ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 43, 19 August 1913, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE JULIUS KNIGHT SEASON. A busy scene at the Dresden booking office yesterday indicated the interest that is being taken in the re-appearance of Mr. Julius Knight and the first pToduction in New Zealand of the comedy "Milestones," both of which events are to take place at the Opera House on Thursday evening next. Mr. Julius Knight, who has been 6een mostly in costume plays, presents a striking ■diversion from that type as John Rhead, in "Milestones." It is really three parts— a youth full of energy and arrogance in the first act ; a middle-aged man, proud, prosperous, and pompous, in the second j and an almost worn-out grandfather, in the third. Mr. Knight' 6 acting in the triple role is described as artistic. The J. C. Williamson management announces a strong ca6t of supporting artists associated with Mr. Knight, headed by Miss Irene Browne, who was engaged in England especially for the Australian and New Zealand tour. Other artists engaged in England for the same tour are Miss Grace Noble, Miss Mary Goulden, and Mr. Martin Lewis. THEATRE ROYAL. Now performers and new contributions by old performers drew a large audience to the Theatre Royal last night, and they were rewarded with an entertaining programme. Amongst the newcomers are the St. Leonards, who do some really clever balancing work on chairs. The turn is a-lso added to by the work of a clever dog. Mr. Fred Branscombe, a double-voiced singer, made a good impression, his singing of " The Swallows " and quick change of voice in " The Dear Little Shamrock" earning him an en* thusiastie recall. Athol, a strong man, with splendid muscular development, went through a. number of poses, and did some heavy weight lifting with ease. His turn concluded by placing a blacksmith's anvil on his chest and allowing two men to deal blows on it with large hammers. Mr. George Dean, an old popular performer at the Royal for many years past, made his reappearance, and was warmly greeted. His contributions were given with vim, and encores wer,e accorded him. Of last week's performers Corona and his cornet made the most decided hit. He played artistically, made the hit of the evenning, and left his audience clataouring for more. Miss Violet Carmen and Mr. Alf. Lawrance are still popular, and in their medley of songs enhanced their popularity. Henchey, Vincetti, and Busn and the Three Dec&rs and "Tomato," the wonderful donkey, were responsible for much fun in their offerings, and the Rosebuds danced pleasingly. The programme will bo rejieated this evening. THE SMART SET. Of the popularity of the Smart Set entertainers there can be no doubt, and this was well illustrated at the, Concert Chamber last night, when the combination appeared in a new programme. There was a large attendance, and those present were treated to two hours' bright amusement. The number "Chorus, Gentlemen" (with a chorus effect by Messrs. Dakin and George) suited Mr. Parkes admirably, and his interpretation was artistic ; the audience insisted on a double encore. Mr. Dakin's new numbers were in themselves most humorous, and with the addition of a rendering such as only Mr. Dakin can give, they became possessed of a sort of double-barrelled humour. Miss Mona Thomas gave a pleasing number in "Prince Charming, for which she received a flattering reception; equally successful was Miss Gweenyth Evans in "Still as the Night." The new items of Miss Georgie Elliott delighted jusb as much as anything this clever lady has yet done: In combination with Mr. Walter George she was even better, and Mr. George carried his share with success. Mr. Edward Elliott and "Sunshine James" were enthusiastically received. The pianist, Mr. Edward H.ulland, was recalled for an artistic interpretation of "Prelude" (Rachmaninoff). All the concerted numbers were excellent. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The, Vitagraph Company was responsible for the "star" picture presented at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, an interesting and vividly told drama entitled "The Web." The story deals with Beatrice Esmond, who has entangled a man named Lester Phillips, of whom her lover, Zolan, is not unnaturally jealous. Finally Lester manages to escape from the toils of the adventuress, and in revenge Beatrice breaks her engagement with Zolan and becomes engaged to Lester's younger brother. She also, at the same time, manages to poison the mind of Lester's fiancee against him. Terrible complications ensue, but in the end wrong is righted, and a tragic act of justice overtakes Beatrice Esmond. The piece is well mounted, and the dressing for the various characters a feature of the production. An original drama, in which a horse takes a leading role, was contained in "Arabia, the Equine Detective." The intelligent and highly-trained animal does some clever detective work, and is instrumental, not only in restoring some stolen jewels, but bringing the thief to justice, and reuniting a pair of lovers. A rarely beautiful scenic film gave a succession of views of the wonderful old city of Nuremburg, and some of its architectural beauties, and some equally fine river scenery was included in "The Rapids." Hearty laughter followed the fortunes of "Rosie" and her evident enjoyment of the sweets of revenge, and "The Flirty Husband" was another laughter-raising film. Other good pictures are "By Mutual Agreement" and the Pathe Gazette. Some excellent orchestral items accompanied the pictures. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Foremost in the present programme of the Empress Theatre continuous pictures is the railway drama "Had She But Known." Thife is a story of an engine-driver and a stoker on a railway locomotive, who fight over a girl while the train hurries on to disaster. There is a realistic railway smash taken at the actual scene of a collision. The A.B. drama, "The Mistake," is an enactment depicting a stirring incident of the West. Other acceptable items include "The Manoel Acrobatic Quartette," "On the Adriatic" fWelt scenic), "Matrimonial Adventures" (Kalem skit), and "Flirtation at Sea" (travel comedy). The programme will be repeated this evening and throughout to-morrow. STAR PICTURES. Good businesd^was done at the Star Theatre, Newtown, last evening, when a new selection of films was introduced. The dramatic portion of the programme was headed by two fine studies, "The School Principal" and "Alixe, or the Test of Friendship." "The Express C.0.D." was affother subject of particular merit, while there' was much to laugh over in a. farcical comedy entitled "The Ambitious Butler." A film of local interest was the advent of the new ferry "flyer" Wahine, and there were many exciting scenes in "Motor Racing in the Isle of Man." The programme also included "The Gaumont Graphic," "The Golden Wedding," "Ellaline Terriss and Seymour Hicks." OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. To-morrow night at the Olympia Rink the gliding event in the men's competition series is set down. The final event, back two-step for the ladiee, takee place on Saturday evening.

THE KING'S THEATRE. "The School Principal" is one of the best of an excellent collection of dramatic studies included in the new programme at The King's Theatre last evening The plot hinges round tho fortunes of a Bpoiled, self-willed young woman,, who, becoming tired of the advances of the idle rich young men, resolves to become a school teacher. Her rebellious nature, however, proves too much for the school principal, and the young woman's career as a. teacher is cut comparatively short. The change of life at least does some good, for the young woman returns home very much changed for the better. She secretly admires the principal, and peculiar circumstances bring about developments which make everyone concerned nappy. Another fine study is that" entitled "Alixe, Nar the Test of Friendship," while "The Golden Wedding" shows how au old couple sit before the fire and see the vision of their life together from childhood days. The functions held in connection with the arrival of the new ferry steamer Wahine make an interesting film. Other pictures are "Motor Racing in the Isle of Alan," "Ellaline Terriss and Seymour Hicks, 1 ' and two comedies : "The Ambitious Butler" and "The Express C.0.D." THE - NEW THEATRE. "Asta Neiken in a Fix," a comedy, occupies a leading position at The New Theatre. Miss Asta Neilsen appears in a congenial role, in which ehe displays conspiciuous talent. There is a John Bunny coniedy, "Ma's Apron Strings," which is decidedly laughable. "The Gaumont Graphic" is an interesting pictorial budget of news. PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. The excellent variety of moving picture entertainment making up the current programme at the Peoples Picture Palace induced numerous attendances at yesterday's seesionfi. "The Tramp Reporter" is an interesting feature film, while "The Scales of Justice" (Selig), and "In the Blood" are picture dramas that are full of interest. "The Eclair Journal" depicts a series of interesting current happenings in different lands. SHORTT'S PICTURES. The new programme at Shortt's Theatre, which drew large audiences at all sessions yesterday, is being repeated to-day. There is much merit in the new pictures, but one especially will make a strong appeal to the children— " The Little Wooden Soldier," in which a child dreams that his wooden and leaden toy soldiers _ make war against one another It is a clever picture, and was much appreciated. " Fate and Fortune " is the leading drama, and is well acted. The remaining pictures— comedies, scenic, and topical — are also up to standard. The Wellington staff of the Provident Life Assurance Company held its quarterly meeting at the Shetland Rooms, Cuba-street, last week. Mr. J. J. Roberts, the company's' inspector, presided. Mr. W. Beniams, district superintendent, and Messrs. Hartley and Evans gave addresses. The toast of the company was proposed by Mr. Davies and responded to by Mr. ' J. J. Roberts. A gold medaJ suitably engraved was presented to Mr. Wright for the best allround progress made during the past quarter. Mr. W. Millier was the pianist, and Messrs Roberts, Hartley, D. J. Evans, A. G. Evans, Ibison, M'Kinstry, and Millier contributed to the harmony of the evening.