ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 156, 20 March 1923, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE” TO-NIGHT. This evening the play, in three acts, “The Sentimental Bloke,” evolved by C. J. Dennis, will be presented by E. J. and Dan Carroll for the first time to "Wellington theatregoers. The opportunity is now aifordod Die thousands who have read about the exploits ofThe Bloke, and seen him on the screen, to see him for tho first time in a spoken play on the stage, interpreted bj’ a specially-selected cast, with a careful view to suitable types. Walter Cornock will play his original role (The Bloke), while Tai Ordell will represent Ginger Mick. Miss Eileen Alexander will be Doreen. Leslie Gordon as ’Erb is said to give a splendid character study; Herbert Walton, Artie Appin; Eduard Landor is Uncle Jim; Vivian Edwards, Steve Gunn (a spieler). Jack Souter (Spike Wegg), Stella Payter (Doreen’s Mar), Iza Crossley (Effie), Alfroda Beran (the Nurse), and Alice Walton (Mrs. Ent? wistle). “The Sentimental Bloke” in p’ay form tells the life story of Bill and Doreen in proper dramatic sequence. They will all bo there tonight,, stepping straight from the pages of the book on to the stage, there to unfold the romance that brought the sunshine to Spadger's Lane. The box plans for the first six nights of the season are now at the Bristol. / HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The chief claim to merit of vaudeville is that it offers something to every taste. Charm lies in contrasts, and the veriest fooling is a welcome antidote to the cloying sweets of the slow, measured, sloppy American melo dies that go with strong moonlight and muslin frocks. But there was very little in last night’s entertain nent at Fullers that was welcome only btcauee it differed from the previous item. Russell and Frost, in cabaret dances, showed lightness and the spirit vithout which the most graceful measure palls after a time. Both appeared together in a Spanish ensemble with success, and then the lady, in a close-fit-ting jet costume, danced a cleverly contrived variant of the conventional cabaret whirl. Together they dosed a popular turn with a tennis dance, in which the strokes of the game were made to form part of a graceful and coquettish poem of motion. Conway and Beecham play the dude and the dud rather well, the joke lying in the fact that the bra.ins, are all on the side of the apparently vacuous one, whose rejoinders, though pitched in an empty tone, and. apparently luite inappropriate, find the spot. Potter and Hartwell’s “muddled mixtures” consist of a burlesque clown turn, some clever balancing, in the course of which the peppy little lady walks down the wall to the stage while Branding on the head of her partner. Sam Stern, as the Yiddish songster j’.'st back from tho war, sang effectively “Oh! Rosie,” and also gave an impersonation ot an Italian damsel of operatic ambitions reduced to calling ,T bananas” in the street. His best burlealue was that of an Italian singer of grand opera. The show that livened the house up most last night was Edwardes and Parkes’s jolly little sketch “The Charm.” Miss Parkes receives a bracelet from an uncle in India, the holder of which lias only to wish to get. Her would-be hubby suggests trying it on the gee-gees, but she alters the name of the horse’ to the bookie, and tho story of the race (through the telephone) was one that had the house rocking, as each of them in turn grabs tho bracelet. They mix up that race pretty badly. The Hurl and Evans Company enliven the remainder of the evening with “Potts tho Gardener,” a lively revue with some pleasing melodies. Pretty musical numbers and ballets by the Sunbeam Six are “All By Myself” (Vernon Sellars), “OS to the Hunt,” “Melon Time in Dixie Land.” Vernon Sellars and Mi.ss Patay Hill have some pleasing duets, and the Lest musical item was “That’s How the World Mas Made” (Dave McGill). Dcddy Hurl, as the gaadener, the funny man of the show, puts in some good work with Miss Madeline Dormer. Frank Crowther’s orchestra is equal to all demands on it.

EMPRESS THEATRE. “What’s Wrong with the Women ” is the main attraction at the Empress Theatre, and it well deserves the place of honour. It is an endeavour, under the guise of an entertaining romance, to point out the dangers involved in a giddy life. A young wife is lured into a social whirl amongst doubtful companions by a gay widow, and loses the confidence of her husband. She sees, the error of her ways and happiness is once more restored to her home. A Mermaid comedy, “Rapid Fire,” in which trained horses, cows, hens, and fighting bulls take part, is full of humour. A Gazette is shown, and Mr. L. D. Austin’s orchestra discourses delightful music.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Some exceptionally clever acting is to be seen in “The Sport of Kings” at Everybody’s Theatre. The story is well told and ftui of interest.' There is a steeplechase replete with incident, a flat race, and a boxing match. A screaming comedy, “Home Rule,” a Paths Gazette, a scenic, “Wild Westing de Luxe,” a Travelaugh “Such is Life in Munich,” and Mr. M. Dixon’s augmented orchestra complete a good programme.

PARAMOUNT AND ARTCRAFT. “Shirley of the Circus” is a fine story of the sawdust ring, which contains some excellent aerobatic scenes. There is an interesting plot and a delightful loivo story running, through it. “The Boss of Camp 4”. is a typical caveman thriller, in which Charles Jones is seen in clever riding feats. The supporting films are good, and a Gazette is particularly interesting. Capital orchestras contribute delightful incidental music at both theatres. MUSIC, SONG. AND STORY. To-n.ight at thei Training Cqllepfo gymnasium, Kelburn, Mr. Culford Bell end his Thespian* are giving an entertainment consisting of short comedies, scenes, monologues, songs, and instrumental music. The assisting musicians include Miss Dorothy Olsen, Mr. H. Robinson, and Mr. H. Gregory. The proceeds go to the new Kelburn Presbyterian Sunday schoolroom fund.