AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18458, 17 April 1922, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

HIS MAJESTY’S. A big holiday bill is to be presented at His Majesty's this evening. Algernon Charles Swinburne has written many popular poems, none of which have been received with more popular favour by lovers of classics than “ Faustine.” “The Black Panther’s Cub,” starring I< lorence Reed, is a picture version of this famous poem and heads tonight s hill. “The Silent Avenger” is the second star. This is the super-so-ciety million-dollar serial in which Duncan, known as the Sandow of the screen, out-gazes a thousand deaths. He toys and juggles with fate; he braves flames, knives, guns and the lyncher’s noose. The other big attraction is Charlie Chaplin in “The Kid,” which has created a furore wherever tshown so far. The supports are an excellent, lot. Seats may be reserved at the theatre. MUNICIPAL THEATRE. ELLA SHIELDS. Mis.s Ella Shields is the most worthy and capable successor of Miss Vesta Tilley as the greatest male impersonator on the vaudeville stage, and have had the good fortune to see the two, will agi’ee that there js.,little i\o choose between them. New Zealanders are lucky in having been given an opportunity to see Miss Shields, and the enthusiasm which greeted her appearance at the Opera House at Wellington simply echoed that which has marked a sensational tour in Australia. The lady appears in a number of character parts, and is not content with simply wearing male clothes. She has learned the art of copying the mannerisms, gestures, walk, and life of the men she represents. There were four characters shown —the man about town, in full evening dress, a policeman, a midshipman, and best of all, “Burlington Bertie of Bow,” in which a pathetic picture was drawn of the worn-out, <\>wn-at-heels swell of the past, who never had worked and never did want to, who lived on the memories of early social successes and friends, but who could not help shewing fine instincts, despite his threadbare frock coat, top hat. and gloves . The only freshness about him was bis button-hole. The songs that accompanied all the characterisations were splendid, and were sung in an easy, artistic, and compelling manner. As a final encore, MJss Shields occasioned great delight with the Australian song, “I’m going back again to Narra’wonga.” She not only sang it, but taught it to the audience, and the refrain was soon caught by the gallery boys, and joined in lustily. “A word of Thanks” marked the end of a delightful turn. Miss Shields will be very popular in Wanganui. The box plans open on Wednesday at H. 1. Jones’.

WANGANUI GARRISON BAND CARNIVAL.

The open, air moonlight, band concert held on Cook’s Gardens on Thursday evening last proved a great success. The many couples who danced to the accompanimcHt of the sweet music of the Garrison and Queen Alexandra’s Own Regimental Bands thoroughly appreciated the many items and encores were a special feature. On Thursday evening next, another of these concerts will be held on Cook’s Gardens. Both bands will assist and a most enjoyable time is assured.