ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 108, 23 September 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. The programme of films submitted ai the Empire Theatre on Saturday ni 2 )it was well in keeping with the reputation ol the management for putting on'an amusing and instructive entertainment mutable to the tastes of all. A Lignite Mine in ISrux was a iilm of high educational value, and gave a splendid insight C into the manner of ruining, handling and '" transporting of this powerful explosive. The blasting of a solid pillar of lin-nita-by a charge of dynamite (on the princfc ' pal of setting a thief to catch a thief)' i was most impressive, and gave some idea of the dangers of the underground life' "Home Folks" was a drama of order and much simple pathos. The homecoming of the prodigal son and his reconciliation with his stern but affectionate father stirred the heart' of many a wanderer from home. The pathetic na-' ture of the story was relieved by the touch of humour lent by a simple-minded and affectionate husband, who mistakenly resented the affectionate greeting of his wife and her brother (the wandering son). ''The Assigned Servant" was the star film of the evening.' It depicted"' the trials and pathetic struggles of a young man, transported to Australia as the penalty for a youthful folly. He is set to work on ticket of Icav.e for & settler, and falls in love with the daughtor of the house, who reciprocates his affection. His protection of her from the insults of an overseer earns tho latter'* hatred, and the overseer is instrumental in having him sent back to the prison gang. Aided by a faithful black, he escapes to marry his sweetheart, but is soon re-arrested. Ten .years later, having finally escaped, he'learns, in New , Zealand, the whereabouts of his only daughter, and the film ends with, a happy re-union at her wedding. "A Red Ink Tragedy" was the name of a screamingly funny comedy of errors in which red ink,_a drunkard", and an over-zealous detective, who imagines he has discovered* a murder, are the prominent figures. the Watchman," and "Tomboy, Bessie" are both highly entertaining comedies. Pathe's Animated Gazette g.ive an interesting summary of the leading events of the day, including-the funeral of the gallant defender of Ladysmith. Another fine film of Danish scenery was also well worth seeing.

SIXBAD.THE SAILOR. The box plan for Sinbad the Sailor will be opened at Collier's this morning, The reign of Pantomime in New BJyniouth will commence on Thursday and Friday next, when J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will for two nights present .their 1912 Pantomime Extravaganza "Sinbad th» Sailor." Says the critic of the Auckland Herald:—"Sinbad the Sailor as done by the clev.er .company that J. C. Williamson, Ltd., have sent to the Dominion this year, is a glittering glory from end to end. The standard of Panto* mimo was set.some years ago by 'Mother Goose', from which all subsequent Pantomimes have been judged. It -ia fair to say that 'Sinbad the Sailor' ia at all points equal and in many superior to the "'Mother Goose' production. .The mounting and the scenery are upon ■a most elaborate scale. The ballets 'have been provided with a most lavish hand, while the lighting effects are planned upon an equally extenshe scale, so thai: from.a spectacular, point of view the performance is in all respects a notable one, and stands as possibly the best ween ia the Dominion since the reign of the Pantomime commenced." The book piece is, of course, founded upon the immortal Arabian Nights' story of the adventuies of the famous Persian sailor and is fairly fa-ithirdly followed—and the interest never flags. The company is exceptionally well-balanced, and 'is numerically the largest that has yet appeared here in Pantomime or any other kind of theatrical entertainment. It comprises 130 people and includes names (hat are famous in the United Kingdom and America. Messrs. Pip Powell, .Drew and Alders, Fred Winn, ("Italics Howard aro all comedians who have on several occasions figured prominently in Drury Lane Pantomimes, while Misses Florence Imeson, Nell Finnis, Marie Eaton and Nance Maker are well-known to New Zealand. Completing a remarkably strong caste will be found Misses Maud Amber, Mary Sheldon, and! Mr. William Hassan. There will be a. matinee of the Pantomime "oh Friday afternootf. A special feature is -the famous Flying Ballet, in which a number of fairies fly out from the stage and scatter flowers in the body of the theatre. The Mysterious Hotel by The Steedes is another prominent feature.

THE LAUGHTER-MAKERS. Prior to tlieir departure for Sydney on Friday next the Wykeham-Nable Company will return to New Plymouth on Wednesday night and play a vaudeville programme at, popular prices. The company is singularly strong in this respect, and the experiment of sandwiching vaudeville with comedy has been immensely successful in other centres. T» begin with, there is Miss Pressy Preston, who is a balladist who has an Australasian reputation as a vocalist, quite apart from her ability ag an actress. Then, among light and versatile comediennes, it would be hard to find a more popular or more clever artiste than Miaa Maud Chetwynd, whose speciality is delightful burlesque when she does not bet the limit on her dancing. Her long association with Hugh Ward in character parts is a quite sufficient testimony to her versatility. Following these two stars are other isolated constellations fa. Messrs. Wykeham and Nable themselves.. Mr. Wykeham is a comedian of parts, and he has earned a wide reputation as a monologuist and imitator in comedievein. Mr. Nable we know as a brilliant

eccentric dancer and a most entertaining "fool," whose frivolity is delightfully nonchalant and quite superlatively natural in its abandon. Miss Cazella is the possessor of a singularly sweet soprano voice, which she uses to advantage in lyric work, and her pretty quality of demureness is immensely attractive. 'Mr. Lashbrookc. who has had a long experience of comic opera, is hilled for a number of light and airy selections, and Mr. Throsby is a mimic and humorous sketch artist who would shine in any company. Miss Moffat t is a clever balladist, and Mr. Max Montcsole will be seen with other members of the company' in a mirth-provoking farce from his own pen. The other members of the company all "star" in diverting specialities, and the entertainment promises to be a unique and sparkling excursion into the realms of variety. Popular prices, 2s and Is, will be charged, and the box plan is open at Hoffmann's.