AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16119, 25 January 1918, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

"A PAIR OF SILK STOCKINGS."

It is a matter for surprise that "A ✓Pair of Silk Stockings" should have been s-clected as the final item in the reperioire of the Marie Tempest season ;n Christchurch. Theatrical directors, of course, know their own business best. but to the lay mind on its merits the clever play produced last evening should have been nearer the top of the list ihan the bottom. "A Pair of Silk Stockings" includes not only the broadest of farco; it unquestionably pos.-c-sses dramatic qualifications above the ordinary. It serves primarily to reveal what a versatile accress Miss Marie Tempest really is. Christchurch theatregoers have seen her in several parts, but it is doubtful whether her versatility has been more unquestionably demonstrated than in 'Cyril Harcourt's clever comedy produced last nighi\ The first act is nothing but broad farce, the outstanding feature of' which is the ''catty - ' talk of the women participants. So developed does this become thai; one wonders whether women are really angels. More '"cattish" conversation upon the part of the ladies opens the second act. and again the fun proceeds fast and furious, and then suddenly, in tho midst of all the mirth, pipes tfie small, still voice of tragedy, and gradually it grows louder and louder, and yet ever at its side bellows, in full blast, the lips of comedy. It is tragedy and comedy mixed up in one, in a compound winch it is impossible to dissolve—in which there is the ever threatening danger of the tragedy obliterating the comedy . before the comedy can triumphantly reign. Hencc it is that the third and final act is as difforcnt. from the first as the moon is from the sun, and hence it is that the audience is given a choice of emotions which provides a veritable»luxury. "A Pair of Silk Stockings" deals not so much with the love of a maid and a man of the affection of a divorced couple for each other. Though divorced, they arc in love: the man sighs for his ex-wife's company once again; the lady boldly seeks the man out. Of course, she comes to the house-party, of which lie is a member, undor a subterfuge. She certainly does not acquaint him with her intention. Determined to plead with her, lie secretes himself disguised as a tramp in the room which lias been given her. The possessor of the room, a lover of the lady in her pre-nuptia] days, unexpectedly returns, having missed his train for London, and gains entry by the window. Explanations follow, succeeded by an avowal of love upon tbo old lover's part, though he is engaged to another lady in the house. Tho audieneo, knowing of the presence of the ex-husband in the cupboard, suspects complications, and these quickly manifest themseljves. The ex-lover detects the presence of the ex-husband disguised as a tramp, and under the impres sion that he is dealing with a _ tramp, overpowers him, binds him with the lady's silk stockings, and plaees him in the adjoining bathroom. Then ho continues his conversation with the lady." His fiancee comes to the room, and discovers them together, and hearing their tale of tho tramp, is unable to find confirmation of it in the bathroom for the "tramp" has flown. Accordingly, the third act opens m gloomy fashion for two of the actors in the story, for their tale is disbelieved. However, things come right in the end, and the play ends with a piece of charming love-making between the reconciled exhusband and ox-wife. As already stated. A Pair of Silk Stockings" demonstrates the wide versatilitv possessed by Miss Tempest, who took the part of Molly Thornhill, the ex-wife. She could, procood irom gay t 0 arave in the twinkling of an eye, and"her whimsical moods m the second and third acts were as charming as tier merrr flow of tongue was m the hr»t. \g Sam Thornhill. the ox-nusband. Mr ■Graham Browne was as amusing rul " inconsequential as ever, though siblv a little more dccided touch or firmness in his interpretation at the end of the third act would have proved more suitable. Next, to the two principals the palm must be ;uven jointIv to Miss Ethel Morrison as Lady l s enelope Gower and Miss Gwon Burroughs as Irene Maitland. Both supplied excellent interpretations ?t their parts, which wero not the easiest fill Air Sidney Sterling as Major Ba„nal gave a meritorious performance. The nart could have been easily overdone* but Mr Sterling at no time .fell into tho temptation of descending in o the melodramatic, and his exccllen suppressed acting formed 9" lte »J ture of the performance. Mlss . SfWffA Thomas Sidney, Mr Molly Miss Eileen Robinson, and Jiiss 3 Taylor. Stockings" will be reP 4'«'l Vs evening .nd evening.

OPERA HOLSE. There was an exceptionally good hoSehst for the last performance oft bo Stanhope Rovue Company. Mr Paul Stanhone was in 'very 8° form, and created great amusement by his funnv antics and sayings. To-night -will see tbe return visit of the Walter Johnson Revue Company, which proved so popular on its last visit to this city. Mr Johnson will present for Lis opening show an entire! v new nroduction, entitled Th Parisians Models,". All the old favourites will he seen in roles suitable to them, including Harry Burgess, Gus Franks, Ernest LashbrooKo, Lola Hunt Belle Millefcte. Lvdia Carne and Stella* Star. Plenty of good clean comedv is assured, together with the latest * ragtime melodies. As usual with Mr Johnson's productions, a wealth of scenic effects may be looked forward to. A strong vaudeville programme is promised in support, including Maud Courtney and Mr C., the brilliant entertainer, Tom Rees, and the Three Carrs. A special matinee will h? lipid to-morrow afternoon. for to-night and the following r.iyhts may now be booked at Milner and Thompson's.