AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18435, 15 June 1920, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. Vaudeville Touches a high standard at the Opora House this week, ino new programme presented last evening included many turnß of outstanding merit and distinct originality. The moat popular in the first part was cortainly “ Mrs M’Gillicuddy," a breezy little sliotel), staged by Essie Jennings and Jim i Gerald, full of smart sayings and lively movement. Gorald'B make-up alone was something in the nature of a ma6terpieco, and, when ho prooeeded to dance and tumblo about the stage, tlio big audience simply rocked with laughtor. Abdy's performing cats, cockatoos, pigeons and dog 3 gavo u wonderful exhibition. The dogs turned somersaults and ran a mcrry-go-round. The cats jumped through hoops and tirovo in stato on miniaturo coaches, while the pigeons executed various manoeuvres and tho cockatoos performed a number of tricks without tho slightest hitch. Laurie and Itossio, “ tho harmonious Diggers,” wero given a warm reception. A duet, “ Ohio,” was not exactly suited to their voices, but in " Back to Yarra Wonga ” they scored a particular success, and tho brisk, rollicking chorus was quickly taken up by members of the audience. Walsh and Walsh, making a first appcaranco, sang and danced brightly, and in dialogue gagged freoly and cleverly on topical subjects. Poincare’s imitations of various birds, from a canary to a rooster, and various animals, from a puppy dog to a lion, wero easily the best of tho kind heard in Christchurch for some time. Tho imitation of a nightingale was. a delightful effort. “My Gipsy Maid” was tho title of tho new playlet presented bv Walter Gcorgo and his Sunshine Players. The Retting waß charming and artistio, and the nlot was unfolded by artists appropriately dressed, with frequent intervals for danco and chorus. W’altor George, os tho gipsy ponchor, was in his best form, and May Geary, as Inez, his wife, acted her part splondidly. George Storey bought a horse during tho search for the lost heiress, and tho transaction gave him full scope for comedy work, so that he was able to drive off amid cheers. Among tho most enjoyable songs wero “ Love Comes and Goes,” by Hylda Shannon; “ Following Father,” Georgie Martin; "In Gips.vland With You ” Ada Scaddon and Reg. Hawthorne; “Back to Homo, Sweet Homo, and You,” Barry Hitcliings; “ G'ood-hye, Bachelor Days,” Charles Lawrence; and "Leave tho Rest to Me,” Dulcie Milner, The pro. gramme will be repeated ugain tills evening.

LIBERTY THEATRE. Large attendances at Liborty Theatro yesterday witnessed tho screening of the now picture programme, headed by tho W barton super-feature, “ Tlio Great Whito Trail, the star part in which is portrayed by Dons Kenyon, a tnlentcd and accomplished screen favourite. Tho wonderful Alaskan seenos made a profound impression. The picture programme is completed by tho Patlic “ Grzette" and " Topical," “ Siiakcvillo Blind Pig” (comedy), “ W’ct and Dry (corned}), “Berness Bears” (scenic) and part two o; tho “Winter Sports in Quebec. At the evening session Miss Olivo Thorpe, Miss Gertrude Osborne. Mr Claud. Burrows and l Mr Harold Presoott were heard in selections from Edward German’s opera. “ Mcrno England, vocal waltzes, and several modem ballade. Miss Adorn# Aitken was the accompanist The Liberty Orchestra played a meo seiection of bright music. Tho programme will be repeated to-day. everybody’s theatre. “Wo Can’t Have Everything,” n dramatic version of tho novel b" Rupert Hughes, was presented at Everybody’s Theatro yesterday, beforo crowded attendances. Tho production directed bv Cecil B. de Mille, is a lavish one in every Way. Magnificent settings, gorgeous costumes and a good etory make the film of supreme merit. “Wo Can t Havo L\ Birthing ” is a story of marriage and divorce in New York high society liie. Tho cast includes Kathlyn Williams, Wanda Ilawley, Sylvia Broamer, Raymond Hatton and Theodore Roberts. Tho supporting pictures included Thomas 11. Inco's latest «The Money Corral ” starring William b. Hart! A high-class musical programme was given by Everybody’s Select Orchestra R - perved seats may be obtained at Tlio mbwi. The programme will bo continued each afternoon and evening during the week. CRYSTAL PALACE. The new programme presented at Crystal Palace yesterday embraced a couple of excellent dramas, and the third ‘ushUmoiitif the fascinating eenal Tho Grey SoM. “ StonDing Out ” is the title of tho principal feature! a Paramount-Artcraft picture m which Enid Bennett achieves a distinct success Tho Recond featuro. A Pit Bo} s lto in once ’’ exhibits tho athletic Slid histone mance, e Wild, the boxing charupion. n l^Tho°programmo ' will he continued throughout tlio week. SYDENHAM PICTURES. At Sydenham to-niglit “ Tho Groat W Into Trail” and “ Destiny ” will he screened. Tomorrow and Thursday nights a return visit will bo paid by Old Bill the Walrus in The Better ’Ole.” QUEEN’S TREATRE. "The Sea W'aif,” starring Louise Huff, was presented at the Queen’s Theatro yesterday before very large attendances especially at the night session, which was crowded An added attraction was tho (screening of ho second etar film, “ Her Great Chance,’ in which the loading role is portrayed by Alice Brady. _a GRAND THEATRE. Crowded attendances at the Grand Theatre yesterday witnessed the screening of tho new picturo programme. The chief lilm is “ Her Price ” a William Pox Production do luxe, featuring the popular star Virginia Pearson, The second drama features the popular Wil-

liam Russell In "Now York Lnok.” Amo HR tho supporting itoms was ono of the faqaoufl Sunshine comedies, which have proved popular here, also a Topical Gazetto. STRAND THEATRE. There were excellent attendances at the Strand Theatre to witness thq screening of the very interesting now programme, " Rough and Ready," a Fox film of fine dramatic power, with William Farnum in the leading rolo, heads tho bill. ,lt is a stirring romanoe, sensational in its action. This film wi supported by a Fov Sunshine oomedy "Back to Nature Girls,” a Ford Fax Gazette and is Fox Cartoon film. benefit concert: Last night a benefit concert was given in the Sumner Town Hall in aid o! Mr J. H. Cuddy, a late member of the Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade and Lifeboat Brigade. The hall was packed. An excellent programme was given by tho Cheerio Company from Christchurch. At tho conclusion tho Mayor, tho Hon John Barr. M.L.C., thanked the performers. and said that Mr and Mxr Cuddy, while residents of Sumner, had al* ways proved themselves public-spirited and had worked in the interests of the borough. Mr Cuddy was now incapacitated, and the proceeds of tho effort, about £25, would provo of timely .assistance. He thanked tht Fire and Lifeboat Brigades for the help the, were .giving, and also those who had subscribed to the fund through Superintendent J Carter and Mr Bert Lindroos. MRS FRASER’S SONG RECITAL. Mrs John Fraser, the well-known mezzosoprano, will give a recitnl of modern song* in tho Choral Hall on Tuesday evening, Juno 22. Mrs Fraser is favourably known to Christchurch music-lovers.. She made notable appearance in this city In 1917, when Bho wrb the soloist at a concert given by tho Orchestral Society. On that occasion the "Lyttelton Times said: Fraser sang delightfully. She has a Cm* workable voice, an easy production and excellent stamina. With these she combine# temperament and ability to portray her songsubject fittingly.” Several of her items were described ns “ vocal gems. Since then Mri Fraser has gained further successes. She will be assisted by Mr W. Watters (bantone). The box' plan will be opened at The Bristol on Thursday.