AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15553, 7 September 1912, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

PLIMMER-DENNISTON SEASON

" Nobody's Daughter" was played for tho last timo at His Majesty's Tlieatrc lastnight before another largo and cnthusiastio audience. It is unfortunate that tho i'limmer-Donniston season U limited to four nights, as it is seldom that the theatregoing ptiblio of Duncdin is afforded suoh a treat, both as to the class of play presented and the calibre of the artists. Notwithstanding the success that has attended "Nobody's Daughter," the management will adhere to its original intention of producing to-night, for the last performance of tho season, tX-carWildu's brilliant comedy, '" A Woman of No Importance," in which Mr Tilhoradgo will appear in his original part of lord Illingworth. This character is looked upon as the greatest of all this distinguished actor's many (Successes. The comedy itself, coming as it does from the brain of so gifted a writer, is brimful of sparkling epigrams and clever dialogue, whilst at tho same time it is a life story of tho deepest interest. Mrs Brough will resume her old part of Mrs Arbuthnot, a portrayal which is not likely to bo forgotton by tho majority of theatregoers. Miss Beatrice Day will appear as Mrs Allcnby, a part which affords her every opportunity, and Miss Lizotle Parkcs will bo seen as Miss Hester Worscloy. The rest of tho cast will include Mr Harry I'limmer as Mr ICelvil, Mr A. & Grconaway as Sir John Pontefracl, Mr Harry Sweeney as Gerald Arbuthnot, Miss Batricc Usher as Lady llnntstanton. and Miss Tempo Pigolt as Lady Pontefract, The box plan for tonight's performance will bo at tho Dresden till 12 noon, and after that at Jacobs's. KING'S THEATRE. There was a very good houso at tho King's Theatre last evening, when tho excellent all-round company of vaudevilleartists at present showing the-ro gavo a very enjoyable entertainment. Phil and I'hfora, tho Brenuans, and the rest of a. versatile company all gavo items of foino particular merit, and recoived their full meed of appreciation. On Monday night the famous Pcchilli troupo of Chinese acrobats will make a first appearance. Tho astounding feats they accomplish must bo seen to ho believed. As children, they were street entertainers who came under tho notico of the Emperor of China, who promoted them to be entertainers of royal guests, which distinguished position they hehl for unite Iwo years, when they wero onticed away by a half-casto Amr-rican-Chinwo' circus agent, with u promise for big salaries, and booked for tho Continent. Some-how tho nfrent was lost, and they arrived in Marseilles unable to speak any language but Chinese. They had no money, and began to give a performance in tho street. This led to their arrest, but at flie police station they gave a performance, that"proved them to be extraordinary acrobats, and tho polico communicated with a theatrical manager, who raw enough to fix contracts lasting for several years. His foresight was rewarded by seeing tho Pochillis tho vogue in Europe.

HAYWARD'S PICTORES. Tho nltondanco nt Burns Hull was good Inst evening, when every picture- screened wns received with cordial applause. This iiltcrnoon the management announces two special Wild West pictures Hint should greatly please the children. The current programme, which is strong in tho dramatic- clement, including the excellent spectacular film " lied Falcon," will bo shown for the last time- to-night. A complete- new series is duo on Monday night. FULLERS 7 PICTURES. Somo capital subjects were included in the pictures shown at tho Princess Theatre Inst evening, and they were greeted with licarty approval by n full house. Tho views of Madrid wore oxccllent, and tho skill embodied in tho " Signal Code" amounted to n fino art. The other items on the programmo wcro equally good, and fully deserved tho hearty approval they evoked. The orchestral niusie was qnito a

feature of tho show, which is suro to draw a bumper house this evening.

I QUEEN'S THEATRE. There was a capital attendance at tho Queen's Theatre last evening, when tho pictures comprising tho current programmo wero received witti well-deserved approbation. Sonic capital films arc included in the new programme, which is skilfully varied to suit tho tasto of nllpiettirc-lovcrs, and proved to bo an attractivo and onjoyublo entertainment. BRYDONE SKATING RINK. Tho popularity of tho pastimo of rollerskating remains undiminished, and the attendances at the Jlrydono Rink show no sign of falling off. Yesterday, lioth in the morning and afternoon, the rink was very liberally patronised, and in tho evening tho lloor was fully occupied by skaters, and the spectators lilted the whole of tho seating accommodation. A somewhat novel featuro was introduced into tho evening's nmusoment in the form of fqur-in-liand team skating, tho teams being driven by a fifth skater. This morning at 10 o'clock there will bo a children's matinee, and musical sessions will bo held afternoon and evening. MASTER BUILDERS' BALL. The Dunedin master builders held their annua! hall in the Art Gallery Hall lastevening. Thero was a largo attendance, over 100 couples tahing tho lloor. Tho Grand March was led by Mr G. Hodges (president of tho association) and Mrs (lodges. The floor was in excellent condition, and thu hall presented a most animated appearance. The M.C.'s were Messrs A. J. Cooper and W. Clarke, and they wero assisted by a most energetic committee, which performed its duties to the satisfaction ot all concerned, and so contributed largely to make the ball a thorough success. Credit is due to Mr..James Knox (the sect clary) who spared no pains in tho execution of his trust. Tho hall was beautifully decorated with greenery, and l>ot plants wero tastefully arranged in various parts. Excellent niusie. was dispensed by Flint's Hand, and the entering was all that could bo desired. During the evening several songs were contributed.

• HOWLERS' SOCIAL. Tim annual social of the St. Clair Howling (Mill) whs held lust night in tlie local gymnasium, and mm well attended. Iliere being u large number-of members of other trawling ('inl)s present. The evening was ehielly devoted to dancing, but a number of those present who were not _ dancers indulged in card playing. During nri interval in the proceedings the president of the club, .Mr A. Macplicrson, presented Mr •I. 11. Hancock with a set of bowls in honour of his having won the Singles Championship of the chit) three years in succession. Dancing was continued for sevcr.il hours, being interspersed with songs by a number of ladies and gentlemen present, and altogether an enjoyable time was spent. IJENEVOMSNT INSTITUTION. The mcnibors of the South Duucdin Women's Christinn Teniporanrc Union attended the Benevolent Institution in large numbers on Wednesday night, and gave the inmates an evening; Mrs M. A. South presided, and welcomed all the old folks ivho wort able to he present. A good iniisicitl programme was gone through, the following contributing:—Misses J.eyland (2), Chi'twin. and Trench. Mrs Uolitledgu and Mrs Uoi;,', Messrs Forbes, Patterson, and hailing. Miss Patterson acted as accompanist. The old folk enjoyed the items immensely, many of Hicin joining in tho choruses. .Mr IJ. C. Cameron gave a short address, tuking for his subject the rapid advancement made in New Zealand during the la.H 40 years, especially in harbour improvements and ferry boats, railways, tramway?, etc. Fruit mid lollies were then handed round. Mr Sinclair (manager) thanked tho Women's Union for their second concert this season, and hoped they would all ho back again next year. CONCERT AT MIDDLEMARCH. One of the most agreeable entertainments enjoyed in Middlcmareh for some considerable" time was given on the evening of Friday, the 30th ult., by tho local Tennis Club'" and friends, assisted by several amateurs from other parts. Although the night turned out wet and dark, and few children were present'owing to (lie scarlet fever scare, the Agricultural Hall was well filled with an appreciative audience. The performance began with a lively orchestral prelude behind the curtain, which, when raised, disclosed a gipsy encampment in the forest, with greenery, tent, campflre, and family caldron, all according to tradition. The jxrformers, dressed in suitable brightlined costumes, were grouped in picturesque attitudes on the stage, and sang several charming choruses in good style, while one lady member effectively recited a welcoming prologue. "There is a land" wasaftcrwards sung by Mr Ilutton, who received a well-deserved encore, responding with " Tho Standard on the Braes of Mar." Another encored item was a monologue by Mr Duncanson. "Grctchcn," a duct in character, by .Miss A. Williams and Mr L. Thomson, was one of the gems of the evening, showing remarkable aptitude for dramatic effect ir." a pair of young performers. A Maori haka vigorously executed brought a roar of appreciation from the audience, and a Scottish recitation by Mr Moore (encored! MOi UlkvuH by the kasoiout duet '' No.

sir." by Miss West and Mr Thomson. A stage reproduction of tho great fight between Jack Johnson ami Tommy Burns was greeted will; llio plaudits that n willing pugilislio encounter always obtains. Tho duet "Excelsior" by Mrs Thomson and Mr Hutton, and tho song " Afton water" by Mrs Fuller were pleasingly rendered and highly appreciated. The. second part of the programme consisted of plantation melodies sung by the 'company in appropriate costumes and surrounded with suitable socnio effects, and was concluded with the well known force "My Turn Next." During tho interval Mr. T. W. Wise (president of tho Tennis Club) thanked the audience for its attendance and appreciation, and tho performers for their assistance, lie mentioned that special praise was due to Mrs Thomson, to whom tho arduous duties of stage manager had liecn allotted, and to whom chiefly the success of tho concert was clue. Tho accompaniments were played by Mrs Tyndall and Miss West. After the. sinking of' "Auld lung syne" tho greater part of tho company remained to indulge in dancing, which was kept up for some time. GIRL SCOUTS' ENTERTAINMENT. A charming programme has been arranged for the Girl Peaco Scouts entertainment, to Ik given in Burns Midi on Wednesday evening. Mr Husking will preside, mid Dr Maicom will judge tho Girl Scouts ambulance competition. Tho following well-known amateurs are giving their assistance:—Tho Misses Darev Davidson and Doris Ramsay, and Air Haggitt and Mr It. Fulton. An attractive item will bo "Tho Clow-worm," for which tho Girl Scouts will wear flower costumes, and Messrs Turnbull and Jones supply electric lighting effects. Some members of llio Duncdin Mandolin and Banjo Orchestra will contribute a quartet, and the entertainment wilt tinish with an amusing comedietta "Timo is Money," acted by Misses Williams and Woodhouso and Sir C. R. Allen. NEWBURY CONCERT. Philip Newbury, tho great tenor vocalist, wlw lias created such a stir during tho present week, has decided to give a popular concert in the Garrison Hall on Friday evening next, when ho will have tho assistiinco of a number of well-known local performers.' During the festival held recently under the auspices of tho Duncdin Choral Society, Mr Newbury received many requests for popular numbers, and, as it was impossible to comply, he decided to give a concert on Friday next, Mr Newbury will sing, amongst other numbcrs ( such gems of popular songs as "Sally in our alley," "Tom Bowling," tho celebrated Cavatina from "Faust," "The messago" (Blumonthal), and tho cvcr-popular "Flower that bloomolh," from "Maritana." Ilic prices arc in keening with the nature of tho programme, and no difficulty should be found in obtaining a full house. RAILWAY FIRE BRIGADE CONCERT. For somo weeks past tho members of tho Duncdin Railway Firo Brigade havo been busy organising a grand concert, which will evehtuato at tho Art Caller)- Hall on Wednesday ovening, September 11. The proceeds of tho concert will bo devoted to equipping a competition team from tho brigade to compote at tho biennial demonstration of tho United Firo Brigades' Association, to bo held at Wanganui in March noxt. No effort has boon spared to mako tho concert attraclivo to the public, und a lsirgO a number of Dupedin's Icadmg artists havo given their services for tho occasion. Patrons can rely on spending a very pleasant evening, and at the same timo will bo

assisting tho brigadesmen in a mo6t worthy object. Included in tho programmo will bo songs, recitations, sleight-of-hand tricks, orchestral selections, and an exhibition of illuminated club-swinging, tho wholo making n most attractivo evening's entertainment TJio Dunedin Highland Pipo Band wlil march from )Jio Octagon at 7.30. Popular prices nro announced. ANDERSON'S BAY GLEE CLUB. At a concert to bo given by Uio above popular eociety on tho 17th and 19th inst. several of tho works studied by the society during tho winter monllis will bo given, and, as tho membership is in good heart and tiio choice of part songs is an attractivo one, a most cnjoyablo entertainment should result.. Among tljo first performances tiro Mr Burner's Sou? on May Morniog," n happy selling of Alifton's work "Sunrise," an extended chorus in eight parts, "Mary Morrison," and t.ho well-known " Song of tho Vikings " The names of tho soloistsMiss Violet Barth, Messrs Martin Duff, J, A. Wallace, and F. Drako—speak for themselves in promising an attractive programme.