ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 88, 10 January 1923, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

BIG WILLIAMSON REVUE. This popular London success, “Bran Pio/ 1 will bo presented ut the Grand Opera Hous© on Saturday evening next, and to judge by English and Australian critics, should set a standard in thia merry form of entertainment. Miss Leo White and Mr. Clay Smith will appear in the parts they created in London, in the original production. When the critics appear to have used up n!ll the superlatives —in praise or the play and performance —one whites: “Seldom if ever before has such a pinnacle of all-round excellence been attained, for ‘Bran Pie’ is rich in artistic quality, and most generous m variety. Miss Loe White and Mr. Olay Smith in their exclusive songs and entertaining comedy, played on the chords of the mind and heart, until people forgot tho passing time and were loath to let them leave the stage. Seldom has such a combination of refinement, artistry and charm been seen in popular revue. Miss Lee White showed that, although humour was her strong forte, she also has a fund of emotional talent —she gives a meaning to every line' —and with her talented partner in merriment, Mr. Ulav Smith, had the audience rocking with laughter.” . “Bran Pie” will also introduce Mr. Ernest Sefton, Mr. Lucine Beck, Muridl Cathcart, and’Zoe Wenkc, artists of high reputation, who will be making their first appearance in New Zealand; and the cast will include many performers already widely popular in the Dominion, such as Mr. Lance Lister, Maie Baird, Clarice Hardwick, Rupert Julien, Archie Thompeon, and others ; wmle the ballets and choruses are always a strong feature in all J. C. Williamson attractions of this type. Box plans will be opened at the Bristol to-mor-row morning at 9. <

KING’S THEATRE. Stories of tho French Revolution of over a century ago have a 1 strange fascination for theatre-goers, and Urphansofthe Storm,” now showing at the King’s Theatre, is no exception, and deservedly so, for it is a picture which will live in tho memory of all who see it. Mr. Culford Bell’s fine dramatic rendering of • the prologue is very effective. The supports are good, and the King's Orchestra excellent. EMPRESS THEATRE. Harold Lloyd is now the world oyer a serious rival to the great Chaplin, and Constance Talmadge has tho premier place among all screen comediennes. To find both on one rich bill is, therefore, promise of a great evening’s entertainment. The Empress Theatre is screening "The 1 effect Woman,” with Constance Talmadge, and “High and Dizzy,” with Harold Lloyd, and the strength of tho programme docs them both credit. .Another episode of “Nan of the North and the Empress Nows are also shown. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “The Sea Lion,” at Everybody’s Theatre, is a most enjoyable drama, ana takes the beholder away from prosaic surroundings to places of adventure on the ships at sea. “Guile of ’Women, one of the supports, is a groat comedy. There are also a Jimmy Aubrey comic, a Bathe Review, the latest Gazette, and some fine orchestral selections. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The new programme at His Majesty’s Theatre has “caught on,” and deservedly so. Bat Boona-n sings some new comic songs, Dolores continues her wonderful trapeze stunts, Golda does some clever wire balancing, the Bracken’s juggling feats are neatly done, and Russell and Frost’s songs and dances are enjoyable and entertaining. Walter George’s Revue Company are at home in their conbination of wit, harmony, and dancing, and provide plenty of amusement. GLEE SINGERS.

That, the former triumphs of Mr. Edward Branscombe’s Westminster Glee Singers are not forgotten is already amply evidenced by the inquiries for seats at the Bristol, the plans for which are open this morning. Tho season fs Eo start at the Town Hall, Wellington, on Saturday night,, and an enthusiastic reception is anticipated for the five boys and five men who comprise Hie combination, which is representative of the foremost English Cathedral choirs. The whole or the music they sing ranks as the finest in the world. In the matter of beauty of tone and true intonation, they are described as particularly distinguished, and in tho warmth of their enthusiasm, their sincerity of expression, and the picturesquenoss of their choir costumes they command admiration. The visit of the Westminster Glee Singers should be doubly interesting by. reason of its serving to draw attention to salient points .of difference between Italian and British solo and choral work. In fairness to' the Italians, it should bo remembered that the Westminster Glee Singers’ programmes will be purely English compositions never imitated in any foreign country. What can compare with Hie oharm of “Where tho-Bee Sucks,” “Under the Greenwood Tree,” “Nymphs and Shepherd,” “Love was Once a Little Boy,” and “Cherry Ripe.” Only Englishmen could write them, only Englishmen could sing them. Additional to their solos, Mr. Branscombe’s boys will bo heard in some excellent settings of “Nursery Rhymes” from the pen of Mr. Sterndale Bennet, which are wonderful examples of melodiousmusicianship, as well as in part songs for three voices, and a number of duets and unison choruses. Tho men will be heard in fascinating examples of English ballads, mid make the balance as required in the part songs and chorus ee.