AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15620, 19 May 1911, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE

A large audience witnessed the first appearance of the Staig troupe of cyclists at the Opera House last evening, and those present were treated to a hair-raising display of daring and wonderful cycling. The troupe had a large cage on the stage, shaped like an inverted cone, and measuring 6ft in diameter at the bottom. About 6ft from tho ground the walls of the cage became perpendicular, with a diameter of 16ft. In this structure tho troupe performed their amazing “ whirl of deatn.” The first part of the act consisted of riding on ordinary cycles round tho stage at great speed. The troupe then repeated the performance on motor-cycles going at a terrific rate, riders and bicycles being in an absolutely horizontal position. The cyclists added to the thrill of their act by guiding their machines with one hand only. The wonderful performance was concluded with an exhibition of riding on a perpendicular wall. The act was the most thrilling ever witnessed here. The other members of the company met with -hearty applause, Daly aud O’Brien giving their farewell performance. With the exception of their act, the same programme will be given tonight. WEST-HAY WARD PICTURES. His Majesty’s Theatre was again crowded last evening, when the current week’s programme was repeated. “ True Western Honour ” and a number of other dramatic pictures were of exceptionally good quality, and the scenic films made up a clever and welldiversified programme. The musical numbers were again a feature of the entertainment. 'The same pictures will be shown again this evening. FULLER’S PICTURES. The attendance at tho Colosseum last evening was a large one, and the final presentation of the attractive series of pictures forming the current bi-weekly programme was very well received. This evening a new programme will be presented, including pictures of the remarkable trial of Camorrists at Viterbo, a series of pictures of historic upots in London, a scenic picture entitled “ Overland to Fremont,” a historical drama entitled “Virginia,” a travel picture entitled “Arab Rejoicings,” a series of pictures of champion swordsmen, and dramatic pictures entitled “ The Redeemed Criminal,” “ The Two Valentines ” and “Age versus Youth.” A scientific picture depicting the workings of the planetary system will also bo shown. OLYMPIA RINK. The attendances at all the sessions of the Olympia Rink were well attended yesterday, and patrons thoroughly enjoyed the popular winter pastime of roller skating. The rink will be open as usual to-day, and on Wednesday an “ All White ” night will be hold, while a masque and fancy dress carnival will be held on May 31. SYDENHAM PICTURES. There was a large attendance at the Sydenham Empire last nighC The long picture on the life of Napoleon will be shown to-night for the last time, a new series of films being announced for to-morrow. CHRISTCHURCH COMEDY CLUB. The Christchurch Comedy Club will produce Pinero’s famous comedy, “In Chancery,” at tho Theatre Royal on Monday and Tuesday. The piece has been well chosen, as it abounds in true humour and fun. The cast will include Mrs Ernest Scliatz, who was a very popular actress when she was a member of Pollard’s Opera, Company. Tho box-plan is at the Dresden. THE ROYAL HAWAIIANS. Tho Hawaiian Native Concert Party of singers, musicians and dancers, which will open a season in Christchurch on Thursday evening, is said to present a unique entertainment, in which mandolins, guitars and Hawaiian native instruments, combined with Hawaiian music and Hula dances, will bo special features. Included in the organisation is the Hawaiian Glee Party, a body of eight male singers and musicians, whose part-singing of English and Hawaiian songs has won for them the reputation of being tho finest liarmonisers that ever toured tho United States and Australia. The boxplan is at the Dresden Piano Company.