ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 56, 30 November 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE BEGGAR’S OPERA." r J. C. Williamson. Ltd., will produce ’’The Beggar’s Opera” at the Grand Opera House to-morrow night. In “Ths Beggar's Opera” John Gay attempted a skit and created a masterpiece. The play teaches no moral lesson, has, injdeed, nothing whatever to do with mor- ' ality. It conforms to no convention; it : follows no mode. The people represented in the play are all what are commonly called bad characters—even the adorable Polly Peacluim. Macheath. a dashing figure, is a rascally highwayman. Polly’s father is an old cut-throat. Polly’s mother is easily one of the most objectionable women characters in literature. As for Polly’s friends, they are all cut-purses, fences, footpads, pimps, gaol-birds,,or ladies of the lowest social order. In “The Beggar’s Opera is given, in fact, a faithful picture of the time when the play was written It is now in its fourth year in London, and has never yet. in the 200 years of its history, had a failure. The art atmosphere is sci'i to be admirably sustained by the orchestra singers. A well-balanced cast will include Mr. Hiltou Osborne, Mr. Beg. Roberts, Miss Pauline BindlaY. Mr. Charles Mettam, Mr. George Willoughby. Box plans are . now open at the Bristol for the season. EMPRESS THEATRE. "The Bohemian Girl,” a screen version of the world-famous opera, is a unique feature in picture production, and will be screened at the Empress Theatre to-day. Tho settings are particularly fine, especially the woodland scenes for the gipsy incidents, the old feudal castle, and tho pictunsation pt the vision, “I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls.” The well-known songs of the opera are neatly turned into titles and carry out the atmosphere. Every player is one of London's leading actors —Gladys Cooper, Ellen Terry, Constance Collier Ivor Novello, C. Aubrey Smith, and Maurice Vibert. A guarantee of excellent entertainment, fine acting, beautiful scenes, and a romantic atmosphere goes with “The Bohemian Girl.” Tho supporting programme includes a Buster Keaton comedy, “The Scarecrow,” and the latest Topical News. The special musical interlude, a regular weekly feature at the Empress Theatre, will be a musical scene, during which a special company of operatic artists will sing the musical gems from the opera. The Empress symphony orcliestra will play “The Bohemian Girl” musical score in synchronisation to the picture. The box plan is at the Bristol till 5 p.m., then at the theatre. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The programme commencing at Everybody’s Theatre to-day consists of two features and an interesting scenic of London. The first feature is "The Highest Bidder,” a Goldwyn production, and not to bo confused with “To the Highest Bidder,” tho Vitagraph production which was shown in Wellington some time ago. It is described as a delightful story of love and millions at cross purposes, aglow with the thrill and romance of youth. The characters are all human beings and behave as sucheven the millionaire—so that tho audience feel that they have spent an hour or so in the company of some very likeable persons. “The Highest Bidder” was made from Maximilian Foster's latest novel, “The Trap. 1 ' Lionel Atwill as the millionaire who came near losing the girl he loved because of his money, will delight almost ns much ns the dainty leading lady. Tho second feature is “Out of the Dust,” a First National production, and it is a thrilling outdoor picture of early prairie life. The cast has been well chosen, and includes such well-known screen stars as Russell Simpson, Robert McKim, and Master Pnt Moore. The supporting item is entitled "Rubberneck’s Letter to Homo from London," and depicts the experiences of a sight-seeing American in London to a friend m America. All the historical and otherwise interesting spots are shown as well ns the changing of guard by the famous Scots Guard with full pipe 'and brass bands, the Life Guards on. duty at Whitehall, and the London police dierecting traffic in some. of London’s busiest streets. Everybody’s popular orchestra will play a programme of incidental music. KING’S THEATRE. Pola Negri, the famous Russian star, will be seen in the Paramount picture "Bella Donna,” commencing at the King’s Theatre to-night. Miss Negri is said to be at her best in the portrayal of the notorious woman who mairies Nigel Armine, an English engineer. When they go out to Egypt and the wife meets Baroudi, an Eastern potentate, she is fascinated and yet repelled by his mysterious charm. The wife is persuaded by the sinister Baroudi to poison her husband, and Armine barely escapes death. When he learns the truth, a separation follows. Then comas the supreme tragedy of the story—ths woman’s return to Baroudi, only to find herself scorned. Retribution exacts from her a terrible price. Miss Negri is supported by Conrad Nagel, and Conway Tearle, and an all-star cast. “Bella Donna" is sail to be most lavishly produced, and gorgeous gowns are wern by the star. A special musical score will be rendered by the King's orchestra. The box plan is at the Bristol. After 5.30 neats can also be booked at the theatre telephone 22—212. PRINCESS THEATRE. In tho new programme to be presented at the Princess Theatre to-day, James Kirkwood, one of the best known of screen actors, will bo seen in "The Man From Home." The picture is said, to be absorbingly interesting, and is a powerful story providing Kirkwood with an opportunity to’ exercise to the full his great talents as a versatile actor. The second picture, “The Cradle," is one of tho finest efforts of that screen favourite, Ethel Clayton, and is said to fully sustain her in tho front rank of emotional and dramatic actresses. An excellent supporting programme is also promised. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. A special attraction at His Majesty’s Theatre this week is Linn Smith’s Royal Jazz Band, tho members of tho combination being masters of tho art of musical syncopation. Their burlesque numbers and merry musical concoctions pro most entertaining. • "Midnight Revels,” tho latest attraction of tho George Wallace Revue Company, brings out some good humour and musical numbers.' Trixie Ireland (soprano), Aston and Marshall (operatic duottists),. Mabie and Malfe (novelty dancers) also contribute to tho jay of the evening. Mr. Frank Crowther at tho piano completes the entertainment. The programme will be repeatd to-night. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A splendid modern story of romance and adventure in Egypt, based upon tho wonderful spiritual phenomena incident to the finding of the tomb of Akhanton, the greatest of Egyptian Pharaohs, is promised in "The Lure of Egypt," the Federal-Pathe feature which commences at the Queen's Theatre to-day. Enacted by a powerful cast headed by Claire Adams. Robert McKim, Joseph J. Dowling, and Carl Gantvoort, and filled with tense drama, a delightful love theme, adventurous thrills and colourful backgrounds, “Tho Lure of Egypt" is said to offer fascinating entertainment for every sort of taste, entirely apart from the power and mystery of its spiritual element. The supporting programme includes tho final chapter of the serial, "The Social Buccaneer," starring Jack Mulhall; a clever Pathe comedy, a scenic, a review, and the latest Gazettes. Ths popular Queen’s grand orchestra .will provide a selection of delightful inci. dental music. Tho box plan is at tho Bristol. "THE KEWPTES’ FAIRYLAND" TO-MORROW. To-morrow evening many of Wellington’s people of all ages will see a little path, bordered by roses and the rich green of velvet, along the whole front of the twenty-one beautiful scenes of "The Kowpies’ Fairyland," nt the Town Hall. Each scene will have its own special setting, with plenty of charming fairies in poses that will please everybody. These few lines of print can give

only a 'bare indication of the year’s time and skill required in the preparation of this world novelty. The people who see the thousand Kewpies will be glad to admit that the announcements about the little figures of winged loveliness could have been truthfully more glowing. Seeing will be believing. AMBASSADOR CABARET. The flannel season at the Ambassador Cabaret is now in progress, and many are availing themselves of the opportunity to dance in comfort. On Saturday afternoon and evening next week Miss Ngairo Phipson will present the delightful scena, “An Old World Fancy,” and the management advise patrons to reserve their seats in. advance.