ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8181, 24 July 1912, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. "BEN HUE.” Rain and Rail do not interfere with the patronage that is being extended to ‘‘.Hen Hur," which last night, in spite of very adverse weather conditions, was witnessed by another crowded audience. The play is highly attractive, and is probably the most brilliantly spectacular performance yet staged at the Opera House. Tho chariot race, the scene on the Nile, tho interior of tho Roman galley, the rescue on tho raft, and the picture of Mount Olivet, aro notably of a striking nature, and excellently reproduced. THE NEW DANDIES. To-night Mr Edward Branscombe’s English comedy company, tho new (greeny Dandies, will commence a lengthy se.eou in the concert chamber of the Town Hall. Enough has been said about tho now company to lead ono to expect an entertainment in all ways on a par with that given by tho Rod Dandies. A groat feature of the entertainment is that there is not a weak turn on tho bill; it is brimful of sparkling humour and admirable singing. Tho blend of voices in the concerted numbers is said to bo one of the attractions. The comedy section is in capable hands, Mr Herbert Walton and Mr George Horton being artists of long experience. Tho plans for tho whole season aro at the Dresden. SKATING RINK PICTURES. , Wao now programme of pictures at tho Sk..ting Rink is attracting good patronage. It includes excellent films in each department—dramatic, educational and comic. A specially interesting study is entitled "Ekplmnts at Work in India ' and another ol tho same high-class is "Studies in Aquatic Life.” Tho Wild West is well represented among the dramas by two capital films, "Paying the Price” and "Under Mexican Skies,” both of which were. much appreciated last night. "Mo an’ Bill" and “In After Yeans” were also heartily applauded. Much merriment was ‘ caused by the humorous films, chief among which was a skit called "The Yarn of the Nancy Bell." “Archibald Chubbe and the Widow” and "The Bravo Hunter" are also good laughter-raisers. The programme is to be repeated this evening. THEATRE ROYAL. Heavy hailstorms, a gale of bleak southerly wind, and frequent downfalls of cold rain, did not deter patrons oi the Theatre Royal attending in large numbers last evening. An astonishiii,. item on the programme was the acrobatic feat performed by the Bartz -trio of acrobats. On no previous occasion has a "turn” of the description of the one presented in this act been witnessed a; the Theatre Royal. Marvellous muscular power is displayed in tho balancing of the various members, in addition to perfect judgment necessary to catch and balance on the hands a big man. Miss Edith Harmer, an English comedienne, is appearing this week in several new and bright songs. This entertainer is sure to become popular with ter auditors. Tho programme will be repeated this evening. THE NEW THEATRE. The New Theatre was crowded at all sessions yesterday afternoon and evening when, in addition to the elaborate pic-ture-drama "Tlie World Against Her,' now supporting subjects were shown. The American Bicgraph Company s' feature drama "One is Business, tho Other Crime," relates the experiences of nvo young couples who upon their wedding day vow to follow the straight path. One couple are in ordinary circumstances, and the other a Little better off. . Later tho poorer young man loses, his employment and he and his wufe are in sore straits. The other has become a ]H>wer in politics and is offered a bribe of a thousand dollars for political influence. This he refrains from disclosing to his wife. The other man, driven to desperation endeavors to steal the thousand dollars but the wealthier man catches him, and is about to give him into custody. His wife when she becomes aware of how her husband came by themoney makes him let the thief go. The travel study "Sacred City of the Ganges and the comedies "Bobby, the Judge and "The Burglar Helped” are pleasing items. "The World Against! Her” will be repeated to-day and to-night and until further notice. Commencing next Monday MacMahon and Donnelly will present "Love in the Tropics.” described as one of the most gorgeous and powerful dramas yet witnessed in this part of the world.

ADELPHI PICTURES.

One of the star films this week at the Adolphi Theatre, where quite a good audience gathered last night in spite of the very wintry weather, is entitled "Charlie Colins and- the Knave of Bpados." It is a detective romance of tho "thrilling” order and shows how a cunning thief matched himself once too often against a famous detective. The whole of the current programme is well worth a visit. There is a very beautiful colored nature-study "Wild Birds nt Home,” which shows the habits of various birds. Several capital dramatic films are included, among them being "A Pie Worth While" (an American ranch story) and "A Western Kimono" (one from tho Wild West) Other interesting films are: “A Pilgrimage to Fuji Yama,” and “Hindu and Chinese Rejoicings, while the comic section is well up to standard. The programme will be repeated to-night.

BORNEO GARDINER'S CONCERT. There is no doubt that the programmearranged for Mr Borneo Gardiner’s concert should prove one of the most enjoyable and varied submitted to patrons. The Professional Orchestra has generously given assistance, and its items alone aro worth hearing. Messrs Cohen, Moschini. and Tmda should prove r.n excellent trio combination. There will be a humorous quartette, chorus by the Wellington Orphans’ Club, solos by Messrs Fletcher, E. J. Hill, Carr, Doherty, Allwright (a Christchurch singer who has earned an excellent reputation since ing locat'd in Wellington). The Misses Theresa Mclnroe and Thelma Petersen, two iioung artists, who have achieved distinction in the vocal world, will also render favourite items during the evening. The humorous poifion of tlm programme will bo provided b" Messrs Kenny. Newton,. Zante Wood am] others, ell wMI-known performers. Mr Perneo Gardiner himself will also render favourite' items.