ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE EMPIRiK. LAST NIGHT OF PROGRAMME. Mrs. Vernon Castles has the reputation of being the best-dressed lady in America, and the Empire managementhas pleasure in announcing that it is Bhe who has the primary part in 'Sylvia of the Secret Service," the thrilling melodrama which heads the programme shown for the first time last night. Sylvia, as played by Mrs- Castles, is first an adventuress, and the extraordinary adventures that befall her in the course of her chosen calling are, to say the least of it, exciting to see. "Sylvia of the Secret Service" ia a play that will be treasured in the memory as much for its fine and fashionable dressing as for the excellence of its plot, and there are but few persons in the world of to-day who will not be interested in the picture. The other picture themes are of topical and scenic and, comedy interest. This programme will be finally shown to-night. There will be no pictures shown at the Empire on Wednesday or Thursday next owing to the theatre being otherwise engaged.

EVERYBODY'S "TREASON." Few photo plays attain the degree of sustained inteest that will be found in the principal drama of the new programme to be shown tonight and tomorrow night at Everybody's Thcatrv The title of this picture, which is from the famous Bluebird studios, is "Treason," and the story was written by a soldier of France whilst in hospital. Suspense is contained in every foot of the five reels ■ It is a war story, and the plot turns on the power of jealously and injustice. These two factors cause one of the most loyal hearts to betray certain secrets to the enemy, but ho relents before it is too late. How th>* situation is saved makes a story that enslaves the attention. The love theme is an absorbing one. Outstanding features of the picture are the battle scenes, which arc realistic to a degree, and a most exciting motor chase, which is nothing if not convincing Supporting this fine feature are "The Topsy Turvey Twins (comedy), "Life's Remorse'' (drama), and a clever cartoon novelty. "COME INSIDE." To-morrow evening, at the EmpireTheatre, Sydney James will present his New Revue Company, which includes all the original members of the Royal Strollers, in the London success "Come Inside," which ran for over twelve months at the London Hippodrome, and it has been described as tlw most up-to-date Revue ever produced in New Zealand, and it is flaii that Sydney James has spared no expense either in artist 3, scenery, or costumes, of the two stage settings, one in old English style, and the other in quaim tapestry, both of which are reported to be very effective. The opening overture introduces "Zimmy" the trick drummer and manipulator of many instruments, and by the aid of the cinema the company appear in a very novel manner, and round the Old English Maypole the Company "Come Inside,'' and in a medley of musical mixtures burst forth m song Chief Stroller James then gives a few dialect imitations, and with others takes a hand in a novel «ame of cards in three shuffles. and then Ira Bissett, the young soprano, will make her first appearance in New Plymouth. Led by Madeline Rossiter, the ballet wilt have something to say, and are followed by a potted version of "Peg o' My Heart," with Josie Jackson as Mrs. Ghischester and Sydney James as Peg. George Graystoiie, tinrollicking bass, will sing a song or two. and then we have the "Night Watchman," which ran for many weeks at. the Playhouse, Sydney Josie Jackson, tfce English contralto, next appears, and following a travesty on thought reading by G. W. Desmond and Sydney Jamefc. Miss Madeline Rossiter then presents her songs at the piano and specialty dances, and then "Billy," manipulated by Sydney James will have much to say. T!ic orchtstla will have another chance before "Three Jolly Sea Dogs'' sing and do a whirlwind hornpipe, and then some damsels and Madeline Rossiter collaborate in a terpsichorean fantasy. A burlesque production of "A Dramatic Rehearsal" by Josie J Jackson, G. W. Desmond, and Sydney James'' is described as a veritable scream. "Eve Up-to-date" by tha "Come Inside" girls paves the way for the grand finale, "Faust" (or "How the Old Gentleman Became Naughty") In the principal roles are Ira Bissett (Marguerite), George Graystone (Mephistophelean Syd>*«y Jamu (ftuut), with fall oparatte

chorus by the entire company. The programme is a lengthy one, and the performance is timed to commence at 8 p.m. sharp. On Thursday night a complete change of p.ogramme will be presented, and the box plan of reserved seats ib now open at Collier's. LEE TOY CHUNG. TO-N^GHT. The Good Templars' Hall will be occupied to-night by Lee Toy Chung, tne Eastern magician, who is supported by a full company of well-known metropolitan artists. Lee Toy Ohung brings with him credentials of the highest, placing him as a foremost magician. Every little manipulation he makes seems to be executed so easily and without any effort, that everybody is waiting anxiously to see what will happen nest. The remainder of the programme is made up with one of the finest selected companies that has ever toured New Zealand. Professor D'Alniaine stands most prominent as a master hypnotist, and will give some remarkabV demonstrations of scientific and medical tests, at the same time producing the screamingly funny scenes from his class selected from the audience. The lady vocalists bring with them a number of new musical hits that have been very much appreciated in Auckland and districts. <Mr. Harry Hill has not been heard here since his visit with Meynell and Gunn Opera Company (The Gay Gordons). Little 'Georgie, the funny little fellow, is a perfect scream; whilst Mr- Percy Carr, as a comedian, is entirely different from all others. The Comedy Sketch Team produce a farcical comedy in one act, "The Tramp's Dilemma," showing how easy it is for a young married couple to become fearfully jealous of each other without any possible reason. Mr. R. Oswald will sustain the character of the Tramp. A special orchestra has been engaged which will be under the baton of Mr. Bert Itoulston. Popular prices will be charged. We advise all intending patrons to book early at Collier's. The company will play a trip round the mountain, commencing at Okato, Thursday, 13th; Opunake, Friday, 14th; Rahotu, Saturday, 15th; Manaia and Kaponga followmg.