ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8654, 12 February 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

ms MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A good audience greeted the rise of the curtain at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, when the current very enjoyable and amusing programme was repeated. Dargay and Snee are patter artists of a high order, and gave a very excellent turn, as also do the Kimball Bros. Miss Margaret Carahor haw a very sweet voice and received warm applause. Tho Guzmanis, a clever trio of Spanish artists, are equilibrists of more than ordinary merit, while the 11 Trovotore Trio fully deserved the enthusiastic reception they met with. There will be a repetition of tho programme this evening. THE KING’S THEATRE. Another largo assemblage at. the King's Theatre last evening boro striking testimony to the popularity of the '‘feature picture drama “King of the Air.” the subjlct ranks high in the cinema world, both in point of interest and the excelfence of the acting and mountings Ihe aeroplane race affords a fine view of the country which it crosses at almost hurricane speed. An entertaining incident is tho performance of the tango dance by two experts. Tho rest of tho programme is well up to the customary standard of meric. The programme will lie repeated to-night, and the usual matinee is announced for Saturday, beginning at 2.30 o’clock. THE BRITANNIA. ‘‘Sunny, the Cattle Thief,” a Vitagraph Western story, is the feature attraction of to-day’s new programme at tho Britannia. Tile environment of this J)hoio-play lends itself to plenty of sensation and exhibitions of good horsemanship, and through the unfolding of the plot runs a charming love romance. An appealing drama by the Lnbin Company shows how a mother’s love for her boy triumphs in the end. Plenty of Bom comedy is provided, and in "Tho Clothes Line Quarrel,” by the Thanhouser Company, patrons are promised heaps of fim. Two men lived side bv side ili a suburban district, each happy in the love of his wife and child. Tho wive 3 were, also good friends, and the little boy thought the little girl next door was the 'cutest child he had ever seen. One day. however, the children fell out. and all sorts of unpleasant things happened. The mothers quarrelled, tho fathers noosed to bo chums and avoided each other on the streets and in the suburban grains, and the elder . people having started the feud determined to keep ft up. One day the two youngsters were lost. Tho men promptly dropped their foud to organist a search party. Other pictures included in the programme ere “The Now Cook," “New Zealand Animated News.” “Lucca Cavalry’ and "Plants and Flowers.” THE EMPRESS THEATRE. Tho new programme at the Empress Theatre to-day and to-night will introduce the A.B. Company's “star’ drama, "Tho Abandoned well.” The plot deals with a romance of a farm in which there is an old dry well. The owner of the farm hides his money at the bottom, ox the well, and this leads up to a striking climax. "A Homespun Tragedy is a powerful drama by the Vitagraph Company. dealing with a case of uncalledfor ’ jealousy. The remaining Rems include "The Melburn Confession (S. and A. drama). ‘'Manila'' (scenic), unite Love” (A.lf. "feature comedy), and "Master Fixit” (Vita, comedy).

A NOVEL ANIMAL THEN. A novelty in animal training will be E resented with Wirth Bros.’ Circus, td., which will open in Wellington on Monday next for throe nights only. "DobJados” trained pigs and sheep is the newest thing in animal training from America. Herr Doblados has trained his animals to perform a screamingly funny farce, in which a number of sheep (including Buttinski, the butting ram) and pigs take part. It is quite unique, as it is said to be the only act of its kind in ■ the world, and was the “feature" turn of the Now York Hippodrome last “seasbh. The speciality is the musical pigs- A number of pigs, besides doing other things, play different musical instruments, one (Louisa) going as far as playing tunes on a euphonium. "I,ouisa” is billed as the only pig euphonium player in the world. The act, which is claimed to be the funniest on record, is brought to a conclusion by Buttinski running amok and fighting his fellow sheep, then turning on the trainer, butts him out of the ring.

WILLOUGHBY DRAMATIC COMPANY.

During the season of drama to bo presented by George Willoughby in the Opera House, tho second production will he the fascinating, wholsorae and thrilling play cntitlecl "No Mother to Guide Her.” It is promised to be one succession of resplendent scenes and thrilling situations. Tt is one of the latest London triumphs, and will be staged on Saturday. 21st Mist. Tho story is that Nan, a London waif, has been handed over at a verv tender age to a burglar. Bill Dunce. The mother (Mrs Patterson) sets her widow’s cap at the Rev. Mr Pelham, a young London missionary, but the latter's heart is in the keeping ot Millicent Saxby. the heroine, and a daughter of a banker. The heroine. is gradually attracted by tho hypnotic influence of Felix Green, alias Campbell, the most ornamental member of the Bnnee gang. Green hypnotises Nan, who crawls through a scullery grating and oners up the avenue so that Green may walk into tho hank without trouble. The safe bells ring, the banker la murdered, the daughter is hypnotised, and the police arrive in a motor car and arrest the wrong persons. There is a unique finale. The box plan opens this morning at tho Dresden. , “'ALADDIN.’’ Mr Cbaa. H. Knight, the well-known theatrical manager, arrived hero yesterday bv the Maunganui from Sydney to pave the wav for the opening of George Willoughby’s big pantomime extravaganza "Aladdin** ah the Opera House on Thursday, February 26th. Mr Knight stales that tide production line equalled, if not exceeded, the receipts taken by any pantomime company fin the time it has been running, eight weeks') yet presented in Australasia, tho reason of it being the exceptional cast, the beautiful scenery, the gorgeous costumes, the bright soarkling musical numbers, the superb 'ballets, and the magnificent choruses. There are 240 people taking part in the production. SAILORS’ FRIEND SOCIETY. A concert was held at the Sailors Friend Society last evening, Mr James Moore (missioner) occupying the chair. There was la large and appreciative audience present. The following contributed items to the programme: Song, with banjo accompaniment, Mr G. Colons; song, Mrs Lewis: recitation, Miss Sander; comic song. Mr Simpson. Every item was well received and encored'. Air Miller acted a-s accompanist. Messrs Harris (R.M.S. Ruapehu) and Spelman (Loch Garve) won a mouth organ contest. Air Mason gave several selections on bis gramophone. A heartyvote ot thanks was given tho performers at the conclusion of tho concert.