ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2751, 20 April 1916, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE ROYAL STROLLERS. With tlie high repute which precedes the Royal Strollers there is expected to be a crowded house to greet them at the Graiid Opera House on Saturday evening, when they make their first appearance iu Wellington under the direction of Messrs.' J. and N. Tait. The Adelaide "Critic" describes the Strollers'as "an illimitable combination of rare performers whose entertainment differs from any that has 1 been here before—each is an artist in his 1 or her particular lino." Chief Stroller ' Sydney James is said to be a host in him- , (self, and a most versatile entertainer. , Miss Madeline Ilcssiter is described as a , brilliant dancer and charming comedienne .' of striking personality. Miss Gwen Lewis, in her songs at the piano, is credited withi being the equal of Margaret Cooper, and Connie Milue, the sprightly soubrette of ■ the . company, is .a great favourite. In Mr. G. U'. IJesmond, the Strollers have an eccentric dancer of unusual ability, and his quaint song and dance and nhiinsicalities keep the audience in shrieks of laughter. The basso, Mr. George Graystone, is said to have a magnificent voice, and Mr. Cyril Northcote, in his various disguises, is the personification of versatility. Th'e Strollers' full orchestral band, under the direction of Mr. Arthur Frost, is said to rcachi a high musical standard. The managetnent announce a special mati- ( nea on Easier Monday, when a special ' programme will be presented. The box plans of reserved seats for the first six nights and the matinee are now on view at the Bristol. "OUR BRITISH NAVY." At the Town Hall on Saturday next, Mr. Charles MaoMahon will open a season of pictures with "Our British Navy," a .star feature, for which; he has secured the sole rights for the Dominion. This elaborate pictorial exposition of the Fleet in being is the only one which has been officially sanctioned by the authorities at Home, under whose immediate direction \t was undertaken. It i 6 an exhaustive anduntimiite illustration of the whole of the methods of the first line'of defence, the life on board, and the movements of the ships in peace and iu war. "Our Navy" covers the whole field ( of the vig. urous. life and action of the Navy in a most exhaustive, manner, and it is stated that the presentation, of the picture is an admirable stimulant to recruiting. It tffll have the support of a strong programme, headed by" the sensational Klaw and Erlanger dramfi, "The Wife," a picture story of a. domestic character, which took America by storm on its presentation last year. Comedic, scenic, and, other dramatic picture subjects will bo included in the programme. A universal charge of one shilling will be made to all parts of the big/hall. ' HIS- MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Good .lively , vaudeville is the order at His Majesty's Theatre this week. There are on the, programme a number of turns much above the ordinary. A reappearance that seems very popular ia that of Mable and Malfre. The lady artist of the duo is an exceptionally clever danoer, while her partner performs all manner of acrobatics, and does so in most humorous vein. Sharratt and'Lping (comedians and dancers), Miss Agnes ' Rawes (soprano), the Harrison Duo, the Paulastos, O'Connell and Austin, and other good artists provide excellent turns. "BRITAIN PREPARED." "Britain Prepared," the military and navar pictures being shown this week at the King's Theatre, will probably break all. records at this 'popular house of amusement. The building was packed la6t night those present including Sir Joseph and 'Lady Ward, 'l'ho first half of'the programme .illustrates'the military, preparations in the .Motherland, and under this heading considerable portion of the film is devoted to the munition works, u;here vast supplies of guns and ammunition are daily turned out. The Royal Flying Corps is another, feature, and some wonderful aerial feats are here shown to interest the onlookers. The second half of the programme deals with the Navy—Britain s suro shield against foreign treacherr. Naturally the public cannot' bo taken into all the secrets of : our ( first line of defence, but sufficient is shown to war. rant the final tableau "All's Well!" Re. gular. patrons and visitors to the oity are reminded that the programme ' will. be screened on Good Friday, both afternoon and evening, and, owing to the enormous success of the picture it will be continued next week. The box plan to-day will be at the Bristol, and during the holidays at the King's Theatre. - '

EVERYBODY'S ' THEATRE. The leading film at Everybody's Theatre this week is a drama, entitled "John Glaydc's Honour." TUo picture unfolds a most reasonable theme, and a lively in- : terest is maintained throughout " the , screening. The supporting film is an excellent scenic, picturing the famous strongholds of' ancient kings and feudal | barons of. England. The "Gaumont Graphic" is of unusual interest. On Good I'riday, commencing at 2.30 p.m., a splendid' programme of all newitems will be screened. On Easter Monday, starting at: 10 a.m., tho new bill, will contain a Famous Players' drama of fiOOO feet. "The Arab" is the romantic love story of a Bedouin chief for- an American lady. The drama is elaborately staged in gorgeous sotting, and the spectacular scenes are stated to be amasterpiece of biographic arrangement. • EMPRESS, THEATRE. b's boom in Marguerite Clark and 1 he' Goose Girl" continues with unabated strength, consequently the- Empress lhoatro is tested to the utmost capacity at every showing of tho picture.. "Tho boose Girl" is shown at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., ' '•!?' aD d S-K) p.m. This time-table will be observed throughout the whole of fh® week. The outstanding merits of the Gooso Girl" are its simple yet thrill•lnS story, the beauty of its scenic effects, ana the magic of' Miss Marguerite Clark's acting. ' The. Famous Players havo surrounded Miss Clark with a very powerful cast, and .ihe photography leaves nothing to be desired. The performances at the impress theatre to-morrow will start at 2.30 p.m. ' GOOD FRIDAY ORGAN RECITAL. The City Organist will give an organ recital ; to-morrow night (Good Friday evening), at the Town Hall.' The programme is in every particular appropriate to ihe occasion, and the recital will no doubt particularly interest visitors to tho city. Ihe items to be played include s -r i , Erida 7 Music from Act //'' ' Chopin's Marche Funebre - Sonata), the great lunale from, the 6th Symphony (Pathetic), lchaikovaky, and Handel V Largo in G. JKOFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA. The Wellington Professional Orchestra, wiu give a grand classical and sacred concert at His Majesty's TJieaire on Good tnday night. Tho programme has been carefully selected, and will include the fi Euryanthe" Overture of Weber, Fercy ; Grainger's "Shepherd's Hey/' and fcnedemannV "Slavonic Rhapsody." Mr, ,f 1 n ,* rous ® will be the vocalist, and-he ■ will have the assistance of orchestral accompaniments. Handel's well-known ' Largo has been specially arranged for the orchestra by Mr. Chas. Norman, and the solo violin part will be played by Mr. HaydnJeck. Sir. Herbert Bloy will conduct. The box plan is at the Bristol.