ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 214, 3 June 1908, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. 1 /■„ \ Thore was a very large audience at, tho Opera House last evening to witness the final performance of "Tho Scarlet Pimpernel,"'tho dramatisation of the Baroness Orczy's popular novel, which has been read by thousands. In the revival of "The Prisoner o£ Ze'nda" .to-night, theatregoers are promised a brilliantly 'mounted production, tho dressingrbeirig- carried out with All tho splendour bf a big operatic venture' The bright uniforms' that. are everywhere in evidence add to the lustre,. and backed by tho setting of the Winter' Palace at Strelsau, form a brilliant spectacle. lii the dual role of King Rudolph and Rudolph'.Rassendyll, Mr., Julius Knight presents two, entirely different studies, in which the alternate change of tone and demeanour could only lie successfully, achieved by a clever artist. Miss Ola Humphrey gives, earnestness and patho.3, to, the role, of Princess Flavia. A largo cast includes the full strength of this . clever combination. The. box plan for to-night's per•formanc6 is on'.view at, Christeson's.,

THEATRE ROYAL. Last night an entii'e change of 'programme was submitted at Puller's, and, accordingly, every scat in the building 'was occupied. Anticipation at the .return of old favourites ran high. The ■ programme proved' a bright and attractive que, and provided a-first-class'';even-ing's entertainment. It, was also well diversified. One of the most successful:turns was that of Vade -and. Varna, rightly . billed tho "funmakers."; Their act was crammed full of conicdy, topical allusions, clever local hits, ,and "chestnuts", redished. They, were ap-. plauded again and' again, / and, occupied the stage more than tho allotted lime. Miss Brightie Smith, Australian comedionne, who came before tho audience in new songs and sketches, caried the place by storin. She was recognised as an old favonrito. Miss Smith's fine costumes ' were, quite a, feature- of her performance. Madame Blanche Carelli, tho high soprano, wh'o made an excellent impression locally a- few months ago, appeared, in new songs, with her. old-tiihe success.," The. Price Sisters executed Scottish dances -neatly,- and won applause, and Jock Willis, the well-known Scotch comcdian, had no difficulty in winning his way back' into public favour. Though not a new turn, Eve Lees ■ and her two piccaninnies creatcd as much amusement as on the night of their first appearance. Other performers were Miss Connie Solomon, serio and'dancer, •and Mr. F: Bransgrove,, who sings in two voices. New biograph films were shown, and completed an excellent programme, - • To-night there will be, specialities for tho holiday.

ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Maughan Barnett's organ recital, which takes place this evening, instead of Tuesday, as is usual, will be of more than ordinary interest, it being "Special Bequest" night. The selections includo the famous Wagnerian "Tanahausor" overture; Handel's "Minuet"; and Mendelssohn's "Cornelius March." THE ELITE SKATING RINK. A distinct advantage enjoyed by patrons of the Elite 'Skating Kink, Abel Smith- Street, is that all tho skates used are of tho latest American pattern and ball-bearing. No effort or expense have been spared to make tho floor second to none in the Dominion. The services of an expert skater have been secured, and learners receive lessons free of charge. Tho rink will bo kept open continuously, morning, noon, and night. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. The attractiveness of rollor skating as an indoor pastime continues to be exemplified by tho excellent attendances at tho Olympia Rink. Last evening a 12 lap 'handicap was run, and resulted in a win for Mr. B. Robin, Mr. M. Fama being second. The rink will be open as usual to-day, tho band attending both afternoon and ovening scsions. At tho latter thero will bo a musical chairs compotition on skates.