ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3652, 12 October 1912, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

BATHE PICTURES. Rare entertainment is contained in the new programme with which the Bathe Picture Company will lec.mimeJK e their performances at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night. The star drama, “How States Are Made, _ is a blood-stirring picture by the \ itagraph Co., which depicts with remarkable realism an old-fashioned “land rush” in America. The scene presented at the line-up is one that will live long in the memory. Stretched out m a long line across a rolling prarie, as far as the eye can reach, is a miscellaneous array of buggies, surreys, schooners, farm waggons, sulkies, oxcarts, runabouts, omnibuses, . carryalls, and saddle horses, awaiting the booming of the signal gun to start in the mad rush for homesteads. Ihe wild race has an element of greatness in it, and this hold and rugged picture is altogether of the kind _ tr.at men like to see. The dainty little story, “The Baby Bride,” which describes the elopement of a young gallant of seven summers with a tiny maiden of three is as delightful a little drama as one could wish to see. T lie acting of the little principals is wonderfully good, and it is safe to predict that this film will provide many warm admirers. “The Sport of Kings” is a subject which should appeal to everyone in a district like Poverty Bay, where the horse is paramount. The film shows a series of most interesting views in the life of an English racehorse. The audience are taken through Mr James Buchanan’s stud farm at Levington Park, where the famous sire Santry is ouartered. Mr Samuel Barling’s racing establishment at Beckhampton is visited, and a morning’s work on the downs, a close inspection of a .string of yearlings - , and practice at the starting gate are among the manv fine views presented. “Helen’s Marriage” is a clever Biograph comedy, which very humorously shows how a young man outwitted an irate papa who had driven him from the house with a gun. “A Trip through Berlin” (a capital scenic subject) and an attractive Pathe Gazette are also well worth seeing. Manv other good pictures are included in this high-class programme, which will lie shown for to-night only, as another change trill lie shown on Monday evening. “THE GEISHA.” On Monday week the local amateurs will stage this charming musical comedy for four nights, and the production is being awaited with the greatest interest. Judging from the reports of those who have been privileged to see a rehearsal, it is certain that an operatic treat awaits the local playgoers. The cast is a particularly strong one, and will surprise those who have not yet realised the amount of local talent there is available for a production of a plav of this character. Thanks to the’ able tuition of Mr Tom Pollard, there is an entire absence of the awkwardness usually associated with amateurs, and the situations are developed with a brightness and abandon which prevents a dull moment in the whole play. The principals are particularly happy in ! their parts, Miss Elsie Nicolas in the part of O Mimosa San is showing great aptitude for the character and singing the numbers of the Chief Geisha, “The Amorous Goldfish,” “A Geisha’s Life,” “The Jewel of Asia, ’ etc., in a taking style. Mrs Hamilton Irvine is also exceptionally well cast in the part of the impetuous and delightful Molly Seamore. carrying the part through with great vivacity and spirit, while the numbers ‘The Toy Duet.” “Monkey on a Stick, ••Chon Kina,” “Interfering Parrot, ' are given their full charm and the dances daintily done. Miss Ilia Sweet is a fascinating French girl, and her song and dance with the Chinaman is bound to create a furore. Among the male characters. Mr Max Jackson fills the part of Lieut. Fairfax in a dashing "and rollicking style which suits the part to perfection, and his robust voice is heard to great advantage in sono-s which accompany the part. Messrs Teat and Dods" are worthy supporters as brother officers of Fairfax, and Mr Leu Skeet puts the necessary audacitv into the part of the cheeky middv. Mr C. G. Bayliss as Yvun Hi has the most difficult part to fulfil, and carries the fun of the play on his shoulders". His quips, malapropisms, and local gags are screamingly funny, and his eccentric dancing and singing are hound to make a big hit. Mr Hamilton Irvine as the villainous Marquis Imari has a very strong part and is making the most of it, tho working up of the climax to the first act,- and the fortune-telling scene in the second act being exceptionally well done. The part of Lady Constance, the haughty chaperone of the English ladies, is well filled by Miss McCredie, while the minor parts arc intelligently interpreted and well-played. The chorus is exceptionally strong, both for music and actions, some of the grouping and fail work being very effective, while the dances and ballets are- a special feature of the production. New scenery has been specially built and painted for the play, while the costuming is being done on a verv elaborate scale. The Society has also been fortunate in securing a verv strong orchestra, and everything points to the Society’s first production being a huge success. At present the .position .of Gisborne prevents it obtaining visits from most of the operatic companies, and it is hoped that playgoers will encourage the efforts of our local Society to cater for their amusement.

GISBORNE TIER ROTS. Whinray’s HaTI was well-filled last evening when a- most delightful entertainment was given by the Gisborne Pierrots in aid of St. Andrew’s Church building fund. The Pierrots, a juvenile combination trained by Mrs Howard, put on a varied programme, the excellence of which reflected upon tlie care that had been bestowed upon their training. The programme was a* follows: —-Selection, orchestra; action song, “In the Month of Leafy June” ; recitation, “Queen of tne Buttercups,” Miss Lillian Robertson; duet, “Where are you going to-o my Pretty Maid,” G. Higgins and J. Howard ; chorus. “I will Sing a Pretty Song”; recitation, “My New Dress,’’ Molly and Joice Paterson and Doris Ferris; solo and chorus, “I’se going Back to Dicksie,” J. Howard; chorus. “I’ve a little Black Dolly named Topsy’ ! ; part song (Scotch) “Yg Banks and Braes,” Pierrots; recitation, “I Won't Forget you Father.” Miss E. Scott; song, “Grey Eves,” Miss C‘. Johnstone; Spanish dance, Miss ~M. Dempsie; dialogue, “The Cook and the Poet,” Misses Jean Porter and Nora Bruce; song, “Rose in the Bud/' Miss M. Church; the comedians. Masters Jim Porter/ and George Garrett; character song, “The tall top Hat,” A. Grant. W. Porter, A. Murray ancl D. Hay; song, “Japanese XtuiUbf/’ Miss Jean Massey; chorus (Irish)

“The Meeting of the Waters,” Pierrots; “Walking out with Angelina,” two boys; Miss Millican’s School, Mrs Howard and girls; selection, orchestra; dialogue, “That Boy Tommy”; march, orchestra. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs Howard and the performers at the close. A matinee will he held this afternoon, when the following additional interesting items will ho given : —Song, Miss M. Dempsie; recitation, “The Lament,” Athol Allan; song, “Mother’s LitfTe Maiden.” Miss G. Higgins; song Miss C. Johnstone.

“THE VILLAGE PRIEST.”

No better testimony to the popularity of the Plimmer-Denniston Dramatic Company could he obtained than the crowded “house” which last night greeted the final performance of the season. The piece chosen was Sydney Grundy’s powerfully human drama, of five acts, entitled “The Village Priest,” and the choice was a happy one. The story needs no recapitulation, for it lias stood the test for many years, and has delighted and thrilled innumerable New Zealand audiences. It might he confidently added that no production has sin passed that given at His Majesty’s last night. The several very strong situations were capably earned through, tho most being made of the numerous points, while wholesome humor served as pleasant punctuation. The triumph of the east was undoubtedly that of Mr. George S. Tithe radge, who impersonated the.i’Abbe Dubois. It was ;t heavy part to sustain in all respects, and Mr. Tithe-radge was fully equal to the heavy task, controlling the powerful stages of the drama with credit.* Miss Beatrice Day, as the illusionist, and afterwards the enlightened Madame D’Areay, made the most of her allotted part, and Mrs. Robert V Brough succeeded unquestionably in '' her characterisation of the Comtesse de Tremeillan. Armand D’Areay, in the person of Mr. Harry - Plimmer, 'was faithfully portrayed. The popular Miss Lizette Parkes, as Jeanne Tarquenie, scored a big hit, and she deserved the approbation with which her efforts were greeted. It was, in all, an excellent production, such as must build the company’s reputation, so far as Gisborne gees, and assure them a heartv welcome on any return visit.