ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15998, 17 August 1915, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. Added interest was given to the new programme presented at the Opera House last evening by the reappearance of the Paul Stanhope American Revue Com- • pany. The members of the company were deservedly popular when they appeared in Auckland V few months ago, and last night's audience, gave, them ; a warm welcome upon their return. The revue presented last evening was- called " Pardon Me," though it might equally well have; been introduced under practically any other title. The revue, however, served to bring into play the various - qualifications of the . respective members of the company, and, in particular, gave Mr. Paul' Stanhope ample scope for a display of his V clever comedy work. Mr. Stanhope' is un. f cloubtedly the mainstay of the companyj ! and, with Mr. Les Bates, was responsible' ; last night for the \ greater part of tho humour of the entertainment. Tho other members of the company made the most j of their parts. Numerous songs, with K bright and catchy airs, were; introduced into the revue, which also contained one ' or two brisk ballads. Three got d numbers were sung by the " 'Frisco Quartette," who since their last appearance' in Auckland' • have improved considerably in their harmonising. The audience did not. leave the' performers in any doubt as to their ap-;; : preciation of tho items provided \bv the members of tho company, and was particularly demonstrative during the time Mr. Stanhope occupied ■■■ the stage. The. Three Ruddles, : the" child -jl acrobats who appeared 'in Auckland . re- T cently, made a reappearance and - per- -I formed new feats of agility arid skill. Ineluded in tho trio is a little boy who provides the comedy of the turn." He presents a most ■ lifelike • impersonation of - Charles Chaplin, the popular, film come- \ dian. Billy Wells , and ' the Eolair Twins, ' club swingers and dancers, entered upon their;last week' in. Auckland. Their new i turn is full of interest, the special feature. I being, dances of unusual \ .vigour;V New items were provided by Frank Herberte,' ■ who will conclude his Auckland, season on Saturday, Nat Hanky, whose chief claim to attention is his dancing, was again* well received last night and was'called upon : for encores. - Loud • applause greeted - tho appearance. of Ernest Pitcher, comedian and musical artist, who kept the audience highly . diverted with his songs and. anecdotes. . Tho current programme . will be repeated nightly and will also bo given at the matinees on Wednesday and Saturdav. ~ -'

THE VIOLET DANDIES. A bright entertainment' :, is % provided nightly :by .Mr. Edward' Branscombe's, latest costume comedy, company, the violet Dandies, now appearing in the concert chamber of the Town , Hall. V ! The combination of. talent is distinctly good, tho performers being both dainty and versatile in their work. '• A feature of the entertainment is the' excellent stage- effects 1 provided. These are most noticeable in the Oriental finale to the current programme. The company's costumes are novel,' and form a : pleasing contrast to the somewhat too-familiar, costumes of similar companies that have - appeared in Auckland. : . Last night's programme,- which was attractive enough almost to fill the house, will be repeated this evening' arid to-morrow - even-' ing. A change will be made on Thursday. KING GEORGE THEATRE. • Several very interesting: pictures are contained in the programme.' which made -its first appearance at the King George ■Theatre yesterday. ; The series is headed by the sixth episode in The Master Key" serial story. The episode deals with the adventures of Ruth Gallon in the Chinatown of San Francisco. ■ John Dore gets on the track of Wilkerson and his confederates, who have captured Ruth I and hold her prisoner. Dore' obtains .the assistance of the police, and then , ensues a chase through Chinatown, ending with the rescue of Ruth. This week's v section of the film was. produced amid surround-* ings which make the picture .remarkable, and . interesting The episode.,is. one. of the most exciting of the well-conceived drama. Heading the supporting programme is a detective photo-play entitled "The Missing Ruby." : This'film embodies a clever mystery story portrayed by a capable company "of artists, -"'ilia Hair of Her Head" is the chief comedy. EMPIRE THEATRE. ■

There was another entire change of programme at tho Empire Theatre "last light, "The Radium Thieves." being tlid ./ tar film. This is" a sensational drama in . lire© acts and with the other, pictures was nuch applauded. The programme, which -~ is the same as at the King's, will bo • •epeated this evening, arid' . to-morrow :hero will be another change [of •. programme. .... . • PALACE THEATRE. ' • * ,• ! The chief film ' on ; the programme now appearing at the Palace Theatre, Newton-, , is a drama entitled " Greed for Gold." The picture present? 'Mile. Napierkowska; a . Russian dancer of note. ■. - : k. -■: -v -- 1 - V-, - ■ PICTURE ' ENTERTAIN ;-■ "The Radium Thieves" heads the programme at the King's Theatre. ■'" The Outcast" is the chief, film at the Lyric and West End Theatre's. ' \ • ■ " Charlie, the Tramp," and " The Other Woman's Picture" appear at' the t Queen's .' Theatre. ; ~ . ■-- . - | " Within Our Gates" is the chief drama at the Princess Theatre. . * " "Who Violates' the Law" appears at the Globe Theatre. * » - r : ■ The Onehunga Lyceum Theatre is presenting " Hero of the Dardanelles." , 4