AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17679, 4 January 1918, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. . The final penormance of "Grumpy" was given at the Theatre Royal last night. This evening Cyril Maude will appear in a character of an entirely different kind, a young Irishman full of Ufa, who perpetrates an elaborate joke which forms the subject of a delightful play, " General John Regan." Tho farce-comedy, which is 'based on the book by George A. Birxilngh,vn, give 3an opportunity for a lightly drawii feiiuie on Irish lifo. It has been remarkably successful everywhere, and Mr Maude is said to give a fiuo performance in a light comedy rob. J.'rior to " General John Regan," tho company will present, the screen sceno from Sheridan's " The School for Scandal," with Mr Maude as Sir Peter Teazle. In addition this ovening his Excellency tho Governor-General will unveil a Roll of Honour, bearing the names of members of tho Williamson companies who have joined the colours. To-morrow night, the elope of the Christchurch season, will bo given over tc a revival of Robertson's old play, '• Caste." in which Mr Maude wiil appear as the old drunkard Eccle*. OPERA HOUSE. The attendance at tho Opera Houso last evening was a very large one, and tho vaudeville entertainment provided proved entirely to the taste of patron's. Philip Newbury and Amy Murphy repeated previous successes, their tanging being enthusiastically received, and Paul Stanhope's att-vact've revue, " Twirly-AVhirly," with its numerous catchy vocal number* and ballets, was heartily applauded. Littlo Verna's "Dying Swan," and skipping rope, dances, and the humorous songs and character impersonations of James €. Bain were also popular features of the programme, and acceptable items were contributed by Newman and Brown, ragtime artiste; Walter C. M'Kay, eccentric musician, and Mcrton and Rydon, in song and patter. Tho programme will bo repeated this evening, commencing at 7.50. To-morrow a matinee performance will be given. "THE BARRIER." Rex Beach's novel and play, " lhe Barrier, reproduced as a seven-act film under the personal direction of the author, will be shown at; the Liberty Theatre from 11 a.m., s.tarting on Mcnduy next, under the management of Mr E. J. Carroll.' "The Barrior" is a thrilling and intense story, full of suspense and action. It deals with the struggles of the blood of man against the teachings of nature and natural race prejudice, a barrier that separates him from hi? beloved. The film is said to pulsate with interest, from first to last, with a particular appeal to the acntimenti'.ist and tho out-of-doors man. Special music has been written for tho picture by Sol Levy and Fred O. Hanks. The boy plan for the week a season is at The Bristol.