AMUSEMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 254, 26 April 1912, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE. Last night's heavy fall of rain did not dieter a large number of theatre-goers fr«w !-cl;v.: i attendance at the Empire Theatre to witness the spectacular Him "The Adventures of Ulysses." This m a g nilicent production, although it has been shown throe times in succession, continues to have an undiminished reign oi popularity. The adventures which are woven into Homer's classical legend present, in picture form, fascinating and wonderful scenes, seemingly almost beyond the scope of the versatile cinematograph. From many points of view tha picture is entitled to rank as one of the foremost films yet produced. With the attainment of the great photographic effects in "The Adventures of Ulysses,? it is difficult to imagine to what length* the cinematograph may not yet go. Tha "star" film of the hour will be shown again this evening, along with a change of programme, which includes several good dramatic subjects. One of theme deals with the destruction of the historic vessel Texas, which bore the brunt oi the naval battle of Santiago. In "Champions of the Indian Arena" patrons will see novel animal prize-fights contested before the Maharajah of Boroda. HIGH SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT. . Perhaps no entertainment is so enjoyable as that presented by well-trained children, be it song, drill or drama. No wonder the Theatre Royal was packed last night. Much was expected of the entertainment to be given by the High School children at the Theatre Royal last night, and it can be safely said that expectations were fully realised. The boys had apparently been placed in capable hands, for all the lads were practically perfect in their speaking and acting parts. The "Trial Scene" from Pickwick was capitally portrayed. The parti of "Sergeant Buzfuz" and "Sam Weller" were taken by Messrs. H. H. Ward and G. H. Wills respectively. Master A. Leslie made a fine "Pickwick" in his picturesque costume, and Master X. Little, as his bosom friend, "Mr. Winkle," was "true to life." The parts of Mesdames Bardell, Clappins. and Landers, taken by Masters (!. Reiulall, I. Pott and 11. Lepper, wore admirably represented and were loudly applauded. The whole of the performers in this act wore the dress of the period (1827), complete in every detail. The gymnastia displays and horizontal bar and Roman rings performances were a feature of the evening. The boys, who were under the direction of Mr. W. Lints, showed systematic training, and some of the "turns" were really feats of strength. The troupe numbered ten boys, each of whom performed a different feat to the others, the whole making a splendid display, which was thoroughly appreciated by the audience. The part singing by the girls was very sweet, and was really not long enough. The audience wanted more. A plantation scene, which took up the greater portion of the second half, was an entertainment in itself. Plantation songs were intermingled with "patter," and every item was exceedingly well rendered, the principals in particular taking their parts in a manner reminiscent of the old time minstrel troupes. A cake-walk by a number of the "coons" was a popular item, and was executed with a good regard for tinv. Mr. E. Clarke gave some vocal items in his well-known style. The whole programme was gone through without a hitch, being very capably managed, and highly complimentary remarks were heard on all sides at the close of the performance. The. promoters are to be congratulated on the success of the concert, which must also have proved very satisfactory from a financial point of view.