ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9612, 19 March 1917, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THBATES. The weekly' change of programme at Ilk Majestv’s Theatre is a largo one. With the departure on Saturday evening of Victor Prince’s popular company, the form of entertainment known as “revue” will be conspicuous by its aDsence on His Majesty's programmes tor some time, and tt>-uight will mark tno reinstatement of all-vaudeville kills. . Wellington theatregoers Brown ana oorli« will always be remembered as one of the most popular acts ever seen here. The principal member of the duo was, of course, Billy Brown, who is recognised bj press and public alike to be the foremost and best coon comedian since the days of Irving Sayles. Brown will be seen to-night in a single act in which he has the fullest scope for his undoubted comedy talent, and. which is said to be funnier than the funniest oiferings staged by him when in company with his partner. Brull and Hemsley, who have also carved a niche for tliemsalves in the admiration of Australasian variety followers, will make a very welcome reappearance in an entirely new novel sketch. Those who remember this fine English comedy couplo will need no reminder as to the general excellence of their standard. Mr Hemsley s interpretation of a dude, together with his terpsichorean grotesquenes, combine to make a sterling comedy conception. Bred Arthur, “the shabby genteel comedian,” comes with a big Bngiisn and Continental reputation, and . nis series of impersonations, impressions, and mimicry, tempered with wholesome humour, is said, to give ample scope tor his exceptional ability. Pearl Livingstone, a vivacious comedienne; fecott Gibson, an exponent of Scottish comedy; Alsace, the brilliant instraimentahst; the Eosie Rifle Co., shooting Specialists; Mark Erickson, raconteur, the lastnamed’s rendering of "Garos, the Sculptor.” with the assistance of George, and last, but _ not least, Marjorie Alwyne, the brilliant contralto, will complete a splendid night s entertainment. The same bill will he presented nightly throughout the week. The king’s. The King’s Theatre was crow'ded on Saturday evening, and the greatest interest was evinced in the drama Ine Crown Prince's Double, in which the leading parts were played, by Maurice Costello and. Norma Talmadge. Ibe plot of the piece concerns the disappearance of a prince with a wii e ot his own choice and the subsequent search, tor the pair. A number of amusing incidents are introduced through the detectives engaged getting on the false trail of a “double” of the prince. Maurice Costello represents both parts, and too interesting pictorial development is secured at the end of presenting both characters in the same scene. How the novel effect was secured was quite puzzling to many of the audience. In tne first part of the programme the rambles of a motor-car in rocky country were marvellous in the extreme ana formed a strong feature.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The beautiful and charming actress Billie Burke ' continues to draw large and appreciative auddenc.es at Everybody's Theatre/ Chapter XV. of Gloria’s Romance” is moat picturesque and luxurious, and abounds in incident and dramatic interest. Dick Furneau, a handsome fortune-hunter, is m hot pursuit of Gloria and'the Stanford millions, but at the close of the chapter his success is still in doubt. Gloria s bright eves, however, will surely nee through his hollow love-making. “The Honourable Algy,” the supporting drama, 's a very play, the interest of which centres round tho theft of, ’’the Cape diamond"..-on an/Atlantic.,liner,-, its discovery by the cadet of the noble house of Menteith. his resulting embarrassment, and the difficulties he experiences in restoring the jewel to its nghttul owners. Interwoven with this is a delightful little love story; and the pleasure of ’’the gods" on Saturday when Algy outwitted the .villain and . the course of his true love at last ran smooth was most marked. The "Pathe Gazette” of topical film-paragraphs on current events is- of unusual interest, and a special educational film, dealing with the fly plague, was screened at the request of the Public Health Department. EMPRESS THEATRE. A picture story, that must cany with It an appeal to all was shown for the first time at the Empress Theatre on Saturday. The film, which is entitled "The Hidden. Scar” is produced by the Wm. A. Brady company with tho two film stars Miss Ethel Clayton, and Mr Holbrook Blinn featuring. The story concerns the uphill fight of a. cabaret singer who, tired of her Bohemian life, yearns for something more ennobling. Tho death of her admirer leaves her with a nameless daughter, but his' final act in bequeathing to her his home gives her the long-waited-for chance to break loose from the shackles of her low’ life. Time goes on, and khe meets a young minister, who falls in love with her, and under the impression she is a widow, marries her. There is almost disaster when the husband learns later of his wile’s past. Then in a powerful climax tho young .minister realises for the first time the full meaning of the gospel of charity and forgiveness that he has so often nreaohed from the pulpit, and all ends happily. Among the supporting pictures is an extraordinary Keystone comedv brimful of fun and incident. The accompanying music from the organ adds in no small way to the general enjoyableness of the programme.

ENTERTAINMENT AT SYDNEY STREET SOLDIERS' CLUB.

There was a full house of ladies at the Sydney street Hall on Saturday night, when Sergeant Pitzroy Lovell and several members of the Specialist Company, 26th Reinforcements, gave an evening's entertainment for the ladies who have so often entertained the soldiers at this club. . Members of the committee and a number of the hostesses and their, helpers were present, and the hall presented quite a festive appearance, with tho many white frocks worn by the girls. The stage was decorated with flowers and cleared for the performers. These were not as many as were (expected, out of fourteen only some half-dozen being present. Sergeant Lovell, however, proved quite- a host in. himself, and besides being master of ceremonies proved a most versatile entertainer. He began by telling stories, later gave a demonstration of how to stick pins in oneself without hurting, and finally, with tho assistance of one of tho ladies present, gave a thought-reading “turn." A trio for piano, violin and cornet was given by Mrs Blake and Lance-Corpor-als Phillips and Leicester, the “Barcarolle" from "Tales of Hoffmann’ proving so popular that it had to be repeated twice during the evening; and violin and cornet solos were also given, and songs by Corporal Blake and others. Mrs Blake acted as accompanist for all the items. After the programme was over an adjournment was made to the gymnasium, where light refreshments wero served to the lady guests and the members of thY concert party. The Khandallah ladies were in charge of tho soldiers’ tea room, but their busy time did not start until after the .musical -items had been given-, and the Misses Van Staveren, who were- in charge of the parcels, had a lighter evening than usual- Mrs Coleridge (the acting president) and Mrs Salmond (secretary) were in charge of the arrangements, with members of the house committee, and among those who were present were the Hon. Sir James Allen and Jiis daughter, Mrs Montgomery.