ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 4 February 1930, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

"MERCENARY MARY" BOX PLANS

Box plans open at 9.30 to-morrow morning for "Mercenary Mary," the opening production of Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller's big musical comedy season, which commences at the matinee on Saturday. "Mercenary Mary ' Will he staged for three nights only, and will be followed by "Lady Be Good." "Mercenary Mary" is English musical comedy at its best, and lias achieved unprecedented popularity wherever presented. It is a bright and tuneful show and has so many features that it swings along without a moment of dullness. In addition to clever unique dancing, brilliant presentations and rich modern frockmg, all imported from Paris, it is studded with delightful musical numbers, outstanding amongst which are "Honey, I'm in Love with You." "Over the Garden Wall," "Thinking of You," "Mercenary Mary," "I'm a Little Bit Fonder of' You," "Tie a String" and "Give a Little, Get a Little Kiss." Tho Company is headed by the celebrated English'comedian, Freddie Forbes, who has been especially imported from London, together witli Aster Faire. Ernest Arnley and Victor Arnley. Other favourites are Catherine Stewart, Betty Lmbert, and the Big Four, a fine vocal quartette (Cliff O'Kcefe, Charles I'errin, Fred Webber and Frank Wignnll). Australia has long been recognised as the home of the world's finest ballet girls, and the pick of these lias been included in the Freddie Forbes' Company ballet. "Commoiisenso prices" an; being charged, reserved seats being 5s plus lax.

REGENT THEATRE

A packed audience witnessed the second screening of the all-talking laugh sensation "Three Live Ghosts" last evening. It is based on the famous comedy-drama success of the New York aiid London stage, and features an allstar cast, which in addition to Allister includes Beryl Mercer. Charles MeNaughton. Robert Montgomery, Joan Bennett, Hilda Vaughn. Shayle Gardner, Jack Cooper, Harry Stubbs, Jocelyn Lee. Miss Mercer portrays the role of "Old Sweetheart," while Charles MeNaughton provides a brilliant characterisation of "Jimmy Gubbins" her son. The "Three Live Ghosts" will bo screened to-night at 8 o'clock, to-mor-row at 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. (final screening). Patrons are strongly advised to bcok early.

MAJESTIC THEATRE: "DIVORCE MADE EASY" AND ALL=COM» EDY PROGRAMMES

The biggest'all-talking and all-comedy programme ever pieced together, will commence at the Majestic Theatre this evening when, in addition to the hilarious Paramount farce "Divorce Made Easy," there will be two delightfully humorous offerings by famous English mirth-makers, one by George Robey. Douglas Mac Lean, 'dapper, smiling genius who has made more than 20 long feature films, is starred in "Divorce Made Easy", an all-comedy fabric upon which have been laid the rich colours of free-Mowing humour. Mac Lean is the young bachelor who sacrifices his standing with a friend by entering into a pact with a young married couple wherein Doug, plays the role of a. co-respond-ent in a trumped-up move for a divorce. Meddling relatives come on the scene to further hamper the style of the schemers, and the succeeding episodes arc cramful of a bedlam of laughterbringing scenes and dialogue. M'ffffb Prevost is tho leading feminine actress in the piece, playing the part, of the young wife. Frances Lee has the role of the misunderstanding sweetheart and Johnny Arthur, who was "Benny" in "The Desert Song," is the hubby who messes up the divorce scheme. George Robey presents his funniest sketch "The Barrister" and Bruce Bairnsfather draws "Old Bill" and tells how this character came to he. In addition Louise Fazenda appears in an hilarious two-reel comedy "Faro Nell", and there 'is an excellent programme as talking and musical short subjects.