ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 41, 12 November 1907, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. Largo crowds of holiday makers sought) solace yesterday from the grim and dismal dreariness of the grey aud sodden streets in the animated brightness of the Opera House. The vivid and stirring story of "Robbery Under Arms" has made countless thousands thrill, and as depicted by M'Mahon's pictures the adventures lose nothing in picturesquoiioss or reality. Every item went with a swinging movement that carried the audience out of itself, and the popularity of the entertainment was evident from the applause, which rang out frequent and free. A charming leavening of music was supplied i ii j s Lorraine Tanslev, who sang tuneful ballads in a manner that captivated thel aiidience. THEATRE ROYAL. The public literally flocked to the Theatrs Royal last evening in spito of the pouring rain. Tho back of the dress circle was crowded with the overflow- from tho seats, and some of the audience had to be accommodated with seats in the well occupied by the orchestra. The programme was a bright one, and judging from the liberal applause bestowed on the various performers the audionco was more than satisfied with the fare, Messrs. Morris and Wilson, acrobatic comedians, kept the house amused with their clever work, and tho amusing " turn "*of tho light-footed Quealys completely won the audience. The Valdenes were responsible for some astonishingvtrick feats on bicycles, and Miss Ida Berridgo gained rounds of applauso for her serio-comic contributions. Master Rupoi't Christie's efforts brought forth hearty applause and a shower of pennies and small coin. The vocal efforts of Mr. R. H. Colling r were also_ well Teceived. Some remarkably good comic kinematograph pictures were thtown on tho screen,, in addition to tho Burns-Squires prize fight films. BENEFIT TO MISS VINIA DE LOITTE. On Thursday evening a benefit is to ba tendered to Miss Vinia de Loitte (Mrs. Howard Vernon) by tho Messrs. MacMnhon, at the Opera House. Miss do Loitte will ba romembered by theatre-goers as the par-, ticularly bright little oneratic artist who performed so well with Williamson's Repertoire Opera Company last year, when ."Pati-. ence, "Tho Gondoljers," and "Princess Ida ivere revived with such success. Mr. Howard Vernon's name is, of course, well known. Ho stands out>in the unique position of beinc the standard eccentric comodian for Gilbert-Sullivan comedv roles in Australasia, and his Koko, in "The Mikado," Biinthorne in "Patience," Don AI r hambra in "Tho Gondoliers," tho MajorGerieral in "Pirates," will always be remembered. On Thursday evening these artists, assisted by other talent, will appear m the first act of "A Trip to Chinatown," i(j conjunction with some of,the best pictures in tho MacMahon repertoire. MUSICAL UNION CONCERT. The third concert of tho Wellington Mnsical Union's season will take placo to-night at the Town Hall. A most attractive programme has been arranged. It will include Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise," with Miss liosina Buckmann as soloist, Mr. Lawrence Wat-kins at tho organ,. and the Union's full chorus; Mendelssohn's "Capriccio Brilliante" for . piano and - orchestra, Miss C. Simpson, L.A.8., taking-tho solo part,•and a, bright and tuneful cantata by Henry Smart, and a setting of Enoch's verses "Th« Bride of Dunkerron." This work has not been heard in Wellington for many years, 1 and to most people it will be quite new. It is full of delightful music for soloists and chorus, but the duets and trios for ilie principal singers are the special feature. Miss Rosina Buckmann will takS the soprano parts, Mr. E. J. Hill tho tenor, and Mr. Clarkson the bass, three singers who - may be relied on to do full justice to this beautiful work. Tho chorus and orchestra are expected to acquit themselves creditably, and a firstrrato performance may he looked for. SAILORS' REST. In spite of the rain yesterday the sailors in port found a welcomo during the day at the Sailors' Rest, and an enjoyable evening was spent-. They were entertained with song and story by Miss Gladys Cohen, assisted by tho following:—Misses Churchward, Barker, and White; Messrs. East, M'Donald, Cuthbert, Daley, and Master Barker. Each item ivas much enjoyed, and at the close a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to those who-contributed to tho progi-amme. Tho concert for Monday next 1 is to bo given by the Working Men's Club' Orchestral Band.