ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14568, 3 January 1911, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PUMMER-DENNISTON CO.

"LOVERS' LANE."

Plays of the fragrant and refreshing typo of "Lovers' Lane" are, unfortunately, few, and far between. Hence the revival of this piece at His Majesty's yesterday afternoon and last night by the Plimmcr-Denniston. Company was a welcome theatrical event. Clyde Fitch's fame as a playwright has not altogether been built upon such simple and human little stories, but, even in comparison with his stronger dramas " Lovers' Lane" gains by its sterling quality. It is a sheer delight to follow the story, to note the fino points of character sot out in the parts of the virile clergyman, Thomas Singleton, and his wayward 'but very lovable ward, Simplicity Johnston. The open-handed generosity and straightforward temperament of the former, and the glimpse of budding womanhood that, one occasionally detects in the latter, place both in immediate and inalienable sympathy with the onlookers. On the whole, there is, perhaps, an aptness in the description applied to the piece, namely, that it is " the sweetest, story every told." Certainly it leaves a pleasant impression, and its moral is readily assimilated the beauty of charity and charitableness. Young and old folks alike were appreciative at both performances yesterday, a large number of children being present at the matinee. The latter were especially pleased with the " kiddies" scene, and the song of "Hie Old Red School." Miss Lizette Parkcs (who, of course, sang the polo part of the item named), was again an almost ideal Simplicity. As a matter of fact she left so little to be desired in Iter interpretation as to count for nothing. This talented young actress has caught the spirit of the part to perfection, and is winsome in the extreme. The precocious and mischievous side of the character was never lost sight of, and in these phases, as well as in her Tittle interludes of contrition, and her moments of tenderness towards her clergyman guardian. Miss Parkes was the perfection of young girlhood. Mr. Harry Plimmcr repeated his well-thought-out portrayal of the Rev. Singleton, and succeeded well in blending the comedy with the pathos, the light-hearted-ness with the earnestness, of the young parson's character. It was an excellent study in manliness. Mr. Reynolds Denniston, as Herbert Woodridge, sketched the part with a light touch, thus artistically distinguishing it from the melodramatic "villain" type. Mrs. Robert Brough was again cast as Mrs. Woodbridge, Miss Myra Wall as Mary Larkin, Miss Alice Deorwyn as Aunt Martha, and Mr. Harry Neville as Uncle Bill. Each was successful in a good impersonation, and Miss Beatrice Usher as the schoolmistress, and a number of other artists in the subsidiary but not unimportant ro.es, helped to provide the audiences present with food for agreeable thought. The play was handsomely mounted. . "Lovers' Lane" can only be staged again to-night. "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray," one of Pinero's most powerful dramas, is announced to follow to-morrow and two succeeding nights.

FULLER'S VAUDEVILLE. • The popularity of the vaudeville entertainment at the Opera House is now firmly established, and that the faro provided by Messrs. Fuller and Sons is appreciated is evidenced by the large numbers of people who nightly fill the theatre. Last night a change of programme was presented, and the theatre was filled with an appreciative audience. All the popular artists who appeared last week were Included in the programme, but most of the items were new. Harry Sadler, the star comedian of _ the company, again recived a warm reception, his comio songs and local "hits" evoking much applause. Guillaume, Baby, and Co., who are appropriately billed as eccentric comedians, provided a new item. Their chief aim appeared to be to provide popular tunes through the medium of novel and varied contrivances, and they were most successful. Their "turn" was decidedly novel. The singing of tho company was of a high standard. Misses Nellie Leslie. Nellie Searle, and Beattie McDonald contributed pleasing vocal numbers, and had to respond to encores, while the items bv "Will Robey. Jack Knowles, E. Martin, George and Leslie Scott -were favourably received. Applause greeted "Will Robey when he appeared in his twisting and high-kicking act. Altogether the programme is a fine one.

FULLER'S PICTURES. * Tho change of programme at the King's Theatre last night will maintain the high reputation of Messrs. Fuller and Sons' picture shows. The theatre was packed in all parts, and the frequent applause of the audience was a true indication that the pictures were appreciated. "The Ascent of Partjengral" is a fine scenic film, embracing incidents that mountain-climbers meet with. A new departure in dramatic studies was introduced in the drama, entitled "The Sergeant." The scene is laid in America, and in order to make the picture more attractive many very picturesque beauty spots are included as the scenery for the drama. " The Bee Hunter" is a highlyinstructive film. The well-known and much appreciated Foolshead appeared in two studies" Foolshead Knows Ail,"' . and " Foolshead's Christmas." Both were extremely funny, and produced rounds of laughter. Lovers of tragedy were well catered for in " Rose ■of Salem Town," which bristled with exciting incidents. The other films were all good. Burke's orchestra, supplied appropriate music. Tho management announce that seats can be reserved at the theatre during tins day. ■ This programme will bo shown at a matinee at 2.30 o'clock this . afternoon, and again this evening. ■■ "■ ■ • .

WEST'S PICTURES. . . To-night will witness the last of the current programme at tho Royal Albert HalL "Living "New Zealand" is certainly one of the best series ever presented by West's, a.nd should not be missed by those interested in the beauties and wonders of the Dominion. All tire other pictures ax© of a very high order. There will bo a matinee this afternoon at 2.30 and to-morrow (Wednesday). Goethe's "Faust" will he the attraction in the new programme.;

BARTON'S CIRCUS. There was again a crowded attendance at Barton's circus yesterday afternoon, and last night the tent was packed by a large and onthusiastio audience. To-night a farewell performance will be given, when. . special attractions will be provided. Cole, a local rough rider, will endeavour to mount an unridden outlaw. Tho circus leaves by road en route to Rotorua to-mororw, showing at Newmarket to-morrow night.

AUCKLAND'S " WONDERLAND." The holiday rush to these grounds showed no sign of diminuition last evening, and the concourse of spectators round the various attractions was as great as ever. The rink, which is now in perfect condition, was also greatly patronised, while a large throng of onlookers watched the, many experts gliding over the beautiful surface. The " merry whirl," " helfcer skelter," " cake walk," and other novelties attracted much patronage. Unfortunately the raid later in the evening interfered to some extent with the enjoyment of the people, large numbers of whom left earlier than usual. "Wonderland" is open to the public every afternoon and overling.

CHOPPING- COMPETITION. To-morrow night, at the Federal Hall, a chopping competition will bo held between W. McOraeth, a local champion, and V. Williams, a Tasmanian axeman, and M. Griffen (North Auckland) will meet W. Ainslie. A programme of living pictures will also bo given, which will lend variety to the proceedings.

ROYAL RINK. This popular resort was again crowded last night. Special sessions arc hold daily during the holidays.