ENTERTAINMENTS.

Southland Times, Issue 14581, 23 November 1910, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

PUIIEBS' PICTURES.. The Zealandia Hall is deservedly a popular place of resort for an evening With-the’ Pictures, and in the programme now running- Messrs Fuller arc placing before their patrons an entertainment of the very highest order.. That good, business is being recorded in the way of largo audiences nightly is thoroughly in accord with tip* excellence of the series of Pictures. ’The opening (Urn “Pearl Fishing in Australia" is decidedly interesting and is tallowed by others strong in adventurous, humorous and exciting incidents. The. manufacture of cinematograph pictures forms an interesting subject and gives a capital idea of the system employed in the production of iilusionary delineations. The same programme will bo on view to-niglit prior to tiie usual weekly change tomorrow.

HAYWARD'S PICTURES,

The production of Hayward's Pictures at the Municipal Theatre last evening formed the first of a couple of entertainments under the auspices of the Southland Cricket Association, a share of Lire proceeds being devoted to the funds of that institution. Incidentally “Half-guinea lucky seats” were also of? fered, the occupants of a specially marked seat in the circle, and of another in the'.stalls, gaining the rewards. Apart from the interest taken in the competition for seats, the pictures are well worth looking at, being varied and well presented. Drama, travel, and humour all have full scope, and the large audience last night showed its approval. The programme will ho repeated to-night under the same conditions as last evening with lucky seats again marked off. The prizes last night were won by Mrs Gobi in the stalls, and Mr Robertson in the circle. During the evening Mr T. D. Kingsiand (President of the Southland Cricket Association), took an opportunity to explain to those present the steps that were being taken by the Association in the preparation of Rugby ■park for the use of cricketers. They wore in need of funds, the expenses for this year amounting to about £lO, and about £2OO would be required to put the ground in thorough order for cricket. He hoped that the Invercargill public would support, the Association in their efforts to improve the standard of cricket. A feature of the programme was the presentation of a film called “Progressive Wa'ngamii.” the picture having been specially taken by one of Messrs Pathe Preres’ operators for Hayward’s, Ltd. Among the series of views shown are: The Avenue; leaving for the races; outside the course; the ornamental grounds; the Wanganui races; the start and finish of the guineas; the champion band: loading frozen mutton: the Motua gardens; and the Wanganui river.

NELLIE STEWART. When the story of the drama in Australasia comes to be written, so far as the part taken in it by essentially Australasian talent is concerned, the name of Nellie Stewart must occupy a high place' in the roll of honour. Dramatic seasons come and ,go, : anti with them fresh faces and plays, hut Nellie Stewart is evergreen, always welcome, over popular. Almost every half decade brings its change in dramatic Ideals, people hunger after fresh tliernes, and so it is that (hose who take their minds back across the years recollect with pleasure the many parts in which they have seen her new and old. In the exposition of her art there is a djstinct charm, whatever the character and period of the play. True, younger aspirants for fame have set their particular models, and playgoers fix their own standards of comparison, but the model of Nellie Stewart is always a fine study, never inartistic', her conspicuous gift of comedy is ever present. That playgoers are pleased with tlie opportunity which Mr J. G. Williamson is presenting them with of welcoming the great actress'.once more, in Invercargill Is apparent at the box office, whore the plans for “ When Knighthood was in Flower,” which is to be staged on Friday night next, and for tlie revival of " Sweet Nell of: Old Drury” on Saturday evening, are rapidly filling, and there is every probability that Miss Stewart will enjoy the same success which greeted her oh her last visit. As Mary Tudor in “ When Knighthood was in Flower” Miss Stewart is said, to be magnificent. In the opening act of the piece we see her as the capricious maiden, defiant of the authority of the kingly persons who have their own ends to serve. Her acting at the close of the second act is said to lie ;t very clever piece of work, and invariably succeeds in arousing the audience to a state of excitement, and in Dunedin lasi week she was recalled no loss (han six times. As Charles Brandon. Mr Harcourt Beatty lias a part that suits him exactly, and others well cast are Messrs Gaston Mervale as Cardinal Wolsey. J. B. Atholwood as the Duke of Buckingham, and Eardley Turner as King Homy VIIL Other parts; are in the hands of Messrs Gregan McMahon, Norman Campbell, A. J. Patrick. Albert Myers, also Misses Rcsslyn Vane. Madeline Meredith, Gwen Burroughs, and Editli Lewis. A feature of the production is ibo beautiful scenery and magnificent dresses The altogether too brief season will close on Saturday evening, when “Sweet Nell of Old Drury” will be revived, and Miss Stewart will once more delight us with tier splendid characterisation of Paul Kester’s orange girl who became an actress and was first favourite with King Charles. A special train will leave for the Bluff after Saturday night's performance.