ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18311, 30 January 1923, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.

An act remarkable for the nerve and daring of the performers is that of the Staig Sisters, who opened a season yesterday at the Opera House as principal contributors to the vaudeville portion of the programme. The turn of these intrepid young ladies is introduced by fearsome noises before the curtain -rises. They are caused by the racing engines of motor-cycles being tried out. In the comparative stillness that ensues there is disclosed upon the stage a huge globe- , shaped cage of lattice work. The Staig . Sisters enter and proceed to race each other around the interior of the cage, their machines mounting higher and higher as the circle is described, to the accompaniment of explosions like those of spitting machine-guns. The preliminary feats look dangerous enough, but the climax comes when one of the sisters, seated on a motor-cycle, loops the . loop several times, the heavy cycle fairly jumping from side to side of the globe as its rider is poised upside down in the top of the circuit. Thrilled audiences in the afternoon and evening yesterday applauded this turn to the echo. The return of Edwardes and Parkes after, a long absence abroad was welcomed by many of their friends. These clever people presented the smart sketch, " Honeymoon Concessions," in which their artistic methods and finished acting, to say nothing of the lady partner's natural and infectious laugh, appealed greatly to the two delighted audiences entertained. Russell and Frost, dancers, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy Allen, sketch artists, and Shipp and Kenny, patter artists and vocalists, also appeared. The members of Fullers' American Revue presented a new mixture of fun and music, under the tile of "From Denver." Mr. Geo. H. Ward, as "Little Hermie," created constant laughter, especially in his -encounter with a tall ruffian whom he was supposed to arrest. Misses Mabelle Morgan, Curley Sherwood. Ida Merton, and Dorrie Tointon, and Messrs. Harry Burgess and Charles Sherman assisted in the gaiety and harmony of the production. The programme will be repeated each evening this week and at the usual matinees. PRINCESS THEATRE. The last few screenings of " Beyond the Rocks ** at the Princess-Theatre are now announced. Gloria Swanson and Rodolph Valintino .are featured in the absorbing love drama. A limited season will shortly be commenced at this theatre with the George Fitzmauricc-Paramount picture, " Forever," based on George du Maiurier's well-known English novel, "Peter Ibbetson." It is said that from this masterpiece of English fiction a superb motion picture has been evolved. The cast will be headed by Elsie Ferguson and Wallace Reid, supported .by George Fawcett, Montagu Love, Elliott Dexter, Jerome Patrick, Barbara Dean, and Dolores Cassinelli. The story tells of two children who live in Paris, and play together in an , old-world garden, happy in their mutual love. A sudden •: tragedy parts them, the girl, Mimsey, remaining, and the boy, Peter, being taken to England by an English rogue, Colonel Ibbetson. The orgies which take place at Ibbetson Eall disgust the young man, who quarrels with the colonel and is ordered out of the house. A very human story then develops. • ; - LYRIC THEATRE. • A sensational train wreck and a thrilling rescue at the edge of a waterfall furnish the climaxes for Love Never Dies," now the chief attraction at the Lyric Theatre. This is a picture of unusual interest and heart appeal. It is a King Vidor production, released by First National. A fine cast is headed by Lloyd Hughes and Madge Bellamy, and includes Claire McDowell, "Winifred Greenwood, Joe Bennett, Fred Gamboul, Frank Brownley, and Julia Brown. Another excellent feature; on the bill is ,' "Afraid to Fight," starring Frank Mayo. In this delightful and breezy story there are all the elements of a popular success. The Lyric Orchestra provides special music.; _ I '. V EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. ".". God's Crucible," the screen-version of . Ralph Connor's, virile book, The Foreigner," is proving very popular this week at Everybody's Theatre. The story .that" of a young political refugee who flees to Winnipeg from his, own country to escape his enemies. There,* amid the grandeur of the Canadian ' Rockies, he wins fame and happiness. A strong cast interprets the tale. Gaston -Glass is in the lead,, and supporting him are Gladys ; Coburn,' Wilton Lackaye, Bradley Barker, Bigelow Cooper, Jules Cowles, Ann Sutherland, and other favourite players. Also on the entertaining programme are " Ladies Must Dance " and topical and -I interest films, including the ex-Kaiser's wedding. . : .''■;'-' / QUEEN'S THEATRE. Large attendances at the Queen's Theatre this week betoken the interest which is being taken in the current programme. The leading feature is " Whitv Women Love," starring Annette Kellerman. An exciting drama of the West, ; " Beating the Game," with Hoot Gibson in the chief part, and an amusing comedy, " Pugs and Pals," with. Harry Abury in the lead, complete the 'bill. '