ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14567, 2 January 1911, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PLIMM - DENNISTON COMPANY,

This afternoon at a matinee "Lovers' Lane" will take the place of "A Message From • Mars," which concluded its seventh performance last Saturday evening before another large audicnce. Clyde Fitch's delightful comedy, with its charming surroundings, is not unknown to Auckland, as three months ago it ran'at His Majesty's Theatre for 10 performances, which fact alone should eloquently speak for the general verdict of the public. Since then it has been played throughout the Dominion, and this favourable opinion has been enthusiastically endorsed everywhere. It will be played on this occasion with the entirt cast the same, and with the same attention to detail for which it was conspicuous on its initial production. Mr. Harry Plimmer will again be the broadminded clergyman, who triumphs over his .flock of narrow-minded parishioners; whilst Miss Lizette Parkes as Simulicitv Johnson will again sing " The Old Red School" in the big children's scene. Mr. Reynolds Den•niston and Mrs. Robt. Brougli arc also in- , cluded in a lengthy cast. It is owing 10 the school scene being made a feature of the play that the management have decided to give a matinee, so that all children who would not otherwise have an opportunity of doing so, may bo present. "Lovers' Lfine" can only be played for three performances, as qii Wednesday night next Messrs. Plimmer and Denniston will stage "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray," with Mrs. Brough in her original part of Paula.

AUCKLAND'S " WONDERLAND." g Amid scenes of enthusiasm, and to the accompaniment of the " Cock o' the North," " Rulo Britannia," " Auld Lang. Syne," and other such seasonable favourites, the Old Year passed and the New Year was welcomed in "Wonderland" on Saturday. Tho St. Andrew's Society pipers, and drummers mustered in full strength, and gave spirited renderings of Scottish national airs, delighting tho crowds who had mustered to do honour to the occasion. From seven o'clock till midnight a constant stream of people flowed in and out of the entrance gates, while the grounds were thronged with lighthearted crowds. On the skating rink, where many of the most expert skaters in Auckland had gathered, animated scenes were witnessed by the spectators. The side shows were packed, and the whole evening's entertainment, which passed off without a hitch in that excellent manner associated with "Wonderland," made the night one to bo long and pleasantly remembered. " Wonderland " is open to tho public every afternoon and evening.

OPERA HOUSE. The vaudeville entertainment givpn at the Opera House by Messrs. John Fuller and Sons is attracting large audiences nightly. On Saturday night the first programme was brought to a close. At the 2.30 o'clock matinee this afternoon and at the evening partemance a complete change of programme v. ill take place, a * great holiday programme being announced. Scats can be reserved at the theatre at any time during the day.

FULLER'S PICTURES. At tho King's Theatre on Saturday night a large audience assembled and the .iplerdid programme screened was much enjoyed. This afternoon a matineo will bo nelct at; 2.30 o'clock, and a complete change of programme is announced' for to-night. Arrangements have been made whereby natrons.- may catch trams for all parts of the city and suburbs after the entertainment. Tho booking office, where scats may bo reserved, will be open all day at the theatro.

WEST'S PICTURES. Holiday audiences nightly fill tho Royal Albert Hall,, the star, attraction being tho splendid series of pictures describing tho many beauty spots and Nature's marvels in New Zealand. The programme, generally, is most, interesting, and provides excellent entertainment for all. A matineo will he given this afternoon at 2.30, and also to-mor-row (Tuesday),, and every Wednesday and Saturday during tho holidays.

BARTON BROS.' CIRCUS. Both tho matinee and evening performance at tho circus attracted large audiences. The various members of the company repeated their popular turns in their best style. There have been several changes made in the programme, which will bo repeated to-night and to-morrow night. Both the skipping and jumping contests at the matinee attracted a large number of entrants. Tho brooch was won by little Eva Tilsly, who. recorded 610 skips, turning the rope herself; while tho watch fell to Ray Hillman for the longest jump. There will bo another matinee today at 2.30, when there will be three contests for girls and three for Ix>ys. To-night Mr. Minn, of Whangarei, will attempt to ride Sandfly, who threw another rider twice on Saturday night. The- farewell performance will take place to-morrow night.

• ROYAL RINK. Skating in the open air is proving an attractive pastime in Auckland, and the Royal Rink is largely attended by increasing numbers of those who delight in this fascinating exercise. The rink was kept open till midnight 011 Saturday, to enable those present to sco the New Year in under novel circumstances. The Usual sessions will be held today. and tho orchestra will also bo in attendance.

EDEN PARK PICTURES. A largo audience assembled at. Eden I'avk on Saturday night, and occupied the many points of 'vantage on the natural slopes of the ground to witness an excellent p»«turo programme. The film, " Trawling Fleet in the North Sea" shows tho trawlers steaming in the teeth of a heavy gale, and also the arduous conditions the men work under. The comic , pictures were also greatly Appreciated. On Wednesday another splendid programme will be given.