ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3044, 3 April 1917, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE NORWOODS. Tho sceptio was very little in evidence at the second hypnotic performance given in the Opera House last evening by Air. Norwood. To jildge by tho applause and the roars of merriment that greeted each turn, the audience was bent more upon enjoying itself than upon calling in question the' genuineness of the work. Truth to tell, there was little that tho lay mind could safely criticise, while, on the other hand, there was much matter for good, healthy laughter. With his little circle of "subjects," Mr. Norwood contrived to make all sorts of fun, and tho fun was by no means without point. One particularly popular turn was that involving much uncomplimentary reference to tho Kaiser, whilo another that "took" tvell was "The Hypnotic' Ballet." Food for reflection was provided by the demonstration of mental telepathy, in which Miss Ruth Hamilton figured. The lady certainly did astonishing things, and to all appearances fulfilled everything that was claimed for her. This evening another change of programme will be presented. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. About the most startling and at the same, time refined performance, involving contortionistio misplacements of the | anatomy, is that presented by the Lo Grohs, who open the' eyes ot everyono who sees thcin as to tho strange convolutions possiitj* to the human frame. It is 'Do exaggeration to "sny that .the limber gentleman who stalks round as "a human hairpin," is capable of forming every letter in. the alphabet, last evening he was joined by -a male -partner, who is also a gil'ted contortionist, and who juggles a huge table with his feot as lio lies on his back with wonderful agility and certitude. Tho lady purformer is also as attractive and tasteful as she is-talented. Tho Lo Grohs rank with the very best acts that the' .Messrs. Fuller have into_New Zealand, iladauio Alverna and «T. Jeau Laerte threw the weight of their artistry into a ca'pilal musical act that went far to raise the tone of tho programme. Madam eV limpid soprano was heard in a. melodious song of the llorid order, ontitled "The Crown of Love" (composed by K. A. Home, and written by Stanley East; of Christckurch). Tho number ! Went with a fiiio swing, and was lifted j into favour by "the spirit of the singer.' j The violin obbligato, well played' by M. Laerte, was hardly as helpful as obbligatos should" be. Madamo also sang Gudard's "Angels Guard Thee," "Comin' 2'brough the Rye," and that brilliant but most difficult , Polonaise from "Mignon," "I am Titania,"''whichmakes considerable demands on tho technique of the best of siugers. M. Laerto played Elgar's "Salut d'Amour" as a violin solo, and accompanied'brilliantly. The newcomers included Lily Vockler, a Titian-haired balladist, wlfo 'sang songs that are popular below stairs; Thompson and llontez, and Maud Fanning and her tbfee daughters. •> iliss Jeunie Mliae, billed as a Scottish contralto, also appeared. Armitage and Hine scorcd i, laughing . success, George Grotty sang quaint songs, and danccd neatly, and tho Delavale Bros, duelted in sung and patter. ' THE KING'S!. A pirate captain who finds that the Bbip Wants a chaperone and a dccls scrubboi', and then proceeds to shanghai them from, a houseboat, is a novelty, but this is what pretty Gladys lluletto does in "Prudence the Pirate," an amusing comedy-drama, filled with the spirit of youth and tomboyish liveliness. A well-to-do young lady .fresh from ; .school amuses herself by playing at "pirates." Her ship, attacks ■ her prim old aunt s houseboat with amusing results. Flora Finch as the aunt is excellent, and the "Pirate" herself i 9 altogether charming. There is a good comedy and an interesting Topical Budget. EVERYBODY'S. The work of Douglas Fairbanks in "The Matrimaniac," in conjunction v wilh pretty: Constance ' Talmadge, is .full of wonderful athletic feitts, and tho final scene, in which lie abducts a parson and l gets married by telephone, causes exceeding morriment. "The Matrimaniac," who is, by the way, "a. chap who is crazy to tho girl," is considered one of Fairbanks's'best pictures. Billie Burkei in "Hidden Fires," is very pleas-

ing. There is a marked increase in the dramatic power and action of this instalment of "Gloria's Komance."

THE EMPRESS., Tho< famous director, Albert Capellani, left liothing for the imagination in the production of "Tho Dark Silence" lest it be' the ending of the story. The sus'pense is tremendous, and those who first see the picture await the final scene with interest, only to find themselves agreeably surprised. This is a powerful love 'drama. Many of the scenes were taken behind the firing lines ■ of tho great European armies. The picture has been showing at the Empress since Saturday, and tho' business has exceeded all expectations. Even,tho great crowds who attended tho'screenings of "The Common "Law" wevo not in excess of present attendances. ,There ■ is an informativo topical subject on the same programme. J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMUIJY COMPANY. The box plans for J. C. Williamson's forthcoming comedy season of twelve nights will be opened at the Bristol tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. The company will open at, tho Grand Opera Houso on Saturday night next, witli George M. Collin's great mystery farce, "Seven Keys to Baldpate" (six nights and a special matinee Easter Monday). This comedy, wjilch hit tho taste of Australian playgoers last year, is described us tremendously fascinating, and is said to mako heavy demands upon tho artistic abilities of the performers. Miss Beatrice Holloway, (lie accomplished actress, who' was last here as leading Jjidy with Mr. T'rcd Niblo, witli "Got-Rich- • Quick' Wallingford," Mr. Itobert Groig, tiio triiliyit comedian, vrlio left eucu a

favourable impression when he was last in the Dominion, with Mr. Hugh.T. Waul, will lill the lending roles, assisted by Fred Cambonrnc, Guy Hastings, Kdwin Lester, Kenneth. Brampton, Herbert Leigh, Clive Farnham, Thomas Lloyd, J. B. Atholwood, Raymond Lawrence, Harold Moran, Mrs. Chas. IT.olloway, Marion Marcus Cl&rke, and Violet Yorkc. During tlio season (wo other notablo comedy successes will be staged, "A Pair of Sixes" and "The Travelling Salesman."

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. The programme selected by the Professional Orchestra for its concert at His Majesty's Theatre on Good' Friday evening promises to provo a popular one. The famous air, "Why do the Nations," from Handel's "Messiah," will be given by Mr. Hamilton Hodges, as will also the lesser known "Thus Saith the Lord," from the Same oratorio. In both numbers Mr. Hodges will be accompanied by the orchostra. The principal items by the orchostra will bo Tchaikovski's "Slavonic March," a "Flower Suite" by Benyon, and Thomas's "Raymond Overture, while among the lighter items will be Taubert'd .pretty "Lovo Song" for oboe and strings. Tho box plan is. at the' Bristol.