ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12968, 11 September 1905, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. « THE West pictures and the Brescians still continue to draw crowded houses at His Majesty's Theatre, the matinee on Saturday afternoon and the performance in the evening being given to overflowing houses. The second programme of pictures and music will be given to-night, and will include a vi.iit to the London Zoo., a striking object lesson in natural history, also a new coloured cinematograph, " The Man in the Iron Mask," and a series of films taken of the Grand National Steeplechase at Liverpool, where the King's New Zealand horse Moifaa rati and fell. There will also be the usnal budget of humerens pictures. The Brescians' part of the programme will be entirely changed. . OPERA HOUSE. Included in this week's programme submitted at the Opera House on Saturday evening were items |to suit all tastes. There was an overflowing house, and enthusiasm frequently ran high. Although some of the artists appearing in" the first part of the programme, have, been here for, some time, most of those in the second half were fresH to Auckland theatregoers. The first half of the programme, which opened with a chorus by the company, "At the Seaside," was made up of comic songs, coon songs, ballads, and dancing. In the second half Miss, Beatrice English, an Australian singer, made her first appearance, and, judging by th« applause given her, her singing, was much appreciated. Her. opening song, Tosti's " Good-bye," vfas a fine effort. She has a sweet and well-developed soprano voice. Miss English, judging by her reception on. Saturday night, should become a favourite. Miss Elsie Brown, who occupied the boards for the first time in the Opera House, received a treble encoro for her rendering ot the coon ballad, " Way Down in My Heart." A good hearing was also accorded her in the second half of the programme, when she sang " The Valley of Kentucky" and "Always, in the Way." These two songs were illustrated with pictures. Leonard Nelson, who has entered' into his second week at the Opera House, had a somewhat vociferous reception, which surpassed anything of the kind since Mr.-Fred. Rivenhail completed his engagement. Mr. Nelson is a vocalist and comedian of ability.. The encores ho received were numerous.Amongst • the songs he gave were " I'm on the Water Waggon Now" and < " The Story of a Tin Tack." The latter, in which he gave a few illustrations of : the persons who came in contact with the tack, pleased the audience immensely. A highly-efficient exhibition of strength, agility', and general cleverness was given by Trevor, Cora, and Alton. Mr. Frank King was very successful in in action song, entitled " The Burglar's Sunshine." He also sang "New Zealand's Bonny Boy* in Navy Blue," the words of which song were written by himself and the music by Mr. Ben. Fuller. Amongst those appearing in the first part of the programme were Mr. George Pagden and Mr. Chas. Moody in comics. Mr. Fred. Stanbridge made his first appearance, and sang "The Deathless ' Army," and was well received. There also appeared the Sylvan Sisters, song and dance; Miss Kitty Stanley, ballads; Miss Goldie Collins, serio and dance; and Mr. Sam. Wilson treated the audience to a variety of gags. The entertainment; concluded with Rowland Chnbb'i biograph. SKATING.

- The popularity of the Olrmpia Skating Rink it still maintained, and the floor is crowded every evening by patrons. On 'Wednesday and Thursday evening* a fancy dress carnival will be held. A large number of entries have been received for the various competitions, and each promises to be keenly contested. The box plan for both evenings will be opened at Messrs. Wildman and Arey'* this morning.

The city fair in aid of St. Fanl's parish will he continued to-day. ' . , ...

A display of fancy dancing, club and dumb-bell exercises, interspersed with musical items and recitations, will be given by the pupils of St. Mary's Convent High Schools, New-street, Fonsonby, on Friday evening next.