ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 183, 20 December 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE GREAT JANSEN, The somewhat small audience at theTheatre Royal last night were treated to an exposition of the black art warranting a bumper house. Mr. Jansen is a host in himself, and keeps his audience in a state of hilarity and general good will from start to finish. The performance last night was only what was expected by those who had the privilege of seeing this great magician on his first visit. He brought with him many new performers and several old favourites. MiSs Edna Herr astounded the onlokers. by her sensational escape from the wooden chest into which, firmly strapped in a strait waistcoat, she was placed by several members of the audience. This is a feat which must be seen to be fp» predated. Jansen himself is as elusive as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and appears when least expected, first in one guise and then in another. His sleight of hand work marks a new era in the art, "if you nod to a friend you miiis a trick." Miss, Ada Montague and dainty little dancing damsel provided a light and airy interlude which was much appreciated and deservedly encored. Mr. Les Batw, the singing and talking clown, provided unrestricted hilarity, and the performance closed with a dazzling display of original and astounding surprises from Janscn's temple of mystery.

EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. Botli the matinee and, night performances were well patronised at the Empire Picture Palace yesterday, "Life With a Circus" again proving a" most popular picture. To-night is -the last occasion that this entertaining series will be shown. 1 At the matinee to-morrow the new programme includes another great animal picture, "Arabian Treachery." Amongst the many exciting scenes are, a hungry lion trying to force the door behind which the fugitives are hidden, a conflict between full grown lions, an exciting fight between Arabs and English. THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. A most attractive array of motion pictures are included on the new programme at the Royal to-night. The chief dramatic item is a film entitled, "The Bowstring," an entrancing film story of ancient Rome entwined about the romantic love of one of the Emperor's archers, and a beautiful maiden of the people. Other dramatic studies are "The Sheriff's Prisoner" (Lubin), "Saved from Courtmartial" (ICalem), and "Western Hearts," by the ever-popular S. and A. Company. Educational films are again well represented with "Eclair Topical Journal," "Cocoa Cultivation," "Industries in Sardinia," and "A Visit to Sengal, Soudan." A number of hjumorous comedies complete the brilliant film selection. The orchestra will be heard to advantage in a well arranged musical programme. A matinee will be held commencing at 2.30 to-morrow.