ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 8054, 7 March 1912, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE BLABCHEGK SEASON. The undoubted popularity of Mr Joseph Blasoheok and Hiss Mildred Wrighton was emphasised by another large audience at the Opera House last night. The favour which the entertainers have received and are receiving is the reward of distinctive merit. It is long eince two ench versatile and talented people visited Wellington. Their repertoire, which is very extensive, includes items ranging from pure humour to touching pathos—the whole refined and of the very best class. The selection presented to the audience last night proved in the highest degree entertaining, and was without doubt entirely pleasing to the audience. A new programme'will be presented this evening. THEATRE ROYAL., The kinemacolor season at the Theatre Royal is drawing to a close. The present programme is full of attractive pictures. Including extremely effective films depicting among other things a splendid dramatic story entitled ‘Arrah-na-Pogne." This study, which deals • with - the acute stages of the trouble in Ireland, is one of the best of its kind shown for some considerable time. ‘‘Auld hang Syne.” adapted from Burns’s famous poem, is another film of more . than ordinary, merit. The programme will' be repeated to-night., THE NEW THEATRE; • The excellent dramagraph "Love . and Friendship” 'by the Norilsk Company) which has proved such a’big draw at the New Theatre, .Manners -street, 'is to be shown for the last time to-day, and .tonight. There will be a complete change of programme to-morrow. ' ‘ SHORTT’S PICTURES. ■ The final screening of the' current, programme of . Bhortt's Pictures was responsible for nnmerous attendances yesterday afternoon and'evening. The customary entire change of programme to-day will he headed by a specially imported Selig Wild West dramatic masterpiece The Team-

stcr." in which some brilliant horaemunship is shown. THE STAB THEATRE. The Star Theatre, Newtown, has been taken over by Hayward's Picture Enterprises, Ltd., and a combination has been effected between that company and Wests Pictures, Ltd., now at St. Thomas’s Hail, The pictures will in future bo screened at the Star Theatre, where a modern and up-to-date plant is being installed. Commencing on Monday -next, a popular series of films will be screened, the ‘'star pictures being - a dramatic item entitled A Father’s Forgiveness,’’ and a well-known story adapted from "The Octoroon." There will be two programmes weekly. These items will be supplemented by other gems of cinematography. Interesting, ' amusing, and educational. A first-class orchestra will supply suitable musical accompaniments. FASOLA AT THE THEATRE EOYAL. ! Wellington has been visited lor aoinsi years past by magicians of hi*h notably . Carter, OHona lanar Sqo and Nioola—and now a further repetition will oceur In life first appearance of Faeolo. the Indian Fakir, who is under engage ment to the enterprising firm of Pullers to commence a season .at the Theatre Soyal next Saturday evening. Pasola’a feats of magic and skill are unlike any of his predecessors’, inasmuch a a his various deception* are purely transcendental, and therefor*, cannot be copied. ■For hundreds of years India hae been the recognised' ‘home ; of magicians* whose secrets have .been handed down from generation to generation, and .even in this most inquisitive age never discovered. Fasola works swiftly, with unerring oer--talnty, oblivions of applause., and the spectator no sooner recovers from one bewilderment before another, v-.tatas , iti place.- The, stage’mountings are purely Oriental* which ig a, (distinct guarantee for the essence of richness. His attend-, ants number, several Hindoos and & couple of fair-haired maidens, who help him in his various illusions. ,In addition to. this act. a number of high-class variety artists will appear. Seats may now be reserved at the Dresden. • ETHEL IB VINO SEASON. Wellington playgoers will be afforded an opportunity of seeing one of England’s greatest actresses, in the person of Miss Ethel Irving, at the Opera House for a brief season, commencing on Saturday next. When the London "Standard*’ alludes to Miss Irving os "the greatest actress we have," and tbe "Dally Telegraph" speaks of her as having "proved hpr claim to genius*’’ it will readily be understood what a prominent figure she Is on the English stage. Actresses of Miss Irving’s standing do; not frequently visit the Dominion, and seeing that we missed Mis* Margaret Anglin, it behoves all lovers’ of the better-class drama to show that highclass plays and players do not lack patronage and appreciation;by theatre-goers. Miss Irving gives a delightful example of highlyfinished, pure. acting, .with deft. and subtle strokes of expression and significance. Her work is beautiful throughout., She brings to bear none of the loudly tragic/methods of Duse and Bernhardt. On'the contrary, she charms by,the quiet magic of her acting, illumined as if. bv lightning flashes rising to the height of genius. It may be safely said that never has New Zealand seen a finer actress. Miss Irving, will appear for five performances ' in Somerset Manghan’s sparkling comedy. "Lady Frederick,’* and conclude her- season with' thresf performances- of "The Witness for the Defence." The box plans for the seaeon are now open at the Dresden, and «q that weekenders and bay resident* ' may have an opportunity,, of, witnessing; the first performance oh Saturday night the Day's Bay steamer will he ’ delayed till 11 p.m.