ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14240, 10 December 1909, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WILLIAM ANDERSON DRAMATIC COMPANY. "The Female Swindler" was produced before another large audience last evening, and again was accorded a cordial reception. To-night The Female Swindler" will be staged for the last time, and to-morrow evening William Bourne's English success, " Man to Man," will be staged. The Dominion, speaking of the - production,; says: 'By careful attention to detail, some startling and most realistic scenic effects are produced, notably in the ,railway collision scene, and that ,of an outbreak among the prisoners in the Portland gaol. The plot is well worked out, and the play, taken as a whole, may' certainly be regarded as the best of its kind ever produced in this city. Tho cast, too, is exceptionally strong, the performance throughout being uniformly of ft high-class nature. From the first to tho last tho play ran with smoothness, and, frequently evoked hearty outbursts of applause from the audience, the enthusiasm reaching its highest point in the thrilling collision scene, when the smoke cleared away and revealed the passengers struggling amid the debris of the wrecked train, the effect being go real that many cries of alarm were heard from among the audience."

OPERA HOUSE. An appreciative audience congregated at the Opera House last evening to participate in the current moving picture entertainment. There was no lack of appreciation either for films conveying art representations, the dramatic films, or humorous pictorial effects. Tho same programme will be given this evening, whilst the weekly change of programme is announced for Saturday. ROYAL ALBERT HALL. There was a crowded house at Hayward's Pictures last night, when the programme was thoroughly appreciated. _ The star film, "The Bugle Call," is a military drama, of an exciting nature, as is also another film descriptive of Dr. Nikola's exploits. The scenio studies are excellent, whilst tho comedy films are exceptionally good. The same programme will be given to-night. THE MUSICAL CRUISES. Tho floating entertainment boat -left the ferry tee last night with a crowded complement of passengers, who thoroughly enjoyed tho combination of fresh air, music, and pictures. Mr. Alan McEhyain's comedy is as refined as it is popular, and he gains ovations nightly, whilst the Bijou Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Meredith, discourses delightful music. The cruises will be continued each evening, at eight o'clock. TIVOLI THEATRE. There was another appreciative audience at the Tivoli Theatre last night to witness the second production of this week's programme. The thrilling adventures of Or. Nikola were watched with breathless interest "The German Training Ship" is a remarkable picture, showing the state of precision young people can be brought to with careful handling. To-night a grand vaudeville specialty competition will take place, the entries for which are both varied and interesting. Also a cakewalk match between Mr. Halley and a local champion, in which keen interest is being taken.

"THE PICTURE GARDEN." The many visitors last evening to this very attractive pleasure resort again manifested their satisfaction at the entertainments provided for them. Seated comfortably in the open air the large audience fully enjoyed the brilliant illuminations, fine animated pictures, and good open-air concert provided. Perhaps tho item that was most enjoyed was the fine series of films that were exhibited by the new Warwick Bioscope, which is of the very latest type, and has been specially imported by the Picture Garden, public each evening at 7.45. Intending public each evening at 7.45. Interesting Auckland visitors are advised to travel by the 7.30 boat, and to purchase Picture Garden through tickets at tho ferry tee. ELAM SCHOOL OF ART. There was a good attendance of , visitors at the City Council Chambers yesterday at the exhibition in connection with the Elam School of Art. Favourable comments wore generally expressed at the excellent work displayed by the pupils, most of the work reaching a fairly high standard. Great credit is due to the management for the good work done. To-day will be the last opportunity of attending the exhibition, as it closes at 9.30 this evening. The display of oil paintings, 'drawings,, sketches, etc., will repay a visit. BIRKENHEAD AND NORTHCOTE MUSICAL SOCIETY. The Birkenhead and Northcote Musical Society afforded a very enjoyable entertainment at the Parish Hall, Northcote, on Wednesday night, when Birch s pastoral operetta, "Tho Merrie Men of Sherwood Forest," was presented. That the audience thoroughly appreciated the society's efforts was evidenced by the enthusiastic applause which greeted almost every item. The choruses were quite up to the usual standard, while the solos were allotted to Miss Lambourne, and Messrs. W. Cecil Prime and O. E. Farrow. Tho society was assisted by an efficient orchestra, under the baton of Mr. W. T. Sharp, whilst Miss Sharp acted as , pianist. The performance was repeated in tho Zion Hill schoolroom last evening.

NORTHCOTE BOY SCOUTS. That the boy scout movement has the sympathy of the public was demonstrated by the large and enthusiastic audience which greeted the entertainment provided by the Northcote Boy Scouts in the Northcote Hall last night. An excellent concert programme was rendered, items being given by Misses Connio Cadness, Beryl Stebbing, the scouts, Madam Chambers, Mrs. Horace Stebbing, Mr. N. P. Wyatt, Mr. H. Seymour, Mr. W. Cecil Prime, and Mr. Horace Stebbing, whilst Mrs. H. Stebbing and Madam Chambers acted as accompanists. The concluding part of the performance consisted of a oneact play, entitled "An Exciting Day, or Doing a Good Turn," specially written for the occasion by Scoutmaster Horace Stebbing.