ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 57, 4 September 1909, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

"JACK AND JILL." Never were there such people as the Jack and Jill of Mr. J. C. Williamson's gorgeous pantomime, now holding the stage at the Opera House, and never was there such a glittering fairyland world for mortals to roam in. It is a wonderful land, wherein the 6trangest and funniest things occur ; where the most grotesque beings and animals stray on and stray off, and altogether such a land rarely seen out of dreamland. This pantomime, like the gallant explorer, nas gone "one niche the highest," and is a marvel of splendour. The whole show is a series of nattering tableaux, filling the bright stage setting, and passing slowly away to make 100 m for another and brighter fragment. There are the cutest Teddy-bears that were ever seen off the pages of a children's book. The ballets are really superb efforts of stage mechanism and the scenic artist. The Harvest ballet, and the etherial Butterfly ballet make the stage glad and novel pictures, while the miracujousness that effects the transformation in the snow scene to a land of roses is enough to keep the average male person awake o' nights. Then there are the other sweets in the collection of confectionery. The giant rooster, the Noah's Ark, the Skating ballet, the Grand March of the Jewels (a unique bon-bon), and such a scarecrow (impersonated by Mr. Clyde Cook) as would make a fortune if hired out. As for the incidental humans in the programme, they are all equally successful. Miss Nance Maher sings very well, Miss Stella Gastelle makes a breezy and smart principal boy, Miss Betty Ohls is as charming as when in Wellington before, while the quaint conceit and tickling stories and foolery of Messrs. J. M. "Campbell and Fred Leslie as the Widow Cobble and Baron Bounce kept tho house in perpetual mirth. Mr. Victor Loydall fills a not unimportant role happily, and Mr. Walter Stanton impersonates the heavyweight rooster inimitably The pantomime is the gayest and gladdest of things: almost a surfeit of mirth, music, and splendour. A matinoe was held this afternoon. The piece will be presented ajjaiu Uis evening. Box plans for the balance of the season will be opened at the Dresden on Monday morning at 9 o'clock. THEATRE ROYAL. To-night Messrs. Fuller will present another complete change of pictures, including many topical ones of great interest, the principal being, "The Richmond Horse Show,"' which gives one a splendid idea of the magnificent specimens of English blood stock. Another stirring picture will depict "The Sailors' March through London." There will also be a magnificent nautical study of the British Fleet assembled for the Empire Press Conference Naval Review. This is said to be one of the most wonderful films of its kind ever produced. The singing pictures are entitled, "Mary," sung by Ernest Pike, and "The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond," sung by Madame Deering. Other pictures to be shown for the first time are entitled, "Awfully Close," "The Billikin Grin," "The Gambler" (Pathe art film), jjove Wins at Last," and many others, which should constitute a splendid evening's amusement. ROYAL PICTURES. "Oliver Twist" is one of the several ' "star" pictures of the Royal Syndicate's programme at His Majesty's, Courtenayplace. "Joan of Arc' 1 is another series which has become exceedingly popular. "The Sleeper," "Truer Love," and the "Troubles of a Pretty Milliner," are strong features in a most entertaining and instructive programme. THE RINK. . The attendance at the Olympia Skating Rink continues unabated. Every evening the devotees of the gliding art make the most of their time, for the season is on the wane. The rink is open morning, afternoon, and evening. MISSIONS TO SEAMEN. A large audience assembled a 6 the Missions to Seamen Institute last evening, when the popular weekly chat on j ambulance work was given by Mr. James Moore, the missioner. The lecturer spoke of the lack of knowledge on the part of many persons required to act in an emergency calling for medical aid. He dealt briefly with the common accidentff, those likely to occur in the daily round of life, and also gave several useful hints regarding health matters. Competitions relating to am- j bulance work were won by sailors from ! ships in port. An interesting programme of music was provided by Miss Levestam, the following contributing items : — Madame Mueller, Misses V. Mueller and Baker, Messrs. Irwin and Riddehough. Miss Levestam. played the accompaniments. A vote of thanks was accorded the performers at the conclusion of the meeting. DREADNOUGHT BAZAAR. Last evening the fair which has been in progress for the past four days in the Town Hall came to a conclusion. Good business has been done during the time, and evidence has not been wanting of the large hold the Salvation Army rescue work, in whose aid the fair has been held, has upon the sympathy of the public. The Tramways Band played pleasing selections last evening, and more than a little praise is duo to Miss Yonmans and her 50 assistants for the delightful tableaux which so charmed the audiences. Last evening's living pictures were entitled "Queen of Swords," "Marriage of Arthur," 'Xead Thou me on," etc. IN AID OF THE UNEMPLOYED. A benefit "social" was held last night by employees of Messrs. R. Bell and Co. in aid of tho unemployed. There was a very satisfactory attendance of guests. Amongst those present were Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., who spoke a few appropriate words. A programme of dances and music contributed^ to the enjoyment of all. Those responsible for the arrangements were a committee consisting of the Misses R. Purbam, E. Arps, V. Monkhouse, L. Oakley, and Messrs. T. Stqtt,. and F. Gooch. The secretarial duties were fulfilled by Mr. G. Meldrum., LODGE ANNIVERSARY. The King's Coronation Lodge, 1.0. G.T., celebrated its seventh anniversary in tho New Century Hall last evening. The gathering was presided over by Mr. W. Smith. The first part of the proceedings took the form of a concert, to which the following iicjr.s were contributed : — Overture, Miss Christie; glee, Messrs. Knowles, Laiwdowne, Parker, and Murray ; comic acrobatic turn, Messrs. Knowles aril Laesdowne ; cornet solo, Mr. Christie ; the Happy Coons, Miss Violet md Master Percy Chaee: violin solo, Mr. V. G. Colej songs. Mr. A. L. Lewid, Misi L. Barratt, Master R. ~Ob.rist.io ; Messrs. Parker, Hicfemott, J. Knowies, E. Nolan, and Murray j coon sons (_witn banjo accompaniment), Mr. C. Colpiias ; comic Boags. Messrs. J. Scott and Lansrecitation, Miss Wilton. At the conclusion of the concert, games and other forms of amusement were indulged in. The arrangements were in 'the hands of an energetic committee, under the secretaryship of Mr. A. Drydeu. About 150 childeu were present at the annual social gathering of the scholars of All Saints Sunday School, Kilbirnie. Lantern pictures were shown by Mr. Drifneld, and other interesting entertainment was given. Miss Price, tho senior teacher, made a presentation to tho vicftv, the R»v. J. A, M'NlnkJc

Mr. M'Nickle is about to take charge of the Otaki parish, after having been at Kilbirnie for nearly five years. The second and final performance cf tho "Dreadnought Minstrels" was given in St. Thomas s Fchoolroom last night. Ihe proceeds from the entertainment are to be devoted towards the funds of the Young Men's Club attached to the church. Court Lady Glasgow, No. 8261, A.0.F., is holding a progressive euchre party and special pound night on Monday, next, 6th inst. An extended night in connection with the Carnation Assembly will be held on Wednesday next, Bth September. Particulars are advertised. St. Mark's choir announces, by advertisement, that it is holding its annual concert on Thursday next. An excellent programme, including orchestral and choral selections, is promised. The Newtown band will give a performance in the Town Hall on Monday 6th inst., at 8 p.m. The entertainment is given under the auspices of the City Council, and admission is free.