ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 153, 28 June 1912, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"WHO'S WILLIAM?" AT THE OPERA HOUSE. There wan little wrong with the performance by the Wykeham-Nable Company of "Who's William?" last evening, except that it might easily have taken place much earlier^in th» seaßon. Admittedly, "Who's William?" is the best thing in the company's repertoire, so far as Wellington has had any evidence. "Who's William?" a farcical comedy by Harry Carver, is quite good business all the time, and it was played last evening with exhilarating freedom and dash. Unfortunately, there was not a large audience, but the loss was with those who stayed away. The dialogue is bright and chippy, the "company generally actively bright and chippy, too, and the result is Vwo or three hours of really enjoyable fun-inaking. There is not space to outline the whole stony, but people fond of a rollicking evening at the theatre should ask themselves "Who's William?" and go to the Opera House and find out. ( Mr. R.'Wykeham has the "star"role^ — Frank Hawtrey, and the part is in excellent hands. Mr. Wykeham. f6f 6 comedy is never too obtrusive, and his performance last night would have well pleased the author of the piece. It was intelligent and clear-cut comedy. As Jack Carruthers, Mr. Max Montesole did his best work ot the < season. He acts confidently, and a little extra finish added laßt evening to a clever characterisation. Mks Maud Chetwynd again scored, and Miss Pressy Preston made a vivacious, well-dressed Mrs. Carruthers, and sang a couple of songs that brought encores. Miss Ida Ingersoll was happily placed, ac were Mr. Charles Thorsby, Mr. Edward Nable, Mietl Cazalla, and Mr. Lashbrook. "Who's William?" which is well itaged and costumed, will be repeated to-night and to-morjow evening. i "THE DANDIES." Although such boisterous weather prevailed outside, the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall was .well filled last evening, and the sparkling new programme submitted by "The Dandies" was thoroughly enjoyed. The popularity of this splendid company of'amusementmakera showß no sign of waning in the least. The new items given .last night well maintained the high standard set by previous programme, and, by way 01 encores, several old favourites were given. The concerted numbers were especially well received, and proved to be some of the most popular items on the programme. Mr. Claude Dampier always brings forth roars of laughter, and he was as successful as ever last evening. In fact, the whole . company, individually and collectively, performed their partß. admirably, earning continued applause. The programme will be repeated this evening. THE LIEDERTAFEL. Those who braved the elements last evening, and they were many, had the pleasure of listening to a really good concert, the tirst concprt for the nineteenth season of the Wellington Liedertafel. A number of part eong6 were sung* with spirit and intelligence and in excellent tune. They included " Queen of the bilerit Night,' "Reveries," which was particularly welj/eung, and "The Goslings." Very enjoyable also was a quartet, " Strike tlie Lyre," - sung by Messrs. A. Longmore, J. P. Carr, J. A. Macdonald, and G. Parsons. Mi*. F. V. Waters gave much pleasure by .hie artistic singing- of "Let" 'the Daroad-ful Engines," Mies Dall was the lady vocalist of the occasion. She gave -ample proof cf the possession of a clear, sweet, and cultivated voice. One of the- most enjoyable items on the programme .was a> selection from Handel's " Water Music," by the pianoforte and fittings. • It was played with spirit and musicianly precision. The second part of the programme^ included the interpretation of a descriptive symphonic ode in three parts, with orchestral accompaniment, entitled "The Deeert," by Felician David. The Liedertafel has shown enterprise in selecting the work, and it ako gave what was on the whole a remarkably good per- • formance. Tenor soles were sung by Mr. J. B. Bowman and Mr. Searle. Mr. Robert Parker conducted, and Mr. D.' Kenny was the pianist. During the interval Mr. A. L. Herdman, M.P., president of the Liedertafel, congratulated the members upon the excellent entertainment they nad produced, and upon their acquisition of Mr. D. Kenny. They were also to , be congratulated upon having Mr.' Robert Parker as the conductor, for his- enthusiasm and interest in the institution kad been of inestimable value to them. CAPPING CARNIVAL. The students of Victoria College gave a concert and theatrical performance in the Town Hall last evenuig. The hall was crowded to ite full lhmts. A large ! programme of glees (by the college club) and vocal and instrumental numbers was presented. The soloists were Miss Hobie (violin), Misa Tennent, Mr. Boeufve, and Mr. Goudie. Mr. Stainton conducted the glee club through its selections, and Miss Harper was pianist. The extravaganza " Wumpty Dumpty " introduced a clever sketch of the political situation a-nd its possibilities. The various actors in the political comedy were well portrayed. In " Irving's Waterloo," an amusing conceit, the renowned actor was discovered praying to be kindly dealt with by the elocution judge of the competitions to take place on the morrow. Incidentally it should be mentioned that Irving was cleverly mimicked by Mi. P. B. Broad. The Fall from Grace referred, as did some of the songs, to matters of strictly etudent importance. The entertainment was manifestly much enjoyed by all present, inasmuch as ap plause was noby, long, and frequent. After the performance there wae a dance. THEATRE ROYAL. All this week there have been good audiences at the Theatre Royal, where a vaudeville show of much variety is attracting patrons. Lawrence Barclay, an English character comedian, Albert and Hillier, comedy sketch axtists, and the Brooldyne, versatile acrobats, are all earning encores. The programme is to be repeated this evening. ADELPHI THEATRE. A large audience, amongst which, was tho Canterbury representative hockey team, attended the Adeiphi last night. The programme was nicely balanced with scenic, dramatic, and comic pictures, whilst the Pathe Gazette gave the topical touch. " A Cowboy Damon and Pythias" was a very touching dramatic ST. THOMAS'S PICTURES. There ib a film in the new seriesshown last evening at St. Thomas's Hall which deals with sheep farming, and embraces many branches of station work. Shearing, dipping, mustering ; indeed, most of the work on a sheep station is shown in detail. All the other pictures are new ' and interesting, including numerous good examples of dramatic and humorous studies. The programme will be repeated thh> evening. KILBIBNIE RINK. The return hockey match between Hutt and Wellington teams, was played at the Kilbirnie Rink last evening, and ended in a, draw. M'Donald scoied for Hutt and M'Clupky for Wellington. To- -I morrow night the second lace for the I ladiea' silver £u^ ]t £eL down. j

FULLER'S PICTURES. Quite a. number of items of special interest were submitted at last night's change of programme at the Skating Rink by the Fuller Proprietary. "Tlie Renegade" is an interesting story of adventure on the frontier. For striking a rival for the major's daughter, a soldier is court-martialled and disgraced. A band of marauding Indians capture the major's ,young«r daughter, ana the renegade appears in time to save her life. His . reward is, of course, the elder girl and 'reconciliation A story of Alaskan bandits is of exceptional interest, and deals with stirring adventures in the snow in Canada. Murder, unjust suspicion, and a love story with' some pathos, figure in the film. "Scenes' oh the Upper Thames" is one of the prettiest films of its kind Been for a long time. Other attractions were :—: — "A Walk Through a Poultry Farm," "A Poor Excuse that Worked," "Coming of the Laniba," "In Little Italy," etc. STAR PICTURES. Many inte'iesting films were submitted at. the Star Picture Theatre, , Newtown, last night, when the usual change was given. ■ "The Persevering Cavalier" greatly pleased the large audience. The troubles of the buckjumper who accompanies a young lady for a ride at the behest of her father, were entertaining. "Manners and Customs of .the Siameme" was well received. ' Other films included I— " The Original Aerials," "Price of a Silver Fox," "Sculling at Lake Rabouns," "Auetralian Gazette," 'Cowboy Damon and Pythias," "Adoption of Jim," " Out of the Depths," "An Otter Study," and "The Three Sultanas." KING'S THEATRE, "Bound and Released" continues to atti'act lafge crowds at The King's Theatre nightly. Its sensations ■ again interested a big house last night. "The Persevering Cavalier" is a fine story of excellent horsemanship and a love episode. The Pathe Gazette proved a highly interesting number. Other pictures included "Tontolini Sneezes," "The Three Sultanas," "Out of the Depths," etc. Football pictures will be shown to-night, when the Melrose Football ,01ub'6 benefit will be given. THE NEW THEATRE. • A complete change of programme was introduced to-day at MacMahon and Donnelly's continuous pictures, at the New Theatre, Manners-sti'eet. Foremost among the leading items is a •really fine Redßkin drama, "The Indian Maid's Romance." "The Troubles ot a Butler," an impressive story of city life, "The Burglar's Daughter," "Two Brave Little Hearts" (a captivating film of a commendable type), "Trombone- Tommy" (an, adventurous tale of the American backblocks), "Bonnie of the Hills," and the comedy, "Just Smile," are all good, and there are others besides. SHORTT'S PICTURES. j A complete change of subjects attracted' large crowds to Shortt's Pictures yesterday, when "The Siege of Calais" was shown. This is a very fine picture of the siege of Calais and its ultimate sijrrender after ten months to Edward 1111, who, seeing. his success imminent, sends for his Queen (Philippa of Hainult) to come and share in hib triumph, Jan ,de Vkmme, Governor of Calais, tries to make terms with Edward, who, on the other, hand, demands the heads of six of the leading citizens, whose lives, however, are spared by the Queen's pleading. "Fate's Intervention," a Mexican romance by the A.B. Compajiyt and "The Trail Through the .HihV" were also splendid subjects. • Among others were "He Wanted fy> Propose, "A Modern Myetery," and '.'The Gaumo^t Gazette,'; This letter should beof special interest to' ladies, ; as it includes the latest Parisian fashions. The Srogramme will be repeated this 'evening.' pecial films will be added to the matinee programme to-morrow afternoon. PICTURES AT LOWER HUTT. To-morrow afternoon and evening there will be shown at the King George Theatre a complete new programme which, the management promises, will be in keeping with the high standard •which hatk beeu set by recent pro- • grammes. "The Little Organist" will be the "star," and in this the wellknown Edison Company is 6aid to be at its best. It is a pathetic story, true to human nature, and should, appeal to all classes. An edition of the Gaumont Graphic, which treats various topical events, will be shown, and also some splendid views of Salsburg. Other pictures are: "Willie" (a drama of some merit), " A Just Verdict " (Selig drama), "The Canine Swindler" (comic), and 'The Note in the Orange" (conflc). The programme will be repeated on Monday. A private • telegram from AucTdand states.that J. C. Williamson's spectacular religious drama, "Ben Hur," created quite a sensation there. It was generally acknowledged to be the best stage production seen in the Dominion. Over two hundred take, part iv the performance.