AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15826, 26 July 1913, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

KING'S THEATRE.

Tho faro provided this week for lovers of vaudeville at the King's Theatre is quite up to the usual high standard. Last night'e audience showed, by its frequent and spontaneous applause, that ibo programme submitted met with its entire approbation. The turn provided by tho Qucaiys was a highly diverting one, and provoked much genuine merriment. They were ably supported by Miss Violet Carmen and 11 r A. J. Lawrence, who gave a farewell performance last evening. Their places will be taken to-r.ig.ht by F. J. Sidney and l Co., described as the world's champion long and high jumpers.

HAYWARD'S PICTURES. The attendance at "'The Octagon" wa6 again large last evening. Jlr John Bunny as Mr Pickwick, in tho leading comedy, which is an adaptation of the Pickwick Papers, created no end of fun in the droll situations, as also did the gentleman playing the part of Mr Jingle. The supporting numbers arc varied and pleasing. The same pictures will bo presented this afternoon, and finally to-night. Monday's new programme will include " Great Possessions," a drama in colour. FULLERS' PICTURES. "Tho Man-.in the White Cloak," tho leading film being shown in this week's programme at the Princess Theatre, is invested with plenty of exciting incidents, which were keenly followed by the large number of spectators present last evening. Another good dramatic is entitled "Tho Orchid," while the humorous and scenic pictures have been judiciously selected. The programme will be presented for tho last timo this evening. QUEEN'S! THEATRE. The programme instituted' at tho Queen's Theatre on Thursday was repeated throughout yesterday to large audiences, the attendance tlirougtiout t'he day being continuously good, and in the evening quite up to what is usually tho oaeo at this popular amusement resort. " Lady Peggy's Escape " and "When tho Desert was Kind" aro both tine subjects, and' met with the entire approval of those present. Tho other pictures aro all good, and may bo recommended 1 wJth confidence to those seeking to pars away an hour or two to-day. BRYDONE SKATING RINK. There wa6 a largo attendance at Hie Brydone Skating Rink last'night, the occasion being the cnitaren's taney dress carnival. Tho proceedings opened with a grand serpentine parade, which provided a very pleasing spectacle. Skating was subsequently indulged in until \s p.m. by the children, after which tho adults also occupied the rink, and u most enjoyable time was spent. Luring fee evening a quartermilo race for youthful couples was held, and resulted in favour of Master W. Doull and Miss Violet Smith. Tho rink will be open at the usual hours to-day. MASTER BUILDERS' BALL. Tho Duncdin Master Builders held their annual ban in tho Art Gallery Hall last evening, when the popularity of this function was shown by the iuct that over 100 couples took the fioor. Decorations were dispensed with, Miss Hodgkins's collection of water colours, with which the walls of tho ha'l are at present adorned, more than compensating tor the absence of the usual display of pot plants and bunting. The Grand March was led by Mr A. Dempster (president of the association) and Mrs Dempster. The floor was .m excellent condition and the hall presented a most pleasant and animated appearance as the dancers promenaded round. Tho M.C.'s—Messrs A. J. Cooper, C. Brunde.ll, ,T. M'Cormick, and W. M. Clarke—wore indefatigable in their efforts to see that all those present thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Credit is due to Mr James Knox (secretary) and to his energetic committee who carried out their duties to tho satisfaction of all concerned, and so contributed to make tho ball a thorough success. During the evening vocal solos were contributed by Miss Esquilant and Mr Amptmann, and a humorous sketch was given by Messrs Nelson and Munro. _ Excellent music was provided, and the catering was all that could be desired. " FAUST." The nutsio of Gounod's opera "Faust," which will be sung in tho Burns Hal! on Wednesday evening next by the Southern Musiea,l Society, his delighted musical people the world over. Performed by a well-trained chorus, capable soloists, and an efficient orchestra, "Faust" may bo' listened to with the keenest pleasure. That all thcsr> conditions will be in evidence on Wednesday may be taken for granted, proof of tho society's ability in each direction having already been aivn. Mr J A. Wallace will again lead the orchestra, while the whole will bo under tho batch of Mr Sidney Wolf. "PUSS IN BOOTS." On tho opening night of tho Wellington, Auckland, and Ghristehurch seasons of "Puss, in Boots," which is to bo staged hero at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night next, there were a few vacant scats when the curtain lose, but each succeeding performance, it is stated, witnessed hundreds of people being turned away from the doors. Tne booking, too, constituted a record for each town. ■ It is generally acknowledged by playgoers in the North Island that ''Puss in Boots" is unquestionably tho best, brightest, most stupendous, and cleverest pantomime yet staged by tho J. C. Williamson (Limited) management. -Unique and wonderful specialty turns, extraordinary clever acrobatism, remarkable mechanical effects, beautiful ballets, catchy songs, tuneful melodies, wholesome fun, magnificent scenery, and gorgeous costumes are comprised in the play. It was only the offer of a very large salary which tempted the famous Gandsmidts to leave Europe, and Messrs Collins and Hart, the other specialty stars, arc, it is said, two of the highest paid artists who have ever visited Australasia.. Miss Violet Loruinc, who created quite a furore in C'hristchurch in the role of Colin, is considered one of—if not the —leading pantomime principal boy in England. She has youth, vivacity, ( i fascinating appearance, wonderful.pcr=ona!ity, and is gifted with a reiillv good voice. Mr George Miller, who takes the role of Dame Shortly, comes with a big London reputation. Mr Pip Powell, who last year maxlc himself a. great favourite with Now Zealandeia as the Dame in " Sinbad," has scored even heavier as King Grabbus, a nari which give* him every opportunity to exhibit his abilities as n, .first-class humourist. Another n-=\v arrival k Miss Alice Russon. who will appear as Alice. She possesses, it is said, a, sweet soprano voice, which she uses 10 every advantage in a number of catchy .songs. Mr Fred Leslie's namo means a tower of strength in tho cast, as. apari from his capabilities as a fiist-cl-iim eoired'an, he is also one of tho greatest dancers of tho day. Special interest centres in *.h~ appcarance of Miss Ivy Schilling, a young Australian who, it is said, can hold her own with the best dancers in this or any other part of the world. The cast also includes Messrs Vernon Davidson, 0. E. Lennon, Stewart Garner. Rupert Darrcll, E. H. Sutton, G. Williams, the M.wcs Dorothy Firmin, Rita Renas. Nellie Leslie, Ruby Kennedy, Daisy Chcync. The plans will be opened at the Dresden on Thursday next at 9 o'clock. A queue will bo formed at 8 a.m. Only eight performances can !»• given, including a matinee on Wednesday. August 6. KALKORAI BAND CARNIVAL With only two weeks to go all t3io finishing stages in connection with the Eaikorai Band carnival to bo 'hold in the Garrison Hull arc very .well forward. Tho la-dics. who arc always responsible lor the success of iho bazaar part of such functions, promise, many novelticn among the well-stocked stalls, of which there will bo 10. Nothing has been forgotten, and the public will find sufficient to tempi their pursts. The main attraction, of course, will . be Mr Owen Cardston's spectacular display, entitled " A Dancing Tour ot the World," in which 200 people will take part. For some three weeks past active rehearsals have ken taking place, and the quality of work shown by tho participants is now of a high order of merit. Pupiis from the ages cf three, years and upwards aro laking part. In the opening scene, set as a chateau garden, an cilil English tlaiioo is introduced, the dressing, that of tho period of King Henry Ylil, being correct in ovcry detail. Living statuary gracefully posed in the garden comrs to lif'o at tho touch of a fairy queen's waixl, and t : he dance Mat follows is interpreted so tlwt every action is understood. In the "Striko of the. Washerwomen" a, treat : s in store, and the Shepherdesses of Switzerland and Lu<lic« of tllie Harem aro (lances whero not only are the dresses worn c.v ! cocdingly handsome, but they provide a galaxy of colour. Summer and autumn . ballets, with 1 a winter skating scone, are others of the many fine tilings promised. An orchestra under the baton of Mr Laidlaw will assist ChrousHiout tho carnival, and selections will also be rendered while the bazaar is in progress. Matrices will be given on the Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.