THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 154, 5 August 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

"THE FORTY THIEVES." Again last night "The Forty Thieves" paraded through a riot of eolour to the accompaniment of laughter. This was the third performance in Christchurch, and it was as largely attended as the first. The splendour «f the costuming and setting, the beauty of the ballets and the gorgeousBess of. the spectacles, are only a part of the entertainment —though an important and most attractive part admittedly—there are the performers, numerous, witty, and agile. First and foremost there is the inimitable Barry Lupino, drollest of comedians, who gets laughter by the quietest of means. His ■witticisms * and his monologues create as much merriment as his more active fooling, for they are genuinely witty and, above all, he has the manner. Edwin Brett, the '' dame,'' gives adequate assistance to Barry Lupino, whose spouse he is supposed to be, and between the two such gusts of laughter are created as to almost blow the fu'n merchants into the back scene. Then there are the girls, and "boys" —Miss Marie Eaton and Winnie Volt as leading "boys" are as graceful to look upon as any we have seen here, and,

what is more, they can sing with forceful personality and good voices. Miss Dolly Harmer's engaging vivacity and pertness must amuse everyone, and the dancing of Miss Maggie Dickinson is a delight. There is so much in the panto to amuse one that it is small wonder that it should be so popular, and there is every reason to believe that its popularity will be as great on the concluding night, next Saturday, as it is now. OPERA HOUSE. * The Opera House was again filled with an appreciative audience last evening, when each and every artist appearing was received most enthusiastically. Crotten and Skremka are paying a return visit to Christchurch, and they were loudly applauded for their splendid posing arid athletic turn. "The Musical Nut," Mr Fred Smith, was also received most gladly, his turn being novel in the extreme. The New York Comedy Four; Irve Hayman and Co.; Vernon-and Sinclair; Winter and Field; Davis and Gledhill; Miss Ray de Vere; Lavinia Tyson, and Mr Jas. Opie also contribute to make up a highly entertaining programme which will be repeated this evening. The usual matinee performance will be given on Saturday.

HIS MAJESTY'S. His Majesty's Theatre was well filled again last evening, when "The Lure of London" proved the greatest attraction. It it an excellent production, setting forth the story of Daisy Westbury, a three-year-old girl, whp is lost in the world's metropolis, and her varied experiences until she is restored to her father, Sir John Westbury, some sixteen years later. Miss Ivy Close as "Daisy" gives a splendid portrayal, and the film as a whole is most interesting. The supporting pictures comprise the "Gaumont Graphic," topical; "Studies of Bird Life," Nature study; '' Visions of Rome,'' scenic; "His First Love," drama; and "The Joy Ride," comedy. The programme will be repeated this evening, and the usual matinee performance is announced for Saturday. * COLOSSEUM. The sensational Anglo-Indian drama, "The Golden Beetle," was screened again at the Colosseum last evening, together with the splendid series of supporting pictures which goes to make up the current programme. The story told in the star drama contains sensation after sensation, and the capable acting and splendid photography make the film of singular interest. The supporting

pictures are, "A Real English Winter," "The Nurse and the Counterfeiter," drama; "Construction of a Lifeboat," educational: "Simple Simon and the Dromedary," comedy; "The Whirlwind Kids," comedy; and "The Pathe Gazette," topical. A feature of the 'Gazette is a series of pictures of the French fleet, which are exceptionally interesting in view of the existing international crisis. The programme will be repeated this evening, and the usual matinee performance is announced for Saturday. GLOBE PICTUBES. "An Alaskan Interlude" is the chief attraction of the current programme at the Globe Theatre, the production being of value as a scenic study, apart from the splendid story set forth. "The Flirt" is the other drama shown on the programme, somewhat different in character, while the remainder of the supporting -pictures are '' The Australian Gazette," topical; "The Streets of Naples," scenic; and "When Dreams Come True,'' comedy. The series will be screened finally this evening, a new series being promised for to-morrow. SYDENHAM PICTURES. There was another large attendance at the Sydenham Picture Theatre last evening, when the current programme was screened again successfully. "The Lure of London" is the chief attraction, a film which tells an interesting story, acted in a capable manner and screened to perfection. The supporting pictures are a splendid series, guaranteed to both instruct and amuse. The programme will be screened finally this evening. OLYMPIA RINK. The Olympia Rink lose!? none of its popularity as the skating season advances, and provided the prevailing cold weather continues, the liberal patronage should be maintained. An extra attraction is announced for August 13, when a fancy and poster carnival is to be held.