AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17666, 19 December 1917, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. The “Look AYho’a Here” Company, which' has already established a roputation lor high-class entertainment, staged a complete change of programme at tho Theatre Royal last night before a largo audience. The programme, which consisted of vocal, instrumental and burlesque items, was interpreted by a company of specialists, and it is safe to say that so strong a cast ha 3 seldom been seen in companies c£ the kind. It would be impossible to detail everything that was played. Among some notably good items were the representations of sport by tho full strength of tho company, concluding with “ Fishing," a most tuneful and charming finalo, with tho girls in “ Caller Herrin’ ’’ costumes. Gregory Ivauoft was encored for a very masterful violin solo, a "Faust fantasia. Howard Hall, in costume, sang “ The Bedouin Love Song ’ splonoinly. The "Scottish Patrol ’’ was a. very catchy number. Wylie Watron was almost a company in himself, being very funny in n shopping burlesque, “The Big Store,” and in musical fragments, with the ’cello. F. W. Dennett played bv special request the Second Hungarian Rhapsodie, and appeared with Gregory Ivanoff and Wylie Watson in instrumental trios. The White trio danced very cleverly, and among the ladies, who assisted greatly in the saceess of tho entertainment, Cecilia Gold was prominent, and Ada Smart sang sweetly. An item in which popular operas were " ragged ’’ had a. great reception, and the programme was concluded with tho famous “ William Tell" overture, with Jack Waller as tho conductor of tho Purple Band. Jack Waller was also extremely clever in other items. Tho programme will be repeated to-night. MUSICAL SOCIETY. Mendolsschn’s oratorio “Elijah” was presented at the Clio in 1 Hall last night by tho Christchurch Musical Society before an audience which filled tho buildiug in every part. Though “ Elijah ” has been sung cn many occasions by tho society, it is doubtful if a better all-round performance has been given by dt than that of last night, and the conductor, Dr J, C, Bradshaw, tho soloists, Mesdmnos Gower Burns and Pidgcon and Messrs 11. Gill end W. Clarkson, end the members of the choir and the Symphony Orchestra, which, with Miss Maeleodsniith (the society’s honorary pianist), supplied the instrumental accompaniment, are to be congratulated upon their work. The choir was excellent. The massive opening: chorus, “ Help, Lord," in the minor mode, was a fitting prelude, and evidenced at once excellent training. “ Thanks bo to God ’ is a, all times a chorus that tesla a choir severely, and tho few weaknesses in the number were quite pardonable where there wats so much to achniro. For enjoyment of chorus singing nothing could have teen better than the interpretations and singing of “Be Not Afraid," "He. AA’atchiug Over Israel ’ and •• Blessed axo ibo Men Who Fear Him.’ Mrs Gower Burns scored a triumph. Seldom nan it been the lot of a Christchurch audience to hear the princiual soprano sole, " Hear Ye, Israel," sung with such expression, fervour and meaning. Tho recitative aria and duet (with Mr Clarkson), " What Have I to do with Thee,” was sung appealingly and invested with grace and. becoming dignity, and the many other solos which are allottee to the soprano worn sung by Mrs Burns with taste and charm. Mrs Pidgeon added to the artistic triumph achieved by her expressive einging, especially of the.number, ‘ O Rest in the Lord,” which was given tenderly and devotionally. Tho dramatic character of the rola of Elijah suited Mr Clarkson well, and being in splendid voice, lie sang the whole of tho difficult music of the pari with fine effect and was warmly applauded, particularly for his reading of tho t rift, l lt Is Enough ’’ Mr Gill sang tho tenor mimoers also with good effect ar.d the double miartot numbers bv the principals and Mrs D. W. Ptallard. bliss F. Low. Mr S. ,7. Morgan and Mr E. J. Johnston were also sung with gooa balance and blend.

CHRISTCHURCH LI E DELTA IT. L. The members of the Christchurch Liodertafel gave theft last performance or the year —a smoke concert —at the Scottish Society s rooms last night, before a large attendance. The programme was well varied, and _iu eluded several of the best part-songs of the Liedortafel’s repertory; a very acceptable qunrj tot, " Foresters, Sound tho Cheerful Horn, bv Messrs Cookson. Joll, March and Millar; songs bv Mr AV. Joll (“The Devout Lover ), Mr' C. H. Schwartz (“Kina’), Mr O. SetonKellaway (“Tho Longshoreman ), Mr AY; J. Trewern ("On with the Motley," from I Pagliacci,” and an Irish folk-song), and Mr R. A. Beveridge (“Up from So morse- ), besides a pleasing piano contribution by. tne Liedortafel conductor, Mr A. A\orslcy, “ Melody,” opus 10, No. 3 (Eynnd Allioes). Tho performance was very enjoyable, - and oncores were numerous. OPERA HOUSE. A special holiday matinco on Boxing Day afternoon will mark the reopening of the Opera House, when an entirely new programme of attractions will bo presented. After on absence o! about two and a, halt years, that popular revue comedian and producer, Paul Stanhope, will bo seen with a new comnanv. His fiTHfc prodnction is cntitled “ Safetv First," and is raid to combine frivolity" with gcod music and clever dancing. An important event will be uie first appearance at this theatre of .Phillip Newbury, tho famous tenor, and Amy Murphy, well known throughout Australasia as a brilliant soprano. These two aitists are said to bo at tho zenith of their powers, and will appear in- an act which has been accorded tho highest commendation in Australia. A strong vaudeville company will bo seen in support, including Walter C. M Kay, a recent American imported by the hullera, who is described as a clever atnl amusingeccentric musician. The box plan is on view at Messrs Milner ar.d Thompson s for both the afternoon and evening periormancos. GRAND THEATRE. In "Destiny; or. the Soul of a Woman," now being shown at tho Grand Theatre, the Metro company lias broken new ground, ana presented a powerful story of modern socio.y life which is at the same time a wonderful allegorical study of the temptations ot youth and the revealing of the inner soul oi a woman. The story is novel, powerful and unconventional, and is well produced. Emily Stevens, who has many great successes to her credit both in. the spoken and in the silent drama, takes the leading role, and her acting a 3 the young wife and moth Or, as fhe middle-aged woman who is the leaner of a fast set, and as the old woman driven to death by the storm, is strongly emotional. The commencement of tho new ser.’al, '* Ine Mysteries of Myra," has proved a very popular item in an excellent programme. humorous element is provided, wit^i much success by Charles Chaplin in “The Floorwalker." The same pictures will be shown to-day and to-night. CYRIL MAUDE AS “ GRUMPY." The J. C. Williamson Ltd. firm announce tho appearance, here, of Mr Cyril Maude. Mr Maude is acknowledged as one of the groat English actors of the day For closo upon a decade ho has been the idol of London. As the creator of parts that havo become endeared to playgoers tho world over it is said bo has no rival. It is claimed, however, that tho grealest of all his impersonations is that oi " Grumpy,’ the role in which ho will make his first appearance hue at the Theatre Royal on Boxing Night. Over 1000 times, in both America end England, has this accomplished comedian played the part of tho irascible and eccentric old lawver. Everywhere his success has been phenomenal. Both Melbourne -and Sydney received the impersonation enthusiastically, the Press criticisms being in all cases of tho most flattering nature. ‘Concerning Mr Maude’s performance of “ Grumpy," the London "Times” said:—"His characterisation of the title role —a typo, that Dickens himself might have created —is worthy to rank amongst the greatest, achievements of the English stago. It will be a lasting monument to the genius of Cyril Maude." It is certain that no aotor on the English-speaking atage to-day has won greater renown in tho interpretation of character parts than Mr Cyril Maude. lib name has loomed large ns the creator of many roles familiar to plaf<mers in tho Dominion, such as Captain Barley in " The Beauty and the" Barge,” Rev Gavin Dishart in “The Little Minister," .Richard Lascelles in “ The Fing Lieutenant," Captain Larollo in “ Under the Red Robe," and Lord Bapchikl in " The Manoeuvres of Jano. ' The box plans will be opened ot Messrs Milner and Thompson’s on Friday. MR LILLY’S ORGAN RECITAL. Mr Arthur Lilly will give an organ, recital in* tho Oxford . Terrace Baptist Church on Thursday evening in aid of the Sunday School building fund. In addition to a well selected programme by Air Lilly, two now gongs composed for the 1916 festival of New Zealand music will be sung by Miss Marjorie Niccl.