ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1913, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

4 w "THE BUTTERFLIES" TO-NIGHT. "The Butterflies," a combination of English artists' (who concluded a very successful tour of South Africa last month), will open a season in Wellington at the Opera House this evening. A contemporary says : "Rarely, if ever, has a company such as the troupe of seven 'Butterflies,' now appearing at this theatre, electrified the city such as they have done, for again last night, in spite of the inclemency of the weather, there was not one available seat in the house, and many, not having taken heed of the warning by the management to book seats in advance, were quite unable to obtain admission even after waiting for over an hour. 'The Butterflies' are indeed rare specimens, and such as we shall not see perhaps again, if ever. Their entertainment surpasses anything seen like it before, for every member of this combination is artistic to the finger tips, apart from which they are splendid musicians, and their numbeis are original." TO-NIGHT'S ORGAN RECITAL. The lasb but two of ' Mr. Maughan Barnett's organ jrecitals in tho Town. Hall will be given to-night. The programme will include works by Bach, Widor, Sibeliue, and tho Fantaieie on Carmen. Mr. C. H. Stephens will eing an interesting selection o£ 6ongs by various composers. THEATRE ROYAL. The Fuller-Brennan Company at the Theatre Royal continues to be popular. Last evening there was an excellent attendance, and the items submitted by the various artists were well received. Fred Curran, a comedian, was responsible for hearty laughter, as were also the two American singing comedians, Slavin and Thompson. The pretty tableaux by La France also delighted the audience, and many other admirable items completed an attractive pro* gramme. This evening Athos and Collins, two clever burlesque artists, will make their first appearance in Wellington. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. One of the most realistic films yet exhibited in this fine building is "A Day with a Circus," a veritable Noah's Ark. The Italian drama, "Father," with burning factory and palatial building, and the reconciliation 'of old-time enemies through tho love of their offspring, was much appreciated. The programme will be repeated to-night. New films will be staged on Monday. On Monday night next Messrs. Fuller will present a complete chance of programme. The new series will include two feature subjects—the first entitled "Builders of the Empire," "an exciting Canadian film of 3000 ft in length. The story tells of the adventures of a party of surveyors for the transcontinental railway, and "Cinderella," a spectacular dramatic adaptation of the well-known fairy tale, and is said to be one of tho Selig Company's best productions. THE KING S THEATRE. The current programme presented at The King's Theatre is a popular one, judging from the excellent attendances. "Father," an interesting dramatic study, is a well'told story acted by clever artists, and includes many thrilling scenes, such as the burning of a large manufactory and a mansion. A romance adds interest to the picture. There will be a complete change of programme on Monday evening, when, included among other good pictures will be a pretty domestic love story, entitled "In the Springtime of Life." THE NEW. THEATRE. This evening the current programme of The New Theatffc continuous pictures will be screened for the last time. "A High Stake," a Nordisk ladies' drama', is the main attraction. The change of programme on Monday will include a dramatic "feature" entitled "Sealed Lips." The story is an interesting portrayal of a modern romance. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "The God Within," an impressive dramatic story by the A.B. Company, together with an excellent supporting programme of continuous pictures will be seen« for the last -time at the Empress Theatre this evening. On Monday the management announces that the new programme will introduce a great wild animal sensational drama. "Kings of the Forest," by the Selig Company, tho unfolding of which will occupy over half an hour. The thrilling sensatiwis are provided in hair-raising encounters with huge lions, panthers, and other beasts. Those episodes are reported to have been enacted with considerable risk to the men and women who figure in the cast. One of the many exciting incidents depicts a lion snatching a calf from within a few feet of a defenceless woman and child. Tho producers claim that the wild animals are shown in. a most natural manner, and startling results are secured by working with the ahimals in the open, where the lions had a chance to stalk, to run, and to leap as they do in nature. The usual animal picture-plays are generally palpably artificial, but it is claimed that in "Kings of the Forest" there is no apparent artificialism — the scenes being vividly realistic. "Kings of the Forest" will appear at Monday's sessions— both day and night. SHORTT'S THEATRE. To-day and to-night are the last of the splendid military picture, "With the Colours," which has proved such an attraction at Shortt's Theatre since the inauguration of the present programme. The review of the typical regiments of the British Army is a most inspiriting spectacle and should be seen while the opportunity still offers. On Monday the new programme will be introduced with a fine patriotic drama, "For Her Country's Sake." Another item of interest will be "The Hero," featuring the popular picture-actor, Mr. Maurice Costello. STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Pictuvs* of the beautiful gardens of Luxemburg form an interesting, and pleasing feature of the present programme at the Star Theatre, Newtown. A fine screening of the powerful play "Father," and a thrilling railway drama were shown ; also, the laughter-provok-ing comic entitled "Life-saving Jim!" The programme will be repeated this evening. ST. THOMAS'S, NEWTOWN. The present varied and entertaining programme at St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, drew another good house last night.- "Lieut. Rose in the China Seas," and the fine drama entitled "Father" were again presented, and were loudly applauded. There was a matinee this afternoon. The final performance of this excellent programme takes place tonight. KILBIRNIE SKATING RINK. Good attendances continue at the Kilbirnie Rink. Sessions will be held this afternoon and evening, when the band will be in attendance. The rink is not open to the public on Tuesday cvenyigs. Rickaids' Tivoli Company concluded its Wellington season _ last night and opens at Masterton this evening. • Tho Wellington, Rowing Club'a Anaern bjy comraencea on Tu.eacw.jr tveainik

PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. The leading feature of the entertaining programme at the People's Picture Palace is a well-constructed and clearly- j screened drama "A Red Man's Conscience'' — a play containing many sensational incidents. ''Field Spiders in their Haunts" proved both instructive and amusing to both old and young. The programme will be repeated tonight. MR MAUGHAN BARNETT. On Thursday evening at the Town Hall the musical public will have an opportunity of attending the farewell concert to be tendered by the Royal Wellington Choral Society to its conductor, Mr. J. Maughan Barnett. A very attractive programme has been arranged, Items will be contributed by blisses Dora Read, Muriel Bennett, and Agnes Segrief, Messrs. John Prouse and Hamilton Hodges. ' The public of this city have not hitherto had a chance of healing a duet played on the big organ. On Thursday Mr. Barnett ana Mr. Hunt will play the piece set out m our advertising column. The Municipal Orchestra will vender two items. rh-3 Wellington professional musicians will perform that popular "Toy Symphony,' 1 and the Choral Society will produce" Mr. Barnett's Madrigal, Elgar's "God Save the King"' and the "Hallelujah Chorus." The booking is said to be good ; but there are still plenty of vacant chairs to be reserved. Both 3s and 2s- seats can be reserved at the Dresden. The members of the society are reminded that a short practice will be held in St. John's, on Tuesday, at 8 p.m., when members are asked to bring their "Messiah" scores only. The City Band will play a programme of music at Newtown Park to-morrow afternoon.