ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9185, Issue 9185, 8 April 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THOMPSON-PAYNE PICTURES

The firm hold this popular entertainment has now obtained in Palmerston is evidenced by the fact that whenever the Opera House is opened by the Thompson-Payne management large audiences are attracted. Last evening was no exception to the rule, and the enthusiasm with which each film was greeted testified to the appreciation of all. This evening Messrs Thompson and Payne will generously provide a pictorial' display at the Leamington benefit, when the whole of the second part of the" programme will be devoted to running through aboiit 3000 feet of film. The subjects are all of a most interesting nature.

To-morrow afternoon the children will be catered for with a special matinee, when l.he programme- will include "The Lion Tamer'' picture. This film is particularly interesting to children, as it shows the circus life in all its phases, together with an entire performance taking place in the arena, and a wild animal exhibition.

To-morrow evening an entirely new programme will be screened, particulars of which will be found in to-morrow's issue.

HAYWARD'S PICTURES

The dramatisation of a portion of Victor Hugo's well-known work. "Les Miserablcs." that dealing with the " Galley Slave." still forme the principal attraction at the Zealandia Pla.ll. and interest in the clever conception of the author's ideas is just as well sustained as when the film was first shown. It is undoubtedly clever, and should bo seen by everyone, especially readers of Hugo's well-known work. The rest of the pictures also possess considerable attractions for the pic-ture-loving members of the populace, aa is shown by the satisfactory audiences present each night. The present programme will be repeated to-night. i" PETER PAN." ■ When a play gains for itself such a world-wide reputation as that which is possessed by J. M. Barrio's wonderful imaginative creation, "Peter Pan," it is not to be wondered at that the prospect of seeing it is eagerly anticipated by play-goers. The Palmerston North public is vo have the opportunity of witnessing this delightful fantasy at last, for at the Opera House next Wednesday and Thursday evening Mr J. C. Williamson's specially organised company will produce it for the first time. The season is limited to Iho two race nights. There is a fascinating charm about "Peter Pan" which appeals to people of varied climes, and all sorts and conditions. It is not a story, it is not in the least degree probable; it is simply a weaving together of the ideas and fancies of an imaginative brain, placed for the time being at the disposal of childish requirements. This is the secret of the charm which surrounds "Peter Pan." It is essentially a children's creation, and because it is such it appeals not only to them but to all those of older growth around whole hearts and lives the children have woven the spell of their bright, young happy presence. So "Peter Pan" is just a series of wonderful happenings, and the adventures which befall Mr and Mrs Darling's children when they roach the Never Never Never Land under Peter's guidance, are just to be accepted as incidents which occur in the most natural way possible, albeit they arc strange miracles. For seven years now "Peter Pan" has been the ideal and idol of English and American playgoers, never slackening in its attraction, never lacking a response. Tears and laughter, genuine tears, and wholesome laughter, have been spent in nlonty on its pathos and humour. It lias never staled, never grown wearisome, never wanted for an audience, and never failed to send Ihat audience away with eyes wet and lips smiling. "There is," says a Melbourne paper (where the play had a most successful season), "a daintiness of treatment which makes the impossible seem almost feasible, and furnishes to the story an irresistible alluring atmosphere to which both old and young must succumb. Box plans will be opened at G. 11. Bennett and Co.'s to-morrow (Saturday) morning, when a big booking should result.