THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18923, 11 February 1927, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

The class of entertainment for which Chr'istcliurch audiences have always shown a preference, musical comedy, is attain in occupation of tho Theatre Koyal. The A\ illiamson Company, headed by Miss Marie Burke, presented "Katja" for tho second timo to a well-llllcd house last night. It is possible that in its adaptation to English requirements "Katja" has lost some of its original quality, but if such is tho case it is not noticenlile in tha present production. "Katja" is notable for its brightness and colour, its mountings, comedy and ballets, mid music, which, although not of the catchy type, is such us can be heard again without its pulling on one. The plot is. as usual in Mich productions, slender, and does not puzzle one to follow. Among the musical numbers which go so far towards making "Katja" thu success it is. perhaps the most catchy is I.tan tier.' who>e strains have boen familiar in the City for some months. - The star, Miss Marie burke, has lev* to do in this production than otoe would like, although alio does the cast allotted her very well. A new- comedian of original ways is introduced in Sir U. llarrctt-Lcnnar], who is nlreadv a llrm favourite in Christehurch. He halt the ability to score his point-i without apparent effort, besides which he can- sing and dance well. The audience ifid not know at the cud of the first act whether they were going to like him or not. but it was not long before they showed in no uumistakeable manner tlfat he had made good. The singing of Mr Herbert Browne, who took the pa'.-t of the i'rince. wus a bright spot in the entertainment, and gained him warm applause. The work of Mr Charles Wenninn, us producer, and that of Miss Minnio Hooper, as dance mistress, went a long way towards making the colouring of "Katja" the success it is. Mr Cecil Kcllaway was at his best as Count Orpitch. and for a man of his bulk showed surprising agility. "Katju" will be succeeded b> W >'dflower." which will be revived 011 Wednesday next for three nights.