AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15918, 4 June 1917, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

TRAVELLERS' CONCERT. Tho concert given by the Travellers' Concert party on Saturday night at tho Theatre Royal must be acknowledged an unqualified success from every point of view. They know how to manage patriotic affairs at least. Bringing to bear upon tho issue their business abilities and their silvery tongues, they appealed to the generosity of somo leading firms to shoulder the heavy expenses. and then, with a clear sheet, proceeded to gather in wholesale tho guineas and half-guineas, a record surely for a new-fledged musical body to attain. The glee party, some thirty strong, acquitted themselves very creditably indeed in their maiden effort. They *sang well in tunc and time, obedient to the conductor's baton, and with fair effect in the matter of tone-gradations. The inner voices, especially the first basses, already too heavily manned, sang in parts too strenuously for harmonic unity, and the acquisition of a few second basses of heavier calibre would further improve the composition of the choir. The Symphony Orchestra repeated the selection from "Lucia" and tho "Hungarian Rhapsody," recently performed, both numbers gaining by the revival. Tho two societies are heavily indebted to Mr Alfred Worsley for his nblo and painstaking work as conductor. Among tho soloists Mr A. L. Cropp sang very well and expressively, especially "Son o' Mine j" Mr C. H. Taylor, suffering from a catarrhal affection, brought down the house with his patriotic ballads. "Tho Khaki Lad" and "John Bull's Message, '* as did similarly Mr E. Orchard with "Admiral Tom." "With all his skill and fervour wero given by Mr «T. H. Cocks "Tho Devout Lover," and an encore, "Roses aro the Rhymes." Ho is an exceptionally fine singer. Tho "Violin obbli- | gato" was tastefully played by Mr R. Clark/ Vocal quartets by Messrs Tayi lor, Cocks; Soper and Cropp, and a duet, by Messrs Taylor and Cropp, provided additional variety and enjoyment. - Mr H. T. Whittingham acted as accompanist in his usual efficient and musioianly style. . A largo and sympathetic house en--1 couraged all thd contributors with demonstrative applause and countless recalls. OPERA HOUSE. The new programmo to be presented I to-night contains much of interest. ! Among the new talent will bo Skipper Francis, who is described as the "Man ! who swam tho Bristol Channel," and who, with the aid of a moving picture film, will present an item which is uniquo in conception and excellent in artistic quality. Carlton and Sutton, two .entertaining patter artists, should provide plenty of amusement with their patter and merry stories. A reappearance will bo made by Walter Emerson, j whose uniquo personality aids him con- ! siderabiv in lifs humorous songs. Gwen Hasto, comedienne, .is also duo to appear. The last nighte are announced for Thompson and Montez, soubrette duo the l>elavale Bros., who have made ! a speciality of "Chanlin" sketches. I Jack Martin, tho cowboy manipulator of j tho lariat, and Lily Vockler, the popu- ' !ar chorus singer. Tho programme will also include tho Tiny Tots, whose acrobatic work has been a feature of this week's programme, and Maud Fanning, tho popular coon singer. A special matinee will bo hold this afternoon, and tho box plan for to-night will be at tho theatre all day. "BABY MINE." At the Theatre RoyaJ on Saturday evening Ihe J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Farce Comedy Company, headed by Mr Robert Greig and Miss Bcatrico, Holioway, will pay a return visit to Christchurch, when will bo produced.* a comedy ontirely new to the Australasian stage, '•Baby Mine." This farce was first staged in Now York some three years ago! and after a long and highly successful season it was transferred- to London and repeated its success there. All the old favourites of tho Seven Keys to Baldpate" company will appear in this new attraction. Those who have read tho book of Baby Mine" will probably acknowledge that Margaret Mayo's' work lends itself to the making of an exceptionally smart comedy. None of the positions _is improbable, or any of the characters impossible. On tho contrary, the plot and action of tho book are pages from real life, and it is said that the dialogue is brisk and entirely humorous. Mr Robert Gre.ig will be seen in the character of "Jimmy," a part which is peculiarly adapted to his style and build. Miss Beatrice Holioway will play the part of "Zoic." Tho plan will be on view at Milner and Thompson's from j 9 o'clock on "Wednesday.