ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1914, Page 3

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A high standard was maintained at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, the building being filled in every part with an appreciative audience. Mr. Brent Hayes, who made a first appearance, quickly proved that there is as much music in a banjo as in any other musical instrument, and, moreover, that no finer exponent of the banjo has ever been heard in Wellington. Starting off with a difficult item, Mr. Hayes won the approval of the audience, and, in re-spc-nso to an ovation, he followed on with a selection from "II Trovatore." The artist produced a wonderful effect, playing the melody and an accompaniment in such a manner that it was difficult to realise that two banjos were not being used. The audience clamorously asked for more, and another selection was given, followed by "Annie Laurie." Another new contributor was Miss Dorothy Harris, an American comedienne, who had a good reception. Miss Harris's specialties are catchy songs, and, contributing these while dressed in the latest of costumes, she was loudly applauded. Further enjoyable musical numbers were contributed by The Three Luxors, .novelty instrumentalists, who played operatic selections and catchy melodies on the xylophone and sleighbells. A successful appearance was also made by Foster, Lamont, and Foster, described as iron-jawed acrobats, who contributed by various feats to the success of the entertainment. Miss Millie Doris was recalled again and again. THE KING'S THEATRE. To what perfection the moving picture can nowadays reach \ was shown last night at The King's Theatre, when a live tiger wanders in and oui. through the various scenes of "A Prisoner in the Harem," and is the means of making the troublous current of true love run smooth In this film— the "star" picture — two Indian lovers aye torn asunder by the cupidity of the girl's father and the despot passion of the Sultan. The pet tiger of the lover, which follows him about like a dog. and is really and literally the moving spirit of the plot, is responsible for the happy denouement, reached after many afflictions and trials. It is a thrilling picture, and wonderfully stage-managed, and the last scene, where the hero and heroine, united and happy, are at their meal, with their beneb'cent providence, the tiger, between them, is quite unique. The rebt of the programme is excellent, and the Caucasus scenes among the loveliest ever shown in Wellington. Very up to date was the 'film representing the fire a,t the Upper Hutt. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. There were crowded sessions at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures last evening, when the principal "draw" was the Edison Company's sensational drama, "Stanton's Last Fling." The play was performed in England and in Belgium, and some splendid views of landscapes in the latter country were introduced. A word of praise ip also due to "The Lesson" (Selig drama), "Double Crossed" (Keystone farcecomedy), "A Trip Through Lower Brittany" (scenic), and "Compromising Complications" (A.B. comedy). The selections by the Empress full orchestra prove enjoyable. THE NEW THEATRE. "The Adventures of Three Nights," the Eiko Company's drama, was responsible for a numerous attendance at The New Theatre last evening. Other meritorious items include "Wrongly Accused" (Melies drama), "Shooting tho Rapids" (scenic), and there are some hilarious comedies. ( ' PEOPLE'S PICTURE PALACE. The principal feature in the current programme at the People's Picture Palace is "A Mother's Sacrifice" — a drama full of human interest, and one which lias become ver.y popular. The supporting films are bright and interesting aud varied. SHORTT'S THEATRE. The excellent programme now being presented at Shortt's Theatre in Willisstreet is responsible for full houses day and night. The "star" attraction is "The King's Man," an interesting Vita drama, , with the Canadian North- West for a background. An almost equally thrilling drama is "Perils of the White Lights." STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. There was a crowded house at the Star Theatre last night, when "A Prisoner in the Harem," "Gagry" (an exceptional scenic), "The Scene of the Hutt Tragedy," and other pictures were well received, i ST. THOMAS'S HALL. The new programme screened at St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown, last night included "At the Wheel," a- Nordisk masterpiece, " Story of Lavihia," " Sacrifice," and "Johnnie Goes Ducking." OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. The two special attractions this week at Olympia Rink_ are the gentlemen's two-step competition on Thursday and the waltzing competition on Saturday. A children's session will be held on Saturday morning.