THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11593, 31 May 1898, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

One of the -best entertainments of its kind which has visited Christchurch for a long time opened at the Theatre Royal last evening in Mr Heller’s Mahatma Company. It is some five years since Mr Heller paid a visit to this city, and since then he has added considerably, to his company, and has also himself ‘acquired several new items. The audience was large considering the inclement ■ weather, and throughout was most appreciative. Mr Heller’s necromantic novelties were all very good, and the cabinet act, m which he gave, an , expose of spiritualistic “ business ” was exceedingly good. His, Lumiere biograpb served to introduce a number of moving pictures, including several quite new to Christchurch, and a few of the Record Reign procession. The steadiness with which the pictures were reproduced was very noticeable, and they did not affeet the eyes of the audience as did those of the (cinematograph. Mr Heller also gave some character songs, for which he was honoured with a triple recall. Madame ' Heller . .thoroughly" ...mystified l those present .by the ■ manner, in- whioh-i she answered' a number of questions pro-; pounded by the audience arid by heir vivid description of accidents [ which had happened in Christchurch at various’ periods,and her performance was greeted with hearty applause. Miss Hilda .Talma, a youthful soprano, was recalled for her • rendering of the song “Baby’s Eyes,” and in response gave with good effect “ Alice, Where art Thou ? ” Mr Percy Abbott, who was suffering from the effects of a severe cold, sang a humorous song in good style, and he was more successful in his banjo specialities and jokes, which were told in a very amusing manner. Miss Vera Havlock, who gave a butterfly dance with much grace, caused quite a furore by her skilful, manipulation of her dress, which is composed of some two hundred and fifty yards of Chinese silk. The limelight effects on the fleecy folds of the dress as she manipulated it were exceedingly pretty, and during the time she her performance Mr Heller projected on to the filmy fabric a number of very good photographs of leading - people, both foreign and local, and several national flags. Taken altogether, the entertainment provided is a very good one, and will repay a visit. The company appear at the Theatre again this evening.