ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7445, 20 May 1911, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

WILLIAMSON DRAMATIC SEASON. OPERA HOUSE. Apart from the element of sensationalism which forms such a prominent part of tho production of “The Whip,” there is wedded to tho exciting scenes a very interesting narrative. A touch of unyto iioiviUe and Nat Gould pervades the sporting atmosphere of the piay that. is well brought out by the masterly way m winch the piece is staged. Notably the meet of the huntsmen in the opening act. the perilous journey of the pride" of the stable, and the grand finale in which the audience is held spell-bound whilst the race for the Guineas is decided. The colonial ouolic distinctly loves sport, and so there need be no'wonder that "The Whip” is proving such Lin extraordinary theatrical attraction. Last night tho Opera House again held a crowded audience, which rcve.led in the highly melodramatic fare placed before them. The good work of tho principals again won for them warm recogmUon. Some of the minor characters to whom reference was not possible in the opening notice merit mention. Mr Maurice Dudley makes a very breezy bookmaker, and gives a well-drawn sketch of a character that is so essential to a sporting melodrama. Mr Charles Graham, whose first appearance it is in this city, plays the part of the Rev. Verner Haslcm. a young parson who has gone wrong, with a quiet reserve that fits in well with the phase of me he is called upon to represent. As the jockey. Harry Anson, who is so closely identified with the fortunes of The Whip. Mr Robert Bottomloy plays very successfully. Messrs Vivian Edwards, Rego Redo, Frank Harcourt, and Edwin Lester give good support. . “The Whip” will be produced again this evening.

THE NEW THEATRE. Tho proprietors of the New Theatre, Messrs Maoilahon and Donnelly, had eve y reason to be satisfied with the bountiful patronage bestowed upon their continuous picture show yesterday, who na new programme was introduced. The American JJiograoh Company excelled in a charming dramatisation of Browning’s idylic poem "Tippa Passes.” It is Pippa, the hill© v Italian maiden with guitar and song, soulful voice as she passes by causes man to cease his strife, and forget the worlcuy, passions of anger, lust. and i dissipation. The drunken artisan drops his bowl of win© when he hears Pippa's voice, and returns to ask forgiveness of hia sorrowing wife, the student abandone his cursing of the woman , who has deceived him, and the would-be murderer throws down the dagger and flies. The idea of the poem is beautifully conveyed by tho picture. The Bison Company’s capable troup of actors and actresses are seen to advantage in “The Creek Claim,” which is one of-the Western mining dramas for which this company is unrivalled. “Cognac and the Charentc River” depicts the centre of the brandy trade Some charming views of the river preface si visit to a brandy distillery, where -each process of the industry is presented. Cognac is an ancient French town and a relic of the middle ages is seen in the eld gates of the city. A’ pathetic story of fraternal love ia unfolded in “Mike, the Kiser.” Mike is a Now York telegraph messenger who suffers, opprohrious jgnoniimtles from his. fellow workers in order to save up monev to pay for hospital treatment of hia crippled sister. "The Cowboy's Mother-in-law’'' is an frristiblv mirthful reproduction A cowboy who is noted for bullring his patient wife receives rough treatment at the herds of a- burly cowboy, who is disguised to represent the victim’s mother-in-law. There are other items which were relished by young and , old. The programme will be shown cou- ' tinuously from 11 a.m. to It o'clock tonight. THEATRE EOT AX/. The Theatre Roval was well filled last evenin'? when all the. nerformers were accorded a hcnrtv reception. No more will he seen of Barnold’s does in Wellington, but last niffht laughter reismed while the act. was in progress..- Anybody who has not heard Mr Alexander Prince, tho champion concertina p l ayer, should do so. Scotchmen and others • are carried away hv his imitation of the bagpipes, and. Mr Prince’s rendering of the peals of bells is charming. To-night several new artists will appear. Daly and O'Brien will reap.pear in their tanglefoot darning act. and the Weatherly musical act will again b© put on. Gardiner and L© Man will appear in a jinjitsu act, in which they will Jntroduo “Self-defence for Ladies." TO-NIGHT’S ORGAN RECITAL. A composition new to Wellington will he played by Mr Maughan Barnett to-night on the Town Hall organ. The work is by Elgar, entitled "Sonata in Q” fop. 28), and consists of four movements. Elgar is . the 1 composer of that great work, th© "Dream *of Gerontius.” Schubert’s "Am Mecr" and the "Goiuriunion” (Dovred) are also worthy of attention. Compositions by: Bach, Wely and Wagner will also be played. HtS MAJESTY’S PICTURES. Interest is not permitted to flag for a moment in the current programme bv Fullers' Pictures at His Majesty’s Theatre. Conspicuously attractive are th© films "Snakes and their Habits.”' "Historic London,” "Experiments in Air,” and "Sara, jova (Bosnia).” The programme will be shown at to-day's matinee (for which special prices for admission are announced), and also this evening. THE 1 OLYMPIA RINK. Fullers' Olympia Rink was well patronised at'aid sessions yesterday. Tho winter having set in, roller skating can now be enjoyed to the fullest extent. The rink will be-open for the usual sessions to-day. The band will attend this afternoon qn d evening. SALVATION ARMY CONCERT. A benefit concert in aid of the silver instrument fund of th© City S.A. Band will b© held in the Salvation Army Citadel next Monday evening. As will be seen bv the annuoncement in another part of this paper, an attractive programme has been arranged. SUNDAY CONCERT. The Garrison Band, assisted by Mrs A. Mitchell (contralto), Mr G. Clarkson (baritone), and Mr Oakley (baritone), will give a concert in the Town Hall to-morrow evening. v ' b THE Y.W.O.A. Mr Burgess, of tho China Inland Mission, ia to give an ’ address this evening at the Young Men’s Christian Association rooms In Fowlds' building. Herbert street.