ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 179, 17 April 1923, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. One of the principal charms of “Tim Parish Priest,” to be produced tonight by the Allen Doone Company, is its “sweet reasonableness.” The action is sustained, there are no breaks in its continuity, and the circumstances of the story are those which can and do occur in many lives with unfortunate results to those who are not fortunate enough to have an able “fixer” like Father John Whalen. Mr. Doone in this play took a big chance in abandoning for the time being the dashing heroic type of character in which he had hitherto specialised. It is a far cry from the irrepressible O’Shea to the gentle, silverhaired old priest, but the result amply justified it. He brings a matured artistry to this presentation that never fails to maintain the picture of this true shepherd holding the life threads of his flock, as it were, guiding their blundering footsteps to fulfil their allotted destinies. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. A very large audience greeted the change of programme at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, when a capital show resulted. Pride of place in the first part of the programme has still to be conceded to Apdale’s Zoological Circus, one of the liveliest and merriest acts ever seen at this theatre. There is a variety of terriers and poodles which turn back somersaults, waltz, walk on their front paws alono in the cutest manner. Two sloth bears, who walk like drunken men, and perform a variety of tricks for which they are rewarded with sugarIcafs, but the star performer is certainly the big haboon, whose mouthful of long, white, fangs is not pretty to look upon. This monkey, who is really under sound control, is a very intelligent fellow, but his apparently savage assaults on the attendant, ami liis snarling scraps with the dogs, are realistic parts of the- show. The monlvey cyclist is a comical little peddler, and the bear which plays a banjo as he peddles round rhe stage on a ridiculously small bicycle are a source of the keenest delight to young and old. The act concludes with a whirlwind chariot race, -with the dogs as horses and the monkeys as drivers. It is an “all in” race, interference allowed, and stipendiary stewards barred, and it has the “Ben Hur” race beaten to pieces. Little Lorna, the exceptionally gifted child performer of modest mien, gave clever imitations of Maurice Steradale, the fiddler, George Robey, the London comique, and fairly brought down the house in an amazingly faithful imitation of Sam Stern singing “I Want a Alan.” Mr. Charles Hanbury, a breezy comedian, with a natural style and plenty of vim, was well received in a sketch entitled “It’s Best to Tell Your Wife,” a bedroom comedietta. with plenty of laughs and a weak ending. The Reece Sisters, two slim little juveniles, song and dance performers, are neat steppers. The second part was filled in with an hilarious revue entitled “Any Lady,” by the Sunbeam Revue Company, in which the fun is speeded up by Doddy Hurl and Harry Evans, who never seem at a loss in the creation of ludicrous stunts, with the broadest comedy as a basis. Billy Jones, the attractive serio, was well received in the new song “If Winter Comes,” and Mr. Dave McGill’s ' light baritone pleased all in “You Made the Whole World Mine.” Another sound balladist is Mr. Vernon Sellars, who sang “Loving” and “Sally Horner.” Patsie Hill, assisted by a ballet and a real live baby, sang very sweetly “Ten Little Fingers.” A new comedian in Victor Dyer was moderately amusing in the bacchanalian ditty “Ginger ■’•'ine.” The Five Georges were a decorative and animated background : to many of the vocal numbers.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Tlf© thrilling drama, “Manslaughter,” which is closing a successful run this week at Everybody’s Theatre, is an example of the extravagance of wealthy Americans, and is full of sensations and extraordinary experiences A laughable comedy, a lumber scenic, and a Topical Budget are all enjoyable.

EMPRESS THEATRE. “Missing Husbands,” a masterpiece of amazing and breath-catching scenes, is being screened at the Empress Tl-“ atre. The story is a picturesque one, and the wonderful Eastern scenery i“ a dream. Tho plot is laid in the Sahara Desert, and a Queendom is found there by two officers, reigned over by a beautiful woman, A great romance follows, with a striking close. _ Larry Semon, in “Golf,” full of enjoyable comedy, and ither supports, enhanced by Mr. L. D. Austin’s talented orchestra, complete an excellent prograjnme. PRINCESS THEATRE.

The new programme at the Princess Theatre to-day includes “The Fatal Hour,” a colossal screen melodrama, rich with thrills and remarkable scenic effects. It is difficult to decide which is pre-eminent: the plot with its keen, never-failing action, or the supremely lovely photographic work of scenes in England and Switzerland, The result is a marvellous bit of work that holds the spectator speil-bound.' “The Fatal Hour” narrates the struggles of Nigel Villiers to recover his title and estate, of which he Jias been deprived by two schemers, a burlesque actress, and a gentleman adventurer. The high points revolve around a secret mission to Switzerland, the robbery of crown jewels, an abduction in a motor-car, and a death struggle near the edge ol a precipice. The supports are excellent. ANDRE SKALSKI. Tn the course of its introductory notice to Andre Skalski’s pianoforte rentals, the Auckland “Herald” says: •'Last night’s mdience was fully representative and applauded to the echo me remarkable and diverse readings of many of the noblest examples of pianoforte literature. Skalski is an artist whose manner at, tne neynoaru is tnal of one completely absorbed in the message of nik music. He appai ently exee's in no particular school, and there, la a strong personal touch in all his renderings. He achieves his softer effects with consummate skill, his pianissisios representing a mere thread of sound, while as ho leads his supple and highly-trained fingers into the charge of some movement of gripping intensity and volume, his technical resource meets every demand, but the more serious message of the composer is never subordinated to mere display.’' Discussing the second recital m Auckland, the “Herald” said: “A striking characteristic of Skalski’s playing is his ready command < f the extremes or tone. His contrasts a.re achieved without apparent effort, as ho sits upngnt at the concert grand in the semiKlarkened hall. Some of his readings are refreshingly unconvcnt onal, thus affording a ready rebuke to those with pedantic notions of what constitutes a pianoforte perform a nee.

AMBASSADOR CABA R ET. A br'lliant gathering attended the Ambassador Cabaret on Saturday night. Hie beautiful frocks of the dancers were well set off by the dark walls, and an atmosphere of gaiety pervadedi the scene. The balloons that were distributed caused a groat deal of merriment, and were very effective during the dancing. A special Black Cat night will be featured on Wednesday, and resorvat ons should be made early to avoid disappointment. Admission for tha.l night only will be 7s.

(3d. Usual prices during the rest of • the week. The Ambassador dancing studio is now open, and an excellent course of instruction is available at a moderate fee, each pupil having individual and private tuition.