WESTMINSTER SINGERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 222, 19 September 1929, Page 26

WESTMINSTER SINGERS.

Afternoon and evening performances were given by the Westminster Singers in His Majesty's Theatre yesterday before enthusiastic audiences. Ihe programme was one of a varied character, and the solos and concerted items were rendered in a style reflecting the composers' intention. Beale's madrigal, "The Roundelay," Bartlett's "When From My Love," Kynvetts' "St. Michael's Tower," the Elizabethan part-songs, sailor chanteys and American airs, were notable displays of cultured ensemble work. Farrant's anthem, "Lord for Thy Tender" and Ousley's "Rising of the Sim" were expressively treated by the choir, and Park's "Nothing Else to Do" was delivered in a humorous manner. Martin's "Come to the Fair" was charmingly pictured by the boy sopranos and Douglas Bartrip sang sweetly Forster's "Bells of Twilight." An enjoyable performance of the quartet, "Early One Morning," was given by Master Clarke, and Messrs. Lowry, McKinlay and Draper. The solo 3 by. the adult singers were admirably rendered and highly appreciated. Messrs. Edward Branscombe and Donald Reid performed the accompaniments in a sympathetic manner. Three more evening concerts are to be given and a matinee on Saturday afternoon.

CRYSTAL PALACE.

Talking programmes at the Crystal Palace Theatre are proving popular, and there are large crowds at every session. The current programme is "The Man I Love." This has Richard Arlen, Mary Brian and Baclanova in the leading roles. It is a picture of the ring with many intimate "shots" of night life in New York, including scenes at the famous Madison Square Garden. The story concerns the love intrigues of a notorious society woman who endeavoured to lure from the path of duty a rising young boxing champion. It is a thrilling narrative, with many tense moments. The comedy element is well sustained. The supports include Lillian Roth's Melody Boys and a talking comedy, "Meet the Missus."

EMPRESS THEATRE,

The "talkies" at the Empress Theatre, Karangahape Road, are attracting large audiences at both sessions daily. The current programme is double-featured. "The Leatherneck" being the main attraction. William Boyd is the star actor, and his speaking voice is fine. It is a story of love and adventure, three marines who were posted as desterters on the China station being involved. One returns demented, and another carrying the dead body of the third. The story of the adventures of this trio make a thrilling romance. "Geraldine" is the second attraction. It is part "talkie," with a fine music score. It is taken from Booth • Tarkingtou's famous story and has Marion Nixon in the leading role. On Saturday there will be a change of programme, when another double bill will be presented. The pictures will be "Strange Cargo' and "The Oflice Scandal." These features are at present enjoying a successful season at the Roxy Theatre.