ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15915, 12 May 1915, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE RED DANDIES.

THE cordiality of the reception accorded to Mr. Edward Branscombe's Red Dandies by the large audience present last night at the Town Hull concert chamber was a striking testimony to the popularity of this combination of entertainers. It is some considerable time since tho leading members of the company last appeared in Auckland, but there was plenty of evidence that they and their favourite items had by no means been forgotten. That inveterate laughter-maker, Mr. Claude Dampier, confirmed his former friends in the good opinion they hold of his abilities, and convinced many new ones that his reputation was well deserved. A a natural humorist Mr. Dampier has few peers. Many comedians work much harder to produce tho mirth which ho arouses without effort, Not only that, but his fun is cultured, refined, and never in the least offensive. In character sketch, comic song, or passing "gag," Mr. Dumpier again last night proved irresistibly amusing, whilst his grotesque make-ups and ' clever facial expression enhanced the diverting qualities of his work. Screams of laughter greeted him in his absurdly-ludicrous, burlesque number, " The Spanish Troubadour, ' in his little satire upon popular novels, his travesty " Hi-ti-tiddle-i,' and the several other contributions he made to tho programme. Miss Irene Vera reappeared in ragtime specialties, in the military song, "When a Lady Leads the Band," and in a series of laughable duets with' Mr. J Dampier. Mr. Harry Borradale, an exlander, made his first appearance here with the company, and was warmly' welcomed. He has become a versatile artist with a pronounced gift for the lighter typo of comedy singing, a bright style, good stage deportment, and matured elocutionary talents. His dramatic mono-1 logues, "Beauty Tim," "The Game of Life," and " Youth," wero forcefully delivered, and would bo more impressive still were he to slightly tone down his voice in the declamatory passages. Tho varied nature of Mr. Borradale s contributions and the manner of their performance established him a warm favourite. Miss Mona Thomas and Mr. Oliver Peacock, soprano and tenor respectively, sang several solos and duets most acceptably, and Mr. John Welby, baritone, was equally successful in bis songs. Miss Ida Newton, a charming soubrotto, was both artistic and refined in her serio comic numbers. Mr. Cyril Connolly displayed convincing ability as a \ iolinist. The concerted numbers were melodious and imbued with the spirit of gaiety. The most amusing was tho trio " Cuthbert, Clarence, and Claude," by Messrs. Welby, Borradale. and Connolly. Yeoman service at the piano was rendered by Mr. Leonard Griffiths. The Red Dandies will present the same programme, with its numerous encores, to-night, and will give several changes during their season.

"THE BABES IN THE WOOD." The George Willoughby Pantomime Company staged " The Babes in the Wood" at His Majesty's Theatre -for the second timo last night. The audience was again large and appreciative. Miss Daisy Jeromo repeated her success of the opening night and was ably supported by the other members of the company. A matinee performance will be given this afternoon.

SOCIETY OF ARTS CONCERT. Tho concert which is to be held on Thursday next by tho Society of Arts in aid of the Belgian fund promises to be a success. Tickets continue to sell freely, and already a large number of seats have been reserved. Taking into consideration the quality of the programme, the cause for which the concert is given, and the nominal price of the tickets, there is every reason to anticipate a crowded house. Amongst the many attractive items, the famous recruiting song, " Your King and Country Need You, will be rendered, and, by the permission of Major Wynyard, will be accompanied by H.M. 3rd, Auckland, Mounted Rifles Band.

OPERA HOUSE. The current programme at the Opera House 'drew another large audience last night. Chief interest was taken in the items provided by tho Randell Jackson company, the members of which made such a good impression .when in Auckland a few weeks ago. A matinee performance will be jiven this afternoon.

NEW THEATRE FOR KINGSLAND.

Another modern picture theatre is now Hearing completion. This is the Theatre Royal, situated at Kingsland, just at the 2d tram section. It is the property of Messrs. J. L. Benwell and Sons, who have had cona'iTlorable experience in providing this \elass of entertainment. Great taste hag been fhown in the design of the building and care has been taken to provide for tho comfort of patrons. It is the intention of the proprietors to present three programmes each week, the pictures being selected from the five independent filmproducing companies. A " unit orchestra," an instrument which, while manipulated by ono man, is said to produce the effect of a full orchestra, has been imported specially for the theatre. It should provide excellent music for the theatre's patrons. The first programme will be screened on May 19.

PICTURE ENTERTAINMENTS. An amusing comedy entitled "Getting Acquainted" is now being shown at the Lyric and West End Theatres. Chief among the many good pictures being shown at the King's Theatre is a drama entitled " 413," into which is introduced a thrilling train wreck. The new section of the "Trey o' Hearts" serial picture bein(j iihown at the Princess Theatre is full of interest. " Pierre of the Plains" is a good supporting picture. A thrilling story of the French revolution is told by the chief picture nf the programme current at the King George Theatre.

Mabel Normand and Ro?coe Arbuckle arc featured in an amusing comedy now being shown nt (he fllohe Theatre. A pood topical film deals with the South African rebellion.

A drama entitled "When Honour Awakes" is attracting much attention at the Grand Theatre. The plot of the story is a clever one. "The Prince Party" is the principal of the many good films now beinn shown at the Queen's Theatre. Francis X. Hush man is featured in this film.

A Rood programme is now being shown at tin" Oration Thratre, included in the (series heimr the latest instalment of the " Trey n' Hearts" serial, [n answer to numerous requests, the management has decided to produce the popular picture " It's a Long \V«v to Tipperary" on Monday next. A singing competition will be held in conjunction with the screening of the picture, a prize of £3 3s being offered to the perform?' 1 chosen as the winner by the audience.

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