ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 254, 6 April 1915, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PROFESSOR WRAGGE. Professor Clement Wragge, whose name in connection with weather predictions is n household word hi New Zealand and Australia, and who possesses a world-wide reputation as ;• scientist, is paying a short farewell visit to this district. To-morrow he will lecture at Waitara, and on Wednesday night at the Good Templar Tlall, X'\v Plymouth. to alteration in his arrangements, Professor Wragge is enabled to extend his coastal tour. Re will lecture at Rahotu on Thursday, at Opnnake on Friday, and at Oknto on Saturday evening.

"CHARLEY'S AUNT." "Ch.arley's Aunt," that Icing of comedies from the pen of Brandon Thomas, to be produced by the "Charley's Ann I" Comedy Company at the Theatre Royal on Friday, April !!th, is interesting from marv points of view. There is first the intrinsic merit of the play, known all ilia world wide as the most humorous coin"dv.cvor written, then there is the fact that the present season at the Prince cf Wa'es' Theatre, London, celebrates her 22nd birthday, and reports of this revival, which is only one of many, go to show that the skittish old lady is more popular than ever. Plays may come awl plays mav go, but "Charley's Aunt" goer, on for ever. The comedy abounds with humorous situations and irresistible mirth-provoking scenes, especially wh ri the ardent SpeUigue, an elderly, staid admirer, in his anxiety to pop the question. chases the flirtsonie dame round the garden, and. in the third act. where lie corners her fn his own drawingroom. Mr Norman Aitkcn will be seen in the title role, while Mr Norman Hales will play, (lie ardent Spettigue. Bmssett, another comedy character,.will b? played by Mr George Burnett, who has toured N>v Zealand mnnv times, noteablv with Ihe "Squaw Man," and "The Lancashire Lass." Mr Frederic Hughes, who toured with Lewis Waller, and more recently through New Zealand with Hugh Buckler Company, is also included in the cast. Mr C. Bentley Russell will play Jack Chesney, the juvenile lead: Mr Kenneth Aitken. Col. Sir Francis Chesney; Miss Ruby Scott. Kitty Verdin; Miss M:ir>? Fix, Amv Spettigne, and Miss Mabel Hardinsc-Milthv. Donna Lucia D'Alradorez. Thi' box ptan is now open at Collier's. Hawera. Fltham, and Inglewonl dates are advertised.

EMPIRE PICTURES. At the Empire Theatre to-night the famous story told in Marie C'orelli's famous novel, "Vendetta," will be screened The film is described i\s majestic in representation and magnificent in spectacular effects. It is spoken of also as "a picture that shames fiction in its truly terrific reality." The story is a gripping picture of Neapolitan life. Imbio Romani is the husband of beautiful Nina, an Italian girl. They have a cha"ming daughter, Stella, and their life in Naples on Romani'a great estates is one of love and happiness. Both hus-l band and wife are fond of Guido Ferrari, who is a constant visitor at their home. Fabio is stricken with cholera, pronounced to be dead, and buried in the longdisused family vault. However, he Revives, and in fighting his way out discovers great riches hidden in the vault. On getting free of the vault he discovers his wife and Guido embracing, and i 3 seized with a passion for revenge, IT.' disguises himself, and armed with almost inexhaustible riches of the tres.ire chest, he assumes the name of Count' Oliva, and after a lapse of time returns to the scene of his misfortunes. He succeeds in obtaining an introduction and the two become fast friends. He meets his faithlessAvife and becomes an almost daily visitor at his own home. The wealth of Fabio dazzles Nina, and Fa bio receives the consent of Nina to become his wife and jilt Guido. A duel follows, in which Guido is mortally wounded. Before he expires Fabio reve.ils his identity. The night of the wedding arrives. Just before supper Fabio le:?ds Nina to the vault, and there he discloses his identity, and the shock drives Nina insane. Suddenly the earth moves beneath them. There is a rush and roar of crashing pillars, a mighty stone hurtles through the roof of the' tomb, striking Nina and killing her instandv. Fabio, believing it the vengeane- of the «ods' rushes from the ruined vault in panic.' Thus is the vendetta accomplished. The specially chosen supporting films r.re "The Birth of Flowers," a brantifiillvstudy: "Back to the Kitchen," a screamingly funny farce by the Majestic Company; and the la!/>st European "Gazette."

PETER DAWSON. this evening the English Concert Company with Mr. Peter Dawson as its star artist will give their concert in the theatre Royal, the box plan for whicli is open at Hoffmann's. Realising "the advantages of a varied programme to suit all tastes, Mr. Dawson has a number of artists whose talents are unlimited in their respective spheres. Mr. Dawson is a tower of strength as a concert artist, he treats the items with an artistry that compels admiration. His London and provincial suceosso. have extended over a. period of eight Clears, during which time lie has accomplished that which few others .have done. His name is now a household word. IlisJ gramaphone records have made him famous throughout the. English-speaking world, but to few outside the British Isles has been given the great opportunity of hearing the great singer in the zenith of his career. All English concert company, which includes Miss. Annette George, the possessor of a beautiful soprano voice, of charming 1 quality and extraordinary range; Miss Graoe Newman, violiniste, whose ex-; quisite playing is given willi perfect artistry; and Miss Carlien Jurs, solo pianiste, will support Mr. Dawson. For prices see our advertisement column. I