilton, and Cambridge. In both places big audiences have been recorded, and the papers are unanimous in the opinion that it is one of the Empire Company's very best efforts. "Jean the Matchmaker" is said to be one of the most laughable comedies produced, whilst "The Lad from Old Ireland" is brimful of typical humorous Irish situations and of typical Irish life. The scenica, especially a series of views taken from a moving baloon, are exceptionally good; Pathe's Gazete, as usual, is full of interest—in fact, the programme, from start to finish does not contain a dull item. The Companywas unable to start its projected Thursday night's entertainment this week, owing to part of the machinery needed for the second electrical plant not coming to hand by the last English mail, as expected. However, the delay is only of a temporary nature. Monday night's exhibition will be held without fail, as usual, and patrons can rely on a first-class exhibition. THE WANDERERS COMEDY COMPANY. Tuesday evening will witness the one and only performance to be given by Mr Geo. Stephenson's new English attraction, "The Wanderers Musical Comedy Costume Company. So much interest has been aroused over the advent of this talented combination and their press credentials are so excellent that a crowded house is assured. Patrons would be well advised to secure their saats at once at Mr McColl's tobacconist shop, where the plan is now on view. Since the company's first appearance in Wellington in April, their tour has been a triumph of successes, so much so that in nearly every town visited the public have eagerly asked for a return. To give our readers some idea of the treat in store for them, we clip the following from a southern exchange, which says:—"A large and enthusiastic audience greeted 'The Wanderers' when they made their appearance in the Municipal Theatre, last evening. The company scored a decided success, for every item on the programme was encored. Double and treble, encores were frequent, and Mr Leslie Holmes' contributions were received with such marked expresisons of approval that those present were not content until he had given four items instead of one. The. 'star' of the combination is Miss Phyllis Hcpwood-Foldi, a prepossessing society entertainer, whose monologue 'Devi! May Care' was given with such intensity of feeling that the audience listened with breathless attention. Mr Holmes proved himself a 'fellow of infinite jest,' and his quips and facial contortions not only set, but kept the house in continuous merriment. The baritone, Mr Keenr.n, has a good voice, which he uses with discrimination, while. Mr Harvey, the tenor, soon established himself in the good graces of the audience. Mr Winstanley gave a remarkable demonstration of double voice singing, iirst as a male soprano, and then by singing alternate lines as a soprano and as a baritone. Miss Ruby Guest not only sang well but also' played the mandolin exquisitely, while" Miss Madeline Feme scored with her vocal contributions. The specialties of Alias Everil Heggie were features of the performance and were heartily appreciated. The entertainment concluded with the comedietta 'A Regular Mix Up,' in which the characters were amusingly sustained by Miss Heggie and Mr Holmes. Taken all lound the entertainment reached a high mark of excellence, for it was bright, varied and humourous. We but echo the opinion of all who saw it, when we. say that 'The Wanderers' are assured of a hearty welcome when they pay us a return visit."