ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 101, Issue 16947, 9 November 1926, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

IRVINQ'S IVMDGETS. AND CHEFALO, ILLUSIONIST. An entertainment very much out of the ordinary was presented at Hie Theatre ltoyal last night, when Irving's Imperial Midgets and Chefalo the illusionist appeared under the management of Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller. When the curtains parted and the Midgets appeared to lake part in- the Parade of Hie Wooden Soldiers, the onlookers felt that they were gazing through the wrong end of a lelescope, for none of these little people is more than three feet high. They went through the evolutions of the march with delightful precision. Then followed turn after turn which showed that lhc Midgets are as clever as they arc diminutive; as the conductor said, good things are sometimes done up in small packets. There was an acrobatic act, light-rope walking, songs and dances, burlesque wrestling and boxing, an Apache scena, and other entertaining numbers—all humorously introduced from his stand on the piano by li'tle Willie Itolle, the conductor. Willie, besides being a humourist is an accomplished xylophonisl, his solos on that instrument being enthusiastically encored. The Midgets range in age from 19 to 42, and in "height from 23 to 20 inches. The conductor announced that he was 29 —and unmarried!

Chefalo is one of the cleverest illusionists seen in Hamilton. He made tilings disappear and re-appear in the most bewildering manner, and produced ducks, pigeons, rabbits, etc., from the most unexpected places, lie even, apparently, made a cluck and a rooster change heads! Chefalo's sleight-of-hand was very neat and mystifying, and his illusions kept the audience guessing. lie was so Cleveland his act was so entertaining that it was a pity he endeavoured to get humour from the men and the boys who accepted his invitation to go upon the stage. An especially mystifying act was that in which Chefalo was nailed in a packing case, from which ho freed himself in a -few moments, and on, the case being burst open his assistant was found inside. The Midgets and Chefalo are appearing at a matinee this afternoon, and will make their final appearance to-night. Those who enjoy a novel and entertaining show should not miss it. THEATRE ROYAL. To-morrow's picture attraction at the Theatre Royal is one that will attract the attention of all picture-goers. \flcr an absence of nearly twelve months, the World's Sweetheart, Mary Pickford, will be seen in her latest production, "Sparrows." The picture has played to packed houses whenever shown. Everyone wants to see Mary as the lovable character of her earlier pictures. "Sparrows" has given the world what it wants, a production lull of everything that goes to make idea entertainment. Scats should be booked at the Royal Sweet Shop or by Theatre 'Phone 1580. THE STRAND AND FRANKTON. \n exceptionally line programme was presented at the above theatres last night. American girls have beer me countesses and ducliesses through marrying foreign noblemen, but in "The Crown ot Lies" Pola Negri becomes a queen who' ends up by marrying a likeable young American flivver salesman, in order to rule his tiny cottage. This new Paramount production unfolds a story of colourful romance. It shows gorgeous Pola in the simple garments of a boarding house maid. In an amazing conspiracy, she reigns as queen of a small Balkan kingdom. Robert Amos is Miss Negri's leading man. The supporting picture, "The Girl From Montmartc," is an excellent drama of Paris night life. Seats may be booked at Lewis R. Kady and Sons, Ltd., or by 'phone 1-5 22. HAMILTON ROSE SHOW. The Hamilton Horticultural Society will hold its Summer Show in the Concert Hall of the Winter Show Buildings, Ward Street, on Thursday next. As it is now the height of the rose season, when most of the varieties are coming inLo bloom, if is hoped that a line display of these popular flowers will be slaged. Cut (lowers, pot plants, flowering shrubs, decorative work, school extiibits and vegetables will all be on show. There is in addition the annual contest between East and West, for the Hamulana Cup, each side of the river having do stage 24 vases of different flowers. , The show will be held on the one day only, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entries close with the secretary, or Messrs Bateson, Sanders and Curric, early on Wednesday afternoon.