ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 559, 14 July 1909, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE BELLE OF MAYFAIR." Many arc of the belief that tho Mcynell and Gunn Companj has kept its best bill to the last, in reserving Leslie Stuart's tuneful musical coined), "The Bcllo of Majfair," for tho end of tho season Musically it is a good deal ahead of "Miss Hook'of Holland," and there Iβ more to admire, and therefore to please, in the orchestration, but the verj flippancy of its action robs it of tho atmosphere test is so charming in "Miss Hook." It was a bright thought that prompted Messrs. C. Brookfiold and Cosmo Hamilton to uso "Romeo and Juliet" as a basis for a musical comedy. It is a subject that could havo been handled much more effectively than has been dona, as only the shredi of t!io Shakespearean idea remain to -adumbrate Mr Stuart s pleasant musical numbers. This given riso to the idea that such comedies as "As You Like It," "Twelfth Night," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" might bo converted into musical frolics with, more success than tho undying love tragedy of tlio quaint old north Italian city, where the Montagues and Capulcts worked eut their stormy destinies. Clever woik is done by Messrs. Edwin Brett, Wni. Cromwell, Tom Payno and Hvold Thorley. Miss Ruth Lincoln is tho chief,song-bird, with Miss Alice Bonnotto as Jnliet. Tlioro are several pretty ballets, particularly effective among these obing the "flluo and White" and Win Cromwell's "Little Girls" interlude. Miss Pernn is a delightful dancer, but her accent is much too Mayfairish for the colonial comprehension. Much could be said about the beautiful dresses worn in such profusion for a fpw minutes at a time by the chorus gills, but ordinary adjectives might miss tho mark. "Tho Belle" can only be staged for two | nights longer. A "Cinderella" matmeo is underlined for this afternoon. The curtain will rise at 1.45 p m. sharp. THEATRE ROYAL. The latest singing picture lhat is being shown at the Theatre Royal is a leproduction of "The Bedouin Love Song," sung by Mr. Peter Datvson, who 13 to support Miss Amy Casllee on her coming tour of tho colome3. ' Mr. Dawson h ono of the foremost concert baritones in England, and it is interesting to get a forotasto of his uno vocal qualities. Chief among the moving pictures being shown is a very novel and interesting one entitled "Youthful Britons," and another, "Neptune's Playground," showing the gambols of the mighty Atlantic on a rockbound coast. Other pictures of industries, travel tours, and comic episodes make up a capital programme. , THE' ROYAL' PICTURES. For the final presentation of tho week's programme of pictures at His Maj'esty's last evening there was a very large attendance of. tho public, and the various lino films were received with frequent demonstrations of applause. This evening an entirely now change of programme will bo presented. WEST'S PICTURES. Very courteously tho management of tho West Piotures Show gave up the Town Hall last ovening to tho Boys' Instituto, and withdrew to tho smaller hall, where a very largo audience was assembled to witness tho particularly fine scries of kincmatographjc films which aro being screened during the current week. The splendid representation of Sardou's great play, "La Tosca." with Sarah Bernhardt in the title role, is one of the finest examples' of kinematographic en,terpriso tho Wellington public has yet been privileged to .witness, and last evening the film wa3 loudly applauded. OLYMPIA RINK. A topic of conversation amongst the plea-sure-seeking public is tho Black and "White Carnival which takes place at the Olympia Skating Rmk this evening. Some excellent costumes and "make-ups" will bo seen, and the management havo arranged for competoni judges. Tho prizes, which will be given out to the wjnners on Saturday evening, comprise a vory valirablo and handsome colj leotion. Good entries havo been received for the carnival. Proceedings will commence with the grand parade by competitors in fancy and evening dress, from 715 to 8 p m., and the other, attractions are advertised A full brass band will play selections during the evening. Last night at tho Olympia Skating Rink a rehearsal was held of tho grand march which will form /a leading feature of to-night's carnival. AH other preparations for the carnival are nowj practically completed, and the event bids fair to be a distinct success. ORGAN RECITAL. An organ recital wjII be given by Mr. Maughan Barnett in tho Town, Hall at i p.m. to-day. An attractive programme has been prepared. "LUCKY/DURHAM," Thero is a brisk demand for seats for "Lucky Durham," who commences his career at the Opera House on Friday next with an excellent cast, comprising Messrs. Mejnell and Gunn's now English company, of which the favourite actor, Mr. Harcourt Boatty, is a prominent member. This com'pany arrive from Sydney thin morning by tho Moeraki. Gladjs Harvey, a principal member of this combination, is said not only to combine beauty, grace, and yonth, but is an aotress of rare ability. Miss Harvoy has had a remarkable career for so joung a lady, and both London and Australian contemporaries prodict a splendid future for her. Mies Emily Fitzroj is by no meane a stranger to Australian audiences. In her early days she was a prominent member of Mr. George Rignold's companies. Since then sho has secured an extensive exporienco in a wide range of characters m England She was for many jears playing prominent parts at Wjndham Theatre, whoro sho appea-ied in "Truth," "School for Scandal," and other piecos. Tours of the provinces followed with Mr. Martin Harvey, and later on with Mr Beerbohm Tree. Miss Edith Dovercll, Messrs. Frank Rrmdell, J. S. Gai diner, and T. JV. Doveroll (who makes his re-appearance' after some years) will- bo also.new to the -"colony,.; whilst .our. old- favourites, Messrs. Gaston Merrale',-- James Lindsay, and Tom Caunam, are leading members of iJhe company;