ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 102, 16 January 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING’S THEATRE. An additional proof that Rex Beach’s hooks are especially suitable for film production is “Fair Lady,” the picture version of “Tho Net,” now showing at the King’s Theatre. This is a mixture of love, romance, drama, and adventure. Some of the scenes are especially good, particularly one in Sicily. ' A Buster Keaton comedy, “Convict 13,” a Gaumont Graphic and Topical Review, and a further instalment of “Screen Snapshots,” with delightful incidental music by King’s orchestra complete a good programme. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. The Griffith’s picture. “Orphans of the Storm,” is naturally attracting '■"'isiderable attention at Everybody’s "Theatre, its intrins : c merits earning the popularity with wliiqli it is received. It is a storv of the French Revolution, splendidly acted, lavishly mounted. and thrillingly realistic. History is followed with amazing accuracy, costumes and setting assisting the cast to make a fine presentation of the piece. The supports are good and the incidental music delightful. EMPRESS THEATRE. ■‘Just Oqt of College” is hardly an adequate title for the film-romance in which Jack Pickford personates the youthful dare-devil hero who doublecrosses his piospective father-in-law and “delivers the goods” which are the impossible conditions of consent to his marriage. “A Tale of Two \Aorlds” is an attractive drama with a complex plot. Episode XI, “A Ride for Life,” of the adventurous serial “Nan of the North,” is as clever as it is sensational, and tho Empress News is full of topical events. “BRAN PIE.” There was another large attendance at the Grand Opera House last night, to enjoy Lee 'White in “Bran Pie. The enthusiasm shown on the company’s first appearance had deepened last night, and the triumph scored must have been gratifying to the management. 'The different sets,, or scenas, or sketches —over twenty in all —were delightful, and evoked hearty laughter and merriment. Miss Lee White, in songs, speeches, patter, and dressing, was a complete entertainment in herself. Miss White's charm and personality are alluring, and her vanning wav enlisted hosts of admirers. Mr.’ Clay Smith’s comedy proved him an appropriate partner for the leading lady, for his humour was new, and his points were scored with effective naturalness The programme included tour charming playlets and numerous songs and dances, while the scenery, frockina„ahd stage effects were very appropriate. \ Lance Lister exuded fun from every pore, Ernest Sefton’s comical characterisations added to the gaiety of the audience, and Lucien Beck s siimino- was worthy of tho evening. Miss Mae Baird is a graceful and clever dansmise, and she was supported bv Archie Thompson. Miss Zoe Menke is a clever little actress with a sweet voice. “Bran Pie” will be repeated to-night.

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS. The Westminster Glee Singers last nieht repeated the programme they had presented on Saturday night. They had a magnificent reception, the audience applauding every item to tne echo. The company consists ot live bov sopranos and five men. The s°pP s they smg are songs of England with simple, old-fashioned airs. Nothing could be more grateful to the ear than the tranquil sweetness of this music. It breathes the spirit of ouiet green ,P lac ” and old cathedrals. It is the kind of music that conjures up all the beauty of the "rent land that produced it. 'To-night the programme will . be changed, and among the itemes which the public may look forward to is a “Cvclc. of Old English Airs,” sung by the full choir. Two gees O the Sweet Contentment and Haste le. Soft Gales.” will be given bv the adult siimers. “The Lass With tho Delicate Air” will be sung as a part song, the solos will be ::“The Yeomen of Engand,” bv Alfred Cunningham; Iho Gentle Maiden.” bv Mr. Elhs “’The Drowsy Woods,” by Mr. Donald Reid: “A Widow Bird,” by Mr. John Andrews; and “Cherry Ripe, by Master Albert Cooper. The whole programme promises to be no less delightful than the first. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The weekly change of programme by Fullers’ Vaudeville Company attracted a numerous attendance at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. lhe Walter'George Sunshine Players staged a most amusing musical extravaganza, “The King ol Dunnowhereski, which teemed with healthy comedy, enjoyable musical numbers mid effective dances. Mr. George Storey, as -rincipal ccmedian revelled in the role of General J’opoffski. Mr- Frank Perryn was also excellent m the comedy pait ot the King of Dunnowhereski. Cap- ' able work was also accomplished by Mr Walter George as the Prime Minister, and by the other members of the company." f J’hG extravaganza possessod the virtue of a definite plot and sparkled with breezy dialogue. Miss Dorothy May’s sweet soprano voice was well utilised in the song “A Dream of Delight,” and in the duet, “Rose of My Heart” with Mr. Yorke Grey. Mr. Frank Perryn brought dowii the house with his ludicrous topical ditty, “Who Killed Pussyfoot? embodying laughable local allusions. 'The trio, “Problems.” by Messrs. F. Perryn, Y. Grey and W. George, was distinctly good. Mr. Percy Mitchell was warmly applauded for his “Soldier’s Life.” f‘The Bugle Calls” afforded Mr. George Storey scope for his undoubted talent a,s a comedian, and he was rewarded with enthusiastic plaudits. One of the best vocalisations in the production iwas Mr. Robert Ravniond’s fine rendering of “Some of the .Time I’m Lonely,’’ and he was heard to advantage also in the duet, “You Refuse Me!” with Miss Dorothy May. A completely artistic coinb'nat'on jvas the duct, “The Battle Eve,” by Messrs. Robert Raymond apd Percy Mitchell. Miss Dulcie Milner sang “A Mason Won’t Tell” acceptably. A song scena, “Fairy‘ Tales,” by Miss Georgic Martin wfis highly commendable. She was assisted by members of the chorus, who impersonated familiar characters of fairy tales. Miss Vqra Sewell performed a picturesque dance .“Snow [’’lakes,” with considerable skill. A Cossack dance by tho ballet* was another excellent item. In the first part of tho programing Master Billy Andros and Mr. Andros figured in an original act involving ventriloquism by the” former and trick fiddling by his father. Master Andros, who is said to be tho onlv boy ventriloquist in Australasia, gave an exceptionally clever exposition' with his dummy, and won immediate favour by his singing of “Sweet Adeline.” He possesses an unusually sweet voice of considerable power. The Andros concluded with the humorous duel “Take Me There.” On tho occasion of their initial appearance, Miss AVqndy and Mr. Alphonso scored a big success with their duet “Golden Dreams,” Miss Wendy s song, “Outside,” their medley duet, and Mr. Alphonse’s monologue “Pardners,” and ms recitation “Kamerad.” Mr. Alphonse proved himself an adept accompanist on the piano. Gifted with a rich soprano voice, Miss Louie Duggan sang’ artistically “’Tippy Canoe,” and was deservedly recalled. It was unfortunate for Miss Duggan that for her encore songs she selected such Jiackncyed compositions as “Sympathy” and “I’eggy O’Neil.” Never-

theless, she gave these items most pleasingly. 'Creighton, the comedy iu’*gler, was thoroughly entertaining in”a “turn” comprising an eccentric dance, juggling with an umbrella, a hat-, balls, -and Indian Hubs. Mr. Pat Doonan sang “I’m Not Going Back to Dixie,” “Casey’s Char-a-bang.” and “Where Are the Girls of the Old Brigade?”’ The programme will b Q submitted this evening.