ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 149, 18 March 1924, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

"SALLY.” Few actresses have captivated AVellipgton audiences to the extent that Miss Josie Melville has in “Sally/’ that charming musical mixture of sentiment and humour which is now being presented at the Grand Opera House. Last night the accommodation was taxed to the utmost. From the opening scene until tlio drop of the final curtain there is not even the suggestion of a dull moment. The interpretation of the part of a young girl who rises from being a dish-washer to a star dancer before whom the world bows gives Miss Melville an. opportunity for which she is most admirably suited. A dancer of incomparable grace, she also possesses a sense of comedy that is entirely captivating. In short, "Sally,” clever and appealing as the piece is, would not bo "Sally” without Miss Josie Melville. The star is supported by an exceptionally strong cast, chief among whom is George Gee, master of subtle comedy and eccen- . trie dancing. Dan Agar, Hugh Steyno, and Sydney Clarke are at their best in I the parts in which they arc cast, and i remainder of the company docs all | that is required of it. "Sally” is being , presen ted evoiy night, and in addition ■ afternoon performances arc announced J for to-morrow and Saturday. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The programme submitted at His Majesty’s Theatre for the first time last night is one of exceptional merit, and has not a single dull moment in it. The vaudeville portion is comprised of capital turns. Charles Lawrence is an entertainer at the piano of the highest order his burlesquing of pathetic scenes from operas being particularly good, He is also a first-class musical monologuist and excellent racounteur. Lloyd and Raymond, although by no means above the average in song and patter, are remarkably clever simultaneous step dancers, and their turn fully merited the round of applause with which it was received. There has not been seen in Wellington a more daring exhibition of trick cycling than that given by Durno. That versatile performer, Les Stirling, plays new selections on his cornet. coach horn, bugle, kettle drum, and one-stringed violin. Harry North is the best performer on the concertina who has appeared in Wellington for some time. The second half of the programme is provided by the English Sunbeam Revue Company, who treat the audience to a surfeit cf humour with "Special Mixtures.” It is three stories in one. a.nd is the medium whereby Doddy Hurl gives of his very best as a comedian. Without him the inntertaimnent would be tame; with him it is one long succession of spontaneous laughter, so comical are the situations, so absurdly funny the jokes. "Special Mixtures" is a veritable gloom chaser. The final scene of Roseland is very beautifully staged. The musical numbers are all pleasing, outstanding among them being “Hugs and Kisses" (by Billie Jones and Sunbeam Six), “Clothes Props” (Vernon Sellars), “Too Many Girls” (Al Mack), “Mississippi” (Patsie Tlill. Vernon Sellars, and Sunbeam Six), "The Lost Purse” (Madeline Dormer and Doddy Hurl), and “Mary Jane” (by Al Alack and the entire company). The ballets by the Sunbeam Six were a distinct adjunct to the performance. The orchestra, under Air. Growther, completes the entertainment. KING’S THEATRE. "Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife" heads the bill at the King’s Theatre. There is delightful humour all through the piece as one sees the usually dominant niilionaino ultimately dpmiiiated by his eighth venture in matrimony. It is with .much merriment that one witnesses the accumulation of delicate situations until a climax is reached that is fitting to the story. Those for whom the stage version is fresh in memory should not miss seeing this entertaining production There are outstanding supports, while tho music of the orchestra is a a distinct attraction. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “The Silent Partner," now showing at the Queen’s Theatre, is a picture of much merit It is the ® to ?7. o£ Street speculation and a wiles <- nd ® a vours to prevent the loss of the fam y fortunes by intriguing against hvi husbnnd Events move with startling i a P ltt itv and the acting is outstanding. The Photography is splendid. There are also ? X and travelogue in support. The K orchestra furnishes a select arrangement of incidental music. PRINCESS THEATRE. “Oliver Twist," now showing at the Pri^ l ”e?iaC’eteet«l at tire head ° f ±° b the J rtort ofX’book real. The supports are outstanding. ARTCRAFT THEATRE. of thrills, and well sprinkled with laitehs throughout. The story deals with a dilettante cowboy and a suffering wite. The two meet in romantic circumstances, and the action is swift and highly entertaining. A very interesting ogue, a good gazette, and a hilariow comedy complete an excellent bill. S may bo reserved at the Bristol or by ringing the theatre. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. A recital is to be given in the Concert Chamber on Thursday next by Mr. Edwin Tanner, who will be assisted by his brother. Claude Tanner ( cellist) and Mr. Harold AVhittle. The programme includes tho Afoonlight Sonata of Beethoven, a bracket of popular Chopin numbers, and tho rarely heard Concerto in D Afinor by Rubinstein, in which the orchestral accompaniment will be played by Air. AVhittle on a second piano. Air. Claude Tanner will play Goltermann’s Concerto in A Minor, the Andante movement from Greig's ’Cello Sonata, and other numbers. The box plan, is at the Bristol.

LYNCH FAMILY BELLRINGERS. The audience at the Town Hall Concert Chamber la»t evening was again treated to a delightful entertainment by the Lynch Family Bellringers. Their programme afforded opportunity for displaying their musicianly skill with the bells, tho silver organ chimes, and the glassophone. Tho family, whose fame has lyjen established for half a century, present something unique in entertainments, and those who heard them many years ago agree that they have lost none of their charm. Thoroughly acceptable also were the efforts of Mademoiselle le Marchant (mezzo-soprano), Mr. Hari-y Baxter (comedian), and Miss Addie Reynolds (monologuist). The Lynch Family will give another concert this evening. AMBASSADOR CABARET. To-day’s sessions nt tho Ambassador will bo full of interest. In addition to tho usual program me, Mr. A. G. Frost and his band will play some special music, and Ettil and Fridal Bassin, tho Russian juvenile dancers, will feature “Pas Soul” and some, exhibition dances. On Thursday a long night will bo given, and will bo attended bv members of (ho J. C. Williamson "Sally” Company. Special novelties will be introduced.