THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 258, 4 December 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. If there is one photo-comedy that will move the most stoical of individuals to hearty laughter, it is the Keystone production, '' Property Man,'' now being screened .at His Majesty's Theatre. Merely to observe Chas. Chaplin brings » broad smile to the faces of the assembly. The war pictures in the "Gaumont "Graphic'' and " In Antwerp Under Shot and Shell" give vivid portrayals ;~of episodes connected with the European war. Other items include 4 'Abide with Me," a story of heart interest; '' Sonny Jim in Search of a Mother,""Mont Dore," and "The Mine of the Johnsons." The pro l gramme will be repeated this evening, •and the tisual matinee is announced for to-morrow afternoon. GLOBE THEATRE. The " Geisha" is the leading film of a good series at the Globe Theatre. The programme will be screened to-day and this evening, and includes. "Gaumont Graphic," li, £h:e Hunted Animal," * * Among Eskimos," "Lessons in

Jealousy," "Jack Spratt, Bricklayer," and "Wireless from the War." The comedies are bright and fresh, and cannot fail to amuse. SYDENHAM. This theatre was very well filled last evening, when a new programme was screened. An Australian drama entitled "The Shepherd of the Southern Cross"*was specially well received, and with the "Pathe Gazette" (w"ar topical), "The Basket Habit" (comedydrama), ; "Study of Flowers (Nature study), and "Don't Monkey with the Buzz Saw" (comedy) completes a programme that could not fail to satisfy patrons. COLOSSEUM. A big audience was present at the Colosseum last evenings .'' The Shepherd of the Southern Cross" is a lifelike drama with an Australian setting that met with hearty approval. "Don't Monkey with the Buzz Saw" is a comedy that is eomicai, '' Antwerp Under Shot and Shell" gives a glimpse of fighting near the old Belgian town. A matinee will.be held on Saturday afternoon.

THEATRE ROYAL. j The Eoyal Pantomime Company concluded a most successful season at the Theatre Eoyal last evening, when '' The Jam of Cathay'' was repeated before another large audience. At the conclusion of the performance Mr Stephenson said he wished to thank the people of Christchurch for their splendid patronage, and added that another company, headed by Miss Florence Young, would be opening here on Boxing Night. During the interval, the Mayor (Mill. Holland) addressed the audience. He stated that it was with real pleasure that he wished to thank the company for their splendid action during the day. The procession had been a marked'suecess, there being no less than £9O 12/6 collected. Everyone knew that it was for a most worthy cause, and he knew that everybody's heart went out in sympathy to the Belgians, who had lost everything but their honour. Mr Stephenson said that the collection taken up for the fund had been a work of love. They had hoped to reach the same amount as they had secured in Wellington, this being £96. He hoped that they would be able to obtain the few extra pounds at the end of the performance. At this juncture the audience liberally responded by

throwing coins on the stage, and one lady canvassed the house. Later, Mr Stephenson announced that the. Wellington sum .had been exceeded, the total amount how being £IOO 12/-. "PHYLLIS AND THE FAIRIES." In the Theatre Royal to-night and to-morrow night the children of Christehurch will repeat the original spectacular extravaganza, "Phyllis and the Fairies," in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. When previously performed it was a great success, and many hundreds of people were unable to gain admittance to the Theatre Royal. The performance will be followed by a patriotic carnival of national songs and dances. The entertainment will be produced by Miss A. Menzies and Mr W. Waiichop. The box plan is at the Dres- ; den and day sales may be obtained at the Toy Cave. , '■