GRAND THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18635, 9 March 1926, Page 13

GRAND THEATRE.

"SALLY OF THE SAWDUST." So many Christchurch picture-lovers were unable to see that fine ■circus drama, "Sally of the Sawdu3t," while it was • showing at the Liberty Theatre, that it: was decided to show it for another week at the Grand Theatre, and last evening- it drew a large audience. Although there is the irresistible atmosphere of the circus about it, the ring is never overdone, and wo are enabled to follow the vicissitudes of Sally and Pop in all their glory and sadness. It has that skilful blending of coimedy and something more serious that is so popular with the public, and which only Griffith can give, and when we have the compelling artistry 'of Carol Dempster-mingled with tho famous burlesque of W. C. Fields, brilliant acting can be guaranteed by the partnership. It is 8, most cleverly workcd-outjjtory, tracing the lives ,of these two from circus poverty io rightful riches,-and there is such an air of realism around the play that at the, final fade-out the awakened spectator is somewhat surprised to find himself in a prosaic theatre, and not a glamorous tent or lordly dwelling. The Grand Quality Orchestra, under the supervision of Mr Howard Moody, provide an excellent programme of incidental music. The entr'acte this week is a "Musical JigSaw," which as the title suggests is. a pot pourri of popular airs, which include, "Souvenir," "Turkish Patrol," and "Yankee Doodle." It was very well received. For "Sally of the Sawdust," great discrimination liß?,been shown in the selection of incidental miisio to ensure perfect synchronisation throughout. Other musical numbers included: Musical comedy, "Sally" (Kern); opera, "Giovanni D'Arco" (Verdi); fox trots, "Monterey" (Moret), "Just a Littlo Drink" (Gny); Marceau, "Rigaudoh" (Saint Saens); overture, '"Precioza" (Weber),