ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 187, 6 February 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE. A good audience viewed the second screening of the current programme last night at the new Theatre, the magnificent film, "The Battle," again receiving an enthusiastic ovation. This wonderful picture will be shown to-night for the last time, and picture patrons who have not yet seen this production will miss a genuine treat if not in attendance at the final screening. To-morrow night another complete change will be made, when some of the latest star films will be included on the programme.

"THE SPECKLED BAND." Sir Conan Doyle's new play, "The Speckled Band," which is to be produced in the Theatre Royal by J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company for . one night only on Friday next, February 9, should be especially welcome to followers of the drama, for in its construction vre are promised all those elements that are essential to this class of production. Then again, the author, who is in the forefront of English writers, has not made this a one man star part play. His characters are numerous and powerful, and special opportunities are given the artists of exploiting their different talents, and it is said that the whole company rise to the occasion and vie for supremacy, giving a performance distinguished by the sound which we are led to expect. Included in a note-worthy group of exceptionally well portrayed characters may be mentioned the Dr. Rylott of Mr. Gaston Mervale. It is said there are moments when he rises to great heights, and his remarkable performance is well sustained throughout. Miss Dorothy Dix, as Enid Stonor, displays exceptional talent as an actress, and this, combined with a charming voice and ingratiating personality, makes her performances particularly interesting. Mr. William Desmond is so admirably suited to the part of Sherlock Holmes and his acting is so perfectly natural that he s'eems to live the part. Messrs. Atholwood, Oimbourne, and Bryant, and Miss Susie Vaughan are ot'her_ notable performers who give wellsustained and dramatic presentments, and the whole is said to be an extremely intelligent and painstaking production, superbly acted, and adequately staged. The box plan was opened at Collier's this morning, when there was a large demand for seats.