ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5678, 28 August 1905, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE, roller’s Entertainers, despite nil oppouil ion, draw large audiences nightly. A change o! programme was submitted on Saturday. Every seat in the theatre was occupied, and every item on tho pro-

gramme was so wolf received that encores were the order of the evening. The applause was justified as the programme was meritorious. The overture and opening chorus were bright and ehtortaindig. The serio and dance items by the T almorn sisters wore well received. Mr S. licnves. a tenor singer, made his first appearance and was heartily applauded for his ballad "Elsinore.” Miss Louie Farndon, a mezzo-soprano from Sydney, also appeared for tho first time, and her twig. “Idle Words/’ was encored, oho made a most favourable impression, and should become popular. Mr Harry uilford Mr George Pngclen, Mr Charles Howard, Miss Mabel Lynne, Miss Kitty Stanley, and tho Driscoll Bros, all contributod Horns to tho first portion of the programme, and cvcrv number was well received. Mr Harry Marshall described os “a clever female impersonator/' opened the second part of tho programme. He created roars of laughter. The coon songs of Miss Elsie Brown were not the least interesting items of the long programme, the audience demanding "more when she prepared to leave the stage. “On tour in Japan” was the title of a comedy sketch given bv the Itollos. This “turn” made a decided hit, the performers receiving a storm of applause. Miss Nolly Power has become very popular, and her singing of “Eay, Kay, Fay” was appreciated. Mr Fred. Rlvenhall may justly bo called an immense favourite. His comic songs are certainly well worth hearing. He introduced several new ones, and the audience was not satisfied until he reappeared several times. The performance concluded with a trapeze act, introducing a human whirlgig. given by the American artists the three St. Leona New artists are announced for to-night's performance.

THEATRE ROYAL. There a crowded house at the Theatre Royal on Saturday —ample testimony to the success of the programme submitted by Mr Geo. Stephenson's company of entertainers. Professor Andrews again demonstrated the marvellous possibilities of liquid air. Tho instantaneous freezing of a rubber ball, flowers, and t\ sheet of paper, which, when grasped firmly, crumpled to pieces like an eggshell. were but a few of many manifestations of the powers of liquid air. The Ibi-ons contributed a most acceptable turn, including a piccolo solo by Miss Ibson, of considerable merit. The English Pierrots combined mirth, and wit in their novel entertainment. The vocal items of Misses Elsie Peerless, Elsie Dwyer, and the Cathedral Choristers were in keeping with the general excellence of the programme, Alma's conjuring is a neat display of legerdemain. The programme will* be repeated tonight. The management announce for Saturday afternoon next a special matinee for the convenience of schools, colleges, and families residing at a distance, at which, in addition to ’‘The Magic Kettle Act/' Professor Andrews wuj give a short description of the discovery, propetries and manufacture of “liquid air."

CURTIS'S NOVELTY COMPANY. Mr M. B. Curtis's American Novelty Company continued its season at the Opera House on Saturday, when matinee and evening performances were given. The legerdemain of Clive again mystified the audience, particularly the mermaid illusion. Princess Ghinquilla's quaint singing and dancing were loudly aplauded, and Major Edward Newell, for his clever juggling and balancing feats, deserved the warm reception accorded him. The- programme is to bo repeated this evening. THE FITZMAURICB GILL SEASON. On Thursday evening next, at the Opera House, the Messrs Macmahon will rc-introduce to Wellington pljay-goers that very popular dramatic artist. Miss Fitznmurice Gill, with a compa'« v engaged for the New Zealand tour. The season, which is limited to twelve performances, will open with the first production in Wellington of Frank Harvey's successful Irish drama, “Bearing.-, her Cross." Tho play, which proved a big hit during Miss Gill's recent four-weeks’ season at His Hajesty's Theatre. Auckland, is at the present time being played by five different dramatic organisations in the English provinces alone. The sole Australasian rights were secured for Miss Gill in London. “Bearing her Cross'.' will bo followed by “Uncle Tom's Cabin," “The Girl of my Heart," “The French Spy," and “A Sister's Sacrifice." New scenery will be brought into requisition* tho management promising something out of the ordinary in this respect. The box plan will be opened to-morrow morning at the Dresden. CHARITY BALL. * On Wednesday night, at the Town Hall, the charity ball in aid of the funds of the Veterans’ Horae will be held, and those responsible for its promotion are already satisfied of its success. Strenuous efforts are being put forth to have tho floor in first-class order. A special feature will bo the lancers competition. There will be sixteen sets, and all the dancers will be in fancy costume. The sets will include a Government House set. (in which Lord and Lady Plunket will take part), a Parliamentary &et (which will include the Premier and Mrs Seddon), a set from Hawke's Bay, and others of a representative nature. The contest is to be decided by the vote of the patrons who witness the spectacle, and his Excellency the Governor has offered a prize for each lady in the winning set. The Government House party will not be in the contest. There are to be minuets and Sir Roger de Covorley dances also. There is an impression abroad that only those joining in the lancers competition are to occupy the floor during the evening. This is wrong. There are only a few display dances, and the remainder of the dances on the programme will be carried out as at an ordinary ball. A rehearsal of the display dances will be held to-morrow evening at 5 o’clock when the committee will arrange the position of the various sets. Prices of admission and other details are advertised elsewhere. THE RINK. The Rink in Ingestre street was open on Saturday, and at both sessions there were large attendances. A full braes band played selections, adding considerably to the enjoyment of rinking.