ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 88, 12 October 1915, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A very high standard in vaudeville entertainment is being set by the Fuller Pioprietary at His Majesty's Theatre these days', and the management is being rewarded with large audiences. In the new programme presented last night Pollard and Jackson, an operatic pair, made their first appearance locally, and received quite an ovation. They gave various selections from different wellknown operas, and were encored again end again. Next in popularity came Mr. Leonard Nelson, who was an established favourite here two years ago. He first of all gave " The Matrimonial Handicap." which he sang in racy style, full of wholesome humour. This he followed up with " What a Difference in the Morning," '"I Followed Her Here." and " When You're Married."' Even Hipn the audience was not satisfied. Lou Hoffman, described as " the hat maniac," did some clever juggling with hats of all descriptions. His quaint humour kept the audience laughing throughout the turn. Louise Duggan made her first appearance in Wellington. She is a balladist of more than ordinary merit. M'Connell and Austin repeated, with some additions, their clever trick bicycle riding act of last week, and Nat Hanley (whistler), the Two Collyers, Arthur Douglas (Scotch comedian), and Edinbury (equilibrists) all contributed enjoyable | items. Rowley and Tointon (dancing and singing specialists) repeated their success of last week. The programme will be staged throughout the week, and there will be a matinee op Saturday. THE J. 0. WILLIAMSON MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON. Wellington theatregoers are looking forward to the season of the new English Musical Comedy Company, which opens on Saturday next at the Grand Opera House. The repertoire is to be as follows: — "The Girl in the Taxi," for five nights, to be followed by "High Jinks." for four nighie, commencing on Friday, 22nd October; then "The Girl on the Film," for two nights (on Wednesday and Thursday, 27th and 28th October). The company contains many faces new to Wellington, including Messrs. C. H. Workman, the London comedian ; Field Fisher, an English comedian; W. H. Rawlins (who is claimed to have a standing in London equal to anyone in his line), Chris Wren, Fred Maguire, Alfred Fritft, and Hugh Huntley (comedians), and Paul Plunkett (baritone). [Among the ladies are Misses Gwen Hughes (whose artistic performances have won for her an enviable reputation), Florence Vie, Daisy Yates, and , Helen Hobson (comediennes), Marie Eaton, Cecil Bradley, and Dorothy Brunton. Patrons should note that the box plan for the entire season will be opened at the Bristol next Thursday morning, at 9 o'clock. KELLERMAN LAST NIGHTS. Only four more nights remain of the magnificent spectacular photo-drama, " Neptune's Daughter," at the People's Picture Palace. So great has. been the success of this thrilling romance of the sea, and so unabated is the interest, displayed in it, although it is now, in its third consecutive week at the same theatre, that it could undoubtedly have continued its run for some time longer, but unfortunately this is impossible owing to previous bookings. In addition to her wonderful water feats, Miss Kellerman dances superbly, and fences with a master hand, while her ability as an actress <is shown by the skill with, which she makes the character of Annette, the old sea god's daughter, a living personality. A daily matinee is given at 2.30. The box plan for the closing nights is at the Bristol. DAMON AND PYTHIAS. When the dramatic spectacle "Damon and Pythias ' ' is presented here Welling ton audiences will see what has been regarded in America as a remarkable triumph of photo-drama art. The play is, of course, founded on the famous story of the two friends, Damon, the Senator, and Pythias, the soldier, whose attachment to each other has come down through the pages of history undimmed. The production is the work of the same film company that made " Neptune's Daughter." Many months of research were required before the actual work was begun on the play, so accurate had been the director's planning to make this the most perfect realisation of Greece in her most glorious days, and the scenic framework of the greatest story of human friendship that has survived all ages. It will be presented in five parts, full of dramatic fire and scenes of Greece in the days of her pomp and glory. THE KING'S THEATRE. In "Her shattered Idol," screened at The King's Theatre last night, the Majestic Corporation has succeeded in accomplishing a result in moving picture comedy that has not previously been attained in similar subjects shown here. It is a delightful combination of comedy and just a suspicion of drama. The leading roles are played by Mac Marsh and Robert Harron. Briefly, the story tells of a young couple who are engaged to be married. The girl, who is an enthusiastic admirer of abnormal masculine strength, is suddenly smitten with the physical charms of a young Hercules in the shape of the village blacksmith. One night she dreams she is a member of a tribe of cavemen, and two hairy giants in skins fight to the death for her hand — the victor, of course, being her blacksmith hero. That settles the matter so far as she is concerned, and she determines to wed the smith. But she has not reckoned with her guardian, who succeeds 'in "shattering her idol." Other pictures on the programme are the Pathe Gazette, "His Jungle Sweetheart" (drama), "Cartoons in a Laundry," and two beautiful scenic films. THE BRITANNIA THEATRE. "A Gentleman from Mississippi," another of the World Corporation feature films, attracted large crowds at all sessions yesterday at the Britannia Theatre. This five-act photoplay is built on distinctly different lines from any picture previously shown at this theatre. It shows the senator from Mississippi who, when elected to the House by a syndicate who expect his help in bringing off a big swindle, turns from them, and will not be bribed. His daughters become fascinated with Jife in the Capital, and both become engaged to be married, and the senator himself falls a victim to a captivating widow. The supporting programme includes a powerful dramatic story entitled "Robert Thome Forecloses. "- MACMiAHON'S THEATRE. The big society drama, "A House of Cards," is proving a strong attraction at MacMahon's Theatre, which was well j filled at all sessions yesterday. "The Master Key" has a specially good chapter this week, and the story will finish ia two more numbers. "The Silent Witness" is a capital American drama, and comedy is supplied by a riotous original farce entitled "The Hair of Her Head." Topical and scenic pictures make up an admirable programme. STAR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. " Her Shattered Idol," a unique comedy by the Majestic Company, is the chief attraction of the new proframme at the Star Theatre, Newtown. 'he /supporting films are all entertaining.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. In the new bill at Everybody's Theatre, pride of place is taken by a Lubin feature drama, "Whom the Gods Would Destroy." This describes the career of a man who by profligacy has brought himself into a desperate position. He attempts to recover by crime, and brings upon himself the vengeance of the gods. "The Million Dollar Mystery" provides further sensations in the latest number. Topical views of excellent quality are contained in the "Gaumont Graphic,", and "Merely a Married Man" is a most laughable comedy. EMPRESS THEATRE. A sea story of the virile type, for which Jack London is noted fs to be seen in picture form at the Empress Theatre under the title of "'The Enemies." A scoundrel, who has betrayed an innocent girl, is "shanghaied" by "her brother. Thrilling events crowd upon one another when the villain has been placed on board ship with a cutthroat crew. Exceptionally fine photography distinguishes this picture. Among other numbers in the present programme is "How Mary Fixed It," a Mary Pickford film, which would make the saddest laugh. In the Topical Budget many interesting events are recorded. There are views of Italian crowds celebrating victories over the Austrians, and of the Bishop of London addressing' troops at a great service outside St. Paul's. SHORTT'S PICTURES. At Shortt's Continuous Picture Theatre great popularity is being achieved by "John Halifax, Gentleman." The story of John's friendship with Phineas Fletcher, the Quaker tanner's son, is one that has been popular for many yeasr. Through all the trials of his life Halifax is a gentleman of most noble character. In his contest with Lord Luxmere he proves that honesty and rectitude are worth more than material wealth. The play has been photographed amidst charming English scenes. ST. JOSEPH'S BOYS' CHOIR. The Concert Chamber of the Town Hall was well filled last night, on the occasion of a concert given by St. Joseph's Boys' Choir and friends in aid of the Marist Brothers (Tasman-street) piano fun 3. Th~e items given by the choir were tne ''Credo" from Werner's Mass in C ; semi-chorus "Sweet and Low" (BaraJby), and choral selections "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Clouded?" (Moore), and "Aye Verum" (Elgar). Solos were contributed by Miss Eileen Driscoll, and Messrs. J. Boyce and F. Walshe, and Masters J. Reid, L. O'Brien, and H. Trehey. The haT-mon-ists (Misses Gladys Watkins and Eileen Driscoll, and Messrs S. L. Exton, and S. Allright) sang charmingly, and other items were contributed by Miss Rita M'Gee (recitation), Master M. O'Brien (violin). Masters R. and J. Beveridge (duet), Master W. M'Carthy, Miss Peggy Reeves (dance), and Masters J. and H. M'Lean (Scotch dance).