ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25, 30 January 1912, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"HAMLET" AT THE OPERA HOUSE. The audience that filled the Opera House last evening must be acknowledged as rendering tribute to an eminent_ actor, as well as /showing their appreciation of Shakespeare's evergreen and ever-welcome tragedy. Mr. Irving's conception of the principal character differs from that of other leading exponents of the part — not always for the better, perhaps, in the opinion of playgoers, who cherieh memories of Macready, the Keans, G. V. Brooke, Phelps, and other prominent tragedians of the nineteenth century. His interpretation of the part is founded on that of his late father, Sir Henry Irving, whom in form and feature he strikingly resembles. Like his father, too, he does not hesitate to introduca innovations, if he considers them necessary for carrying out his conception of j the play Instances of this, occur in hie interview with Ophelia, where he makes it clear that he euepects the presence of interlopers behind the arras, which doea i not appear to bfc sanctioned either by the j text or by stage practice. The absence of the disordered apparel which is taken as an indication of his supposed madness is ako noticeable ; and in the closet scene, he follows the example of his father in drawing upon his imagination for "the counterfeit presentment of two 1 kings," as against the old stage method jof pointing to two portraits upon the 1 wall. These slight departures from accepted traditions are no hindrance to a consistent rendering of the part, and detract nothing from the sterling merits of the performance. Mr, ' Irving held the attention of tho spectators from the moment he entered the State room of the Castle in the suite of the King and Queen. His first soliloquy was we.ll delivered, but it was in the scene on the ramparts that interest was most fully aroused. A fine contrast to the passionate energy of the Prince was afforded by the Ghost (Mr. H. Vibart) .whose Solemn monotone could be difitinctj ly heard in ©very part of the theatre. Again, in hie interview with Ophelia in the second act, Mr. Irving scored a marked success, while the various soliloquies in which he palliates or excuses his slowness of purpose were excellently : declaimed. In the play scene, his exultation when Claudius, "frighted by false fire," shows signs of a guilty conscience was rather overdone, and -the scene would probably gain by being acted in a more subdued light. Hamlet s interview with his mother afforded another opportunity for a display ot good acting, ! which was fully availed of, and in the churchyard scene" "and the fenc-ing-match, followed by the death of the principals, Mr. Irving had a. large share of fhe work and acquitted himself well. He was recalled several times after each act, and frequently during their progress. Claudius, as presented at the Opera House, hardly realises one's idea of the Danish king. Mr. Frank Tyars declaim** his lines well, but his appearance and eurrouridingfi are not made sufficiently imposing. His speeches in court and council are all that a king's should be, notwithstanding the "depreciatory remarks of the egotistical Ghost. One notable speech, that on prayer and repentance, is, cut out of the presentation. As Gertrude, Miss Helen Kous gave att even and satisfactory performance, being especially good in the closet scene with the Prince. Miss Dorothea Baird played Ophelia with grace, but was inclined to be a little too demonstrative, at times, for the part. The bringing in of the body of Ophelia after she had been drowned was a novelty, which does not seem justified by necessity or by stage directions. The part of Polonius was in the able hands of Mr. .Arthur Whitby, who gave the wise saws of the old Court Chamberlain with unction, , A word of praise must be given to the Players, who declaimed the lines set for them with due emphasis, yet^ preserved the stagy manner that distinguished them from the' more natural actors in the drama proper. Bosencrantz and Guildenfitoi'n (who, it must be owned, are scurvily treated by their friend and fellowscholar), Horatio, Laertes, and the rest, found' capable representatives. Excellent music ie supplied throughout the, drama by the,orcheetra under Herr Slapofl'ski. "Hamlet" will be repeated to-night, and until further notice. FULLERS' PICTURES. The change of programme screened by Messrs Fuller last evening at the Olyiupia Skating Rink was an attractive one. "Thrown to the Lions," a beautifully coloured study, was a drama of thrilling interest. Another good drama, entitled "Told in the Colorado," was acted in picturesque surroundings, and provided a pretty love theme. "Carr's Regeneration was a tale replete with human interest, and "His Chorus Girl Wife," a dainty drama, was a popular j one with the spectator*. Comedy was plentiful, and the programme included several excellent comedy dramas, of laughter-raising quality, the best of which, were *'The Wager" (reminiscent of "Charley's Aunt"), ''Luck of Reckless Reddy," and "Won Thro' a Medium." The Pathe Gazette provided' an interesting budget of current events, including the recent < floods in Wales, motor-cycle racing in France, and- a unique football match at Aldershot. "The City of Bartoum," a. splendid scenic subject, took the spectators for a tour through Egypt. "Torpedo-boat Firing" was also a good aeries, showing various manoeuvres of the Swedish tor-, pedo fleet. The programme will be repeated this evening. THE KING'S THEATRE. Picture-lovers— and they are to ' be found nowadays in every section of the community — will have noted, 36 time goes on, how the kinematograph is moving steadily towards artistic ideals. The new programme at The King's Theatre last evening was a splendid example in point. Of the eight films shown there was not one which was not from the technique of the art — the selection of scene, the adjustment of lights and the olearness of the reproduction on the screen, a satisfying thing for .the most' critical. There was one picture which for the fine quality of the acting, the expressiveness of the various episodes and the general stage craft, was a revelation of the possibilities of the kinematograph. This was "The Power of Love," one of the famous Nordisk productions. ! tt should be seen by all who admire the playerVi art. Another artistic piece of work is the Guuniont film, "Thrown to the Lions." Especially noteworthy are the scenes ir» the amphitheatre before Nero The colouring adds it touch of realism to the picture. In "Dooley's Scheme" appears again an admirable comedian the American Biograph Company has discovered — a real treasure of facial contortion and gesture. "One on Reno," a gentle satire on "Divorce while you wait."- Reno, of Jeffries- Johnson fame, is also good, and the remaining pictures, including the Pathe Gazette, complete an enjoyable entertainment, which will be repeated tonight. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "The Last of the Mohicans," one of the pictures at present being shown at Shortt's Theatre in Willis-street, is well worth seeing. "The Zoo at Antwerp" is also an excellent study, which cannot fail to appeal to lovers of nature. The whole programme, indeed, is extremely well diversified. The theatre ie open from 11 a.m. to 11 pirn.

NEWBURY-SPADA CONCERTS. Tho second of the series of popular concerts inaugurated by Mr. Philip Nowbury and Madame Spoda last week takes place to-morrow night in the Town Hall. An attractive programme has been prepared, a feature of which will be tho selection "Che Gelida Manilla" (from ' L . a . Boheme"), to be sung by Mr. Philip Newbury. Hie other items afe "Ah. Moon of My Delight" (from "A Persian^ Garden"). Blumenthal's "My Queen, Mattel's dramatic song "Bianca,' and with Madame Spada the charming duet from "II Trovatore," "Home to Our Mountains." Madame bpadas items will be "Nympheefc Syly.ou^'u A B «nl»>S) and Somervell's "Shepherd's Cradle Song." Mr. Hamilton Hodgefl will eing "The Bedouin's Love Sohg" ( a new setting by the Amoncan composer Chadwick), and take Imr 1 !^ a duet with Jlr - Newbury, "Watchman, Whai, of the Night?" Reserved seats at Dresden. Day «alea at ChmteHons. THEATRE ROYAL. In the succetssion of moving colour pictures which have been secured by the Messrs. Fuller for exhibition at the Iheatre K^yai, the value of the new process is more noticeable in the reproduction of scenic and flower studies than m dramatic pieces. The n«\v programme , crtaiaing views of the Bospnorus. and Constantinople, taken from tho. deck, of an ocean \liner, and give mie an excellent idea of the beauties of the sea and coast and the architecture of the lurkish capital. The shipping, street scefies, and quaint Turkish figures and costumes are all faithfully shown. One of the most striking incidents is aphotograph of the Sultan going to the feelemirk, accompanied by a military escort. Another series of pictures from boufch Europe are those of thp ruins °l . Pompeii, ■ tho famous buried city. " A Run With the JExmoor Staghounds " forms a pleasing contrast to the foregoing. In this picture the „ actual colours of nature are faithfully reproduced. There is the meet of tho hounds, the riders and their beautifully-groomed and well 'bred horses, tho village and country scenes, and tho hounds in full c'e ' udin S with fche death of the B l a , gl . ls is one of tne mc - 8 t remarkable pictures of its class which has been produced here. In addition to the Kiwmacoior pictures, there are a number of exciting dramatic and humorous items which give variety to a Teally excellent programme. There will be repetition of the Kinemacolor pictures to-inght. BIJOU PICTURES. The standard set by the Bijou Theatre proprietary i B being very well maintained, and the attendances of the public have been satisfactory. Included in the current programme are "The Veteran's Honour," "The Revenue Man and the Girl, " Religions of the Persians," and many others. THE NEW THEATRE. A change of programme was presented ab the New Theatre in Manners-street, to-day. One of the best pictures shown was entitled "A Pooriv Clad Doll" (Cines), a story which will appeal especially to children. Older, people, too, will see in it no email evidence of merit. In the domain of industry there can be no more interesting; picture than' that showing the operation connected with the widening of the River Rhine. Huge pneumatic rock-drilling machines are seen at work. "Pioneer Days," a typical American study, is well acted, as most of the Bison Company's pictures are. "Kelly as an Equilibrist" will make' everybody laugh, and Ihfcffe are atveral other pictures on the programme which can be seeh at any hour between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. STAR PICTURES. -The change of programme at the Star /Theatre, , 2^ewtown, last evening attracted another excellent attendance.^ • Of the dramatic' subjects, "Thrown to the' Lions" was, perhaps, 'the most appreciated.^ "Told in Colorado" is a film by the Selig Company, and shows some admirable scenery. , The Pathe Gazette shows some of the latest events in different part* of the world. An interesting film is "Torpedo Boat Firing," giving excellent views of Swedish torpedo 1 boats. The programme contains some ; very good comedies, namely "Dooley's Scheme" and "The Wager." O^her pictures are ''The City of Batoum," "Won Through a Medium," and' "His ChorusGirl Wife." ST. THOMAS'S HALL. The new programme of pictures . at St. Thomas's Hall, Nowtown, la*t -evening pleased a goodly audience. The twin Btars of the evening were "The Power of Love,*' an excellent pictureplay of the Nordisk firm, and "Thrown to the Lions," a Gaumont classical production of the days of Nero and the persecution of tho Christiana in Imperial Rome. The rest of the programme included two clever comics (" Dooley's Scheme" and "A Tale of a Violin I ), a scenic picture of the King of Italy's palaces, torpedo work in the Swedish Navy, and the Pathe Gazette. The progratame will be repeated to-night.