ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7077, 15 March 1910, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

THEATRE ROYAL. Something extra good was promised by the Fuller management for their change of programme at tho Theatre Royal last evening, and therefore the seating accommodation was iilied before S o'clock. The "star" feature of tho programme was the magical entertainment by Hajsan, an Indian from Bombay, who performed several nniazinc; deceptions close to the footlights with the stage brilliantly lighted, and without any of the elaborate paraphernalia, mirrors, hollow-topped tables, etc., which are the principal istock-in-trado of many of the latter-day ■'magicians." Three members of the audience we.ro permitted to remain on tho stage to see that no mechanism was employed. Hassan's performance deserves special commendation for the newness of his tricks and tho absence of tho inane patter which has become) tho bane of magicians. Hassan offers a pack of cards to any person in tho audience. One card is selected, and its identity concealed from Hassan, who shuffles it back into the pack. He asks anyone in the audience for a cigarette. Ho accepts one, smokes it and tho card selected is found in the •cigarette. Five cards are chosen by the audience. The Indian shoots at a screen and they immediately appear on it. Hassan changes two half-crowns into pennies while. ' "they are firmly clenched in tho hands of a member of the committee from tho audience. While talking Hassan stops to permit a couple of lianclfuls of 2-inch nails to pour out of his mouth. Among others [his turban trick borders on the truly magical. Tho turban is' clearly cut into four lengths. He singes tho cut onds, and in a moment the turban is stretched out to its original length. This is done with the committee standing close besido Hassan. An empty shallow basket -without a lid is turned upside down on a common table. The basket is covered momentarily, and on 'being raised a live pigeon is discovered underneath it. The basket is placed over tho bird for a- second, and tthen two pigeons appear. _ The strength of the human eyelid is demonstrated by Hassan, who lifts a 631 b granite block with one eyelid. The .granite is attached by a . cord to a, tiny cum that Hassan pushes under Ihis eyefid and tightening the muscles k>f tho eyelid he is able to walk across I tho stage with the weight suspended, j He concluded his display by placing a pebble in his mouth and shortly afterwards omitting smoke and tongues of flame from his mouth. This is one of the 'brightest, neatest and most mystical expositions conceivable. Hassan was clamorously applauded at the conclusion. The Klimos made their initial bow in a novel gymnastic ■"turn'' in which they did some agile work on the Roman rinigs, not to (mention the laughable acrobatic tumbling by the comedy partner. The latter oauisos roars of laughter by falling and somersaulting in a manner which threatens to break his neck. The Klimos are tip-top performers _in ai branch of athletic vaudeville which is always acceptable when well done. Mr Wiard. Lear, is la iboirn laugUter-maker, and he applies himself to tho business •with telling effect in his song "I Fell Out of Work" (specially Written for him). Three insistent recalls were responded to by a whistling song, a parody on "Honey Boy," and a laughing song wnich carried the audience •with it. Miss Maud Hewson gave a pleasing rendition of "Love's Old Sweet Song." Mr Charles Tlrrosby'sadmira'ble impersonation of a parson and his Harry Lauder imitations were heartily appreciated. The slack wire j performance by Raleigh and the vocalisations by tho Martin sisters, Misses Beattie McDonald, and Gertie Johns were enjoyable contributions. The programme will be repeated tonight. ~ „_. u .,. V(i „ HIS MAJESTY'S PICTURES. ' The opening bill at His Majesty's Pictures is said by the management to be one of exceptional merit and composed of what may legitimately be called "star" items. At trie lead of the list may be mentioned a realistic film, humorous and pathetic by turns, of last month's Paris floods; also a film different to anything ever seem here before, illustrating the progress and" direful effect upon a drop of blood and therefore human life of the germs of -that dread disease sleeping sickness. This is shown by the aid of microciniematography, a process combining 'the use of the microscope and the cinematograph, tho invention of tho French scientist Dr Comandom. A touch of the breezy life of the Western prairies is introduced by a dramatic study entitled "The Pet of the Big Horn Ranch." Pathe Frore, t'he world-fanned manufacturers will oontributei a fin© art study "The Lady ■with the Camellias," founded on Dumas' celebrated novel. Altogether an entertainment is promised that no picture-lover should miss. WEST'S AND ROYAL PICTURES. To-morrow night West's and the Royal Pictures will open the King's Theatre. _ This is designed on the most modern lineSj every improvement from the old and new world- having been' <embodied to make the theatre what it is advertised "a perfect picture palace." The building is fireproof, and the operating box, built of ferroconcrete, is placed outside of the auditorium, thus giving immunity to patrons in the event of film accident. The prograimmo for the opening week is comprised of the world's best makers, and weekly a complete change of West's exclusive pictures will be given.. Music will be a feature of the entertainments. ' Every lady attending the opening performance will bo presented by the management with a satin souvenir programme as a memento of the occasion. The box plan, which is rapidly filling, is now on view at Abel's, Manners street. BESSES O* TH' BARN BAND. The present generation of bandsmen in Australasia will never forget their impression of the,Besses, which must always more or less influence their inspiration and efforts and probably when younger Tubal Cains grow up, <whose lips are as get too tender for the resounding brass, they' will bear reminiscences of how this or ■that passage was taken by the Besses until, not" impossibly, they will wish at last that the men from Lancaster ihad never toured ''Australia. The opening concert of the return season takes place to-morrow evening at the Town Hall. Day sales at 2s axe available from this morning 'ait Abel's.