ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 479, 12 April 1909, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE WOMAN PAYS."

Tlio Theatre Royal, formerly tho homo ot vaudeville, lias now for many months been devoted to animated pictures, with occasional seasons of drama. Ono of such seasons and ono that bids fair to bo as successful as any —opened last Saturday evening, when Mr. Edwin Coach's Premier Dramatic Company staged "Tlio Woman 1 ays, by l 1 rank M. Tlionic. Previous announcements and tlio well-known reputation of tho piocc and tho company had prepared intending patrons for a liighiy-colourcd sensational play, 'lliey were not disappointed. ■ "Tlio Woman Pays" is melodrama of a proJipunccd type. Tlicro is sentiment, there aro moving incidents, a little comic relief, scheming wickedness temporarily successful, and long-suffering virtue finally triumphant. As "a sensational play "The Woman Pays" gave every satisfaction The hero and heroinb aro in trouble from tlio start, and their troubles continue right through almost till tlio' final scene, but all ends happily, and tho villain is stabbed to death by tlio enraged father of ono of tlio victims. The piece includes many thrilling incidents, suet as murders, ; wrecks, and hair-breadth escapes. /Hint the crowdcd house was interested in it all, and more than interested, was shown by ! tlio rapt attention during tho pathctic scenes, and tlio laughter was hearty on the proper occasions. Miss Maud Appleton fulfilled tfio exacting'demands of tho central character in a way that showed thorough appreciation of tho part and considerable experienofiin the portrayal of emotional stresses. M'll Robert. Innian, as Sid Armstrong was moYo than-Satisfactory, and commendation is duo' to Mr. Kenneth Hunter's presentment of Robert Marchant. Other prominent roles' were acceptably sustained by Misses Leal Douglas .'(Noll "Moreland), Pattie Gourley r (Tabit-lia), Maud Amvin (Nurso Martha), -mid Ethel Buckley (Polly Stokes), aiid Messrs. J. P. O'NeiU (Mickcy Maloney), TlioinaS! Cui'rau (Cyrup Threadgold), Albert Lucas'- (Luko Moreland), and Harry Norman (Dn. Trevor). Tho v scenery was varied and including some interesting sote by Mr. Ray Phillips. A bit of foashoro, an English rural church, and an old-fashioned wayside in'n'wcro' leading features, and formed apprqnr.iato, set tings for tlio human elements ot tho play. In 0110 scene there was an arlfully-contrivoc waterfall, with real water. Mr.-JJG'eorgp Marloiv, tho manager, who is revisiting Wellington after several years' absence; ' f is to bo congratulated on an elaborate prediction and an opening night which may bo regarded as a prosago of a successful sihson. "The Woman Pays" will bo staged ilgain to-night. <t

ROYAL PICTURES. A crowded house greeted the Royal Pictures at His Majesty's Theatre oil Saturday evening.- Among tlio interesting films was tlio "Carnival at Nice," which illustrates a big procession under progress. Another ininteresting item was "When Stormy Winds Do Blow," in which can be soon the big waves lashing against the cliffs with great forco. Tlio programme continued with success, and ended, up with a comic film called "Ma-ia Law's Hard Life." WEST'S PICTURES. Tlio combination of AVcst's new picturef with the talented Do Groen's Orchestra ii an attraction very difficult to resist, es pecially at the popular prices charged, and tlio big Town Hall saw another enthusiastic audience on Saturday night. A spccia.' holiday matinee will bo given this after, noon at 2.30 o'clock, and this evening th< management announce a complete change ol programmoj which will include tlio sccoucof I'atlio l'rere's art studies, entitled "The Red Hand." The great interest aroused by "L'Arlesicnne" has encouraged the manage mont to include this art study in the programme this evening, otherwise tlio change will bo complete. WELLINGTON SOUTH CARNIVAL. The Wellington South Carnival and Grand Catholic Bazaar in aid of the. St. Antic's parish and Kilbirnie Church building .funds wero formally opened on Saturday night by tlio Attorney-General (the Hon. Dr. Findlay) in the presence of a largo number of ffiend? and supporters. The bazaar, which is beinp held at the Skating Rink, Vivian Street, will bo continued until April 21. The hall has been beautifully decorated in preparation for tlio event, and the stalls, four in number, looked very attractive. Tlio orchestra, tindei the baton of Mr. 11. Porcival Clarke, opened the proceedings, and fancy dances and' a country danco and maypole were given during tho evening. Variety was riven by a number of side-shows, art gallery, shooting gallery, gipsy tent,' etc., under 'tile direction o'f tho members of St. Anne's Club. Tlio different fancy dances wero very pretty, ajid wore well conducted by Miss C. Sullivan. Tho performers wero: —Spanish boloro, Misses M. Wylie, K. Htiddy, E. Wareham, M. Blowman. E. Vaney, M. Redican, A. M'Alecr; sailors hornpipe. Misses V. Heavey, V. Beveridge, V. Clarke, M. Barton, G. Drury, M. Crottio, S. M'Alcer, S. Pigott; Scotch reel, Misses V. Little, C. Marshall, M. Hickey, B. Nash, K. Blewman, M. Costello, U. Barber, A. Ryan; Irish jig, Misses K. Little, IC. M'Alecr, D. Donally, N. M'Enirney, E. Rooney, E. Gillen, K. Hickey. ■ 'Clio performers in tlio countrj danco and maypole (under tho direction of .Miss M. Johnson) were:—Misses Nobh> Campbell (2), Callanan (2), Tonnar North, Lawrence, M'Enirney, Heavey, Little, Mouldoy, Jacka, Mooncy, M'Laughlin (2), O'Brien (2), Wareham (2), Levy, Drury. Devine, Scott, Ward, Kennedy, Toomoy, anc Cotter. Tho following were tlio stall-holders in tho various stalls :—R.oso: Mesdames M. Segricf, J. E. Gamble, R. W; Collins; Chrysanthemum: Mesdames North, Yourelle, and Miss A. Bourke; Forget-me-not (Children of Mary): Mrs. Dalton, Misses. Webb, and Malonoy; Ivy: Mesdames Heavey and Casey; ' Orchid': Mesdames M. Segrief, R. W. Collins, J. E. Gamble. Tho stall-holders wero ably assisted by a small army of willing helpers. A grand art union will" bo drawn on April 21 at 0.45 p.m. On Wednesday, a children's gala day will be held, when tho carnival will bo open for children from 2.50 p.m. toi 4.30 p.m. HAYDN BECK. Tho brilliant boy violinist, Haydn Bcclt, gave another exhibition of his remarkable gifts in the Town Hall last evening. His 1 contributions to tlio programme wero as follow: —Allegro and andanto , (Do Bcriot),' Largo (Handel), Romania in G (Beethoven), and "The Hymn to tho Emperor'.' (Haydn). In all tlieso his ability was fuljy demonstrated, and tho large audience siVnified their appreciation by enthusiastic applause. Mrs. Hill-Beckett gave n. recJtation, "Tho Church Spider," very artistically, and Sir. Goudio sang Carey's "Nearer .My God toTliee" and Allitscn's "Tlio Lord is My Light" very acceptably. Miss Amy Remington way accompanist. LIEUT. SHACKLETON'S LECTURE. The plan of tlio reserved seats for this lecturo will be open at The Dresden on Tuesday morning. The lecture, which is to bo given on Wednesday evening, will bo illustrated with some eighty limelight pictures of the South Polar region. MADAME MELBA. Madamo Melba will arrive nt the in the Riverina this morning, and v.ill proceed in a special car to lnvcrea.rgill, whero ■she will give the first concert _ol' her New Zealand tour. Two concerts—regarding which nil advertisement appears in another "column —will be given in Wellington. WONDERLAND. To-day is the last day of Wonderland this season, when the final chance of seeing and enjoying the numerous attractions there will be offered. Wonderland is alilco instructivo and amusing, keeping all merry and delighted for the whole day. Parents and lovers of children should not forget this is tho last day.