ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18577, 8 December 1923, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE BEGGAR'S OPERA.^ Rarely does the opportunity <*>me to step back 200 years; back to the gallant days of Old London, and the romance of the highwayman; back to the harpsichord, the flowing wigs, and ihe wide r'rirts, of the women, the old candle footlights and the stage built of plaster and stone; back to the quaint lilting strains bf the old English —rousing chorus and sentimental ditty; back to comedy, rich and full-blooded, without a . trace of modernity. This is, howver, the experience in store for Auckland playgoers, for they will have an opportunity of seeing the famous "Beggar's Opera" of the early eighteenth century produced for the first time at His Majesty's Theatre, for a season, commencing on Saturday evening next. Just as it captured ancient London, so it captured London from generation to generation since, till now it has completed a three years' run at the Lyric at Hammersmith. Gay, who wrote the opera, was the Gilbert and Sullivan bf those times, and rare indeed is he who can listen ui.moved to the charming old music, or can refrain from laughter at the shrewd humours of th-> comedy. The gorgeous highwayman will be played by Mr. Hilton Osborne; Peachum, the delightful, thorough-going villain, will be pla/ed by Mr. Reginald Roberts; Polly Peachum, whose part has claimed the greatest bf English actresses for 200 years, will be played by Miss Pauline Bindley. The orchestra, bewigged in the manner of the period, will play instruments of the period. The box plan for the seven nights' season opens at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Wednesday morning. STRAND THEATRE. A programme rich in variety and interest was screened in the weekly change at the Strand Theatre last evening, the star feature being the . First National picture, "Dulcy," in which Constance Talmadge takes the leading part. She takes it in the inimitable Talm&dge style, raising roars of laughter in the comedy flashes, winning the sympathy of the audience when all the schemes of the willing young wife crash to disaster, leaving Dulcy a prey to despair and almost to the cruel waters of an engulfing waterfall. Dulcy is bne of those who contribute to the world's woes and to its merriment without in the least intending to do so; she sets out with the laudable intention of assisting her husband in a big financial venture, and by her interference, brings him as near to ruin as any man might well be without sending | him hurtling over the edge. But he is saved from her bungling and blundering by ji happy stroke of fate, and the story j works through to a happy climax. Another excellent item on the programme is the Christie comedy, "Hazel from Hollywood," in which are exposed a number of tricks by which some of the most diverting effects of the "silver screen are obtained. Specially worthy of mention is a film depicting a storm on the Sydney coast. Glimpses of the famous Heads, of. Bondi and Coogee beaches in a storm are shown, and the sight of the huge breakers dashing over the cliff tops, the Manly ferry * boats tossing _in the trough of the waves, is one which is well worth seeing. Included in „he Pathe Gazette are many interesting topical events, one of particular interest to Aucklanders being a glimpse of the j Dominion Prime 'Ministers, who attended the Imperial Conference. A feature of last evening's programme was the musical interlude by Mr. Barry Coney, who contributed a pianoforte solo and several enjoyable vocal items. PRINCESS THEATRE. A strong double bill is now being presented at the Princes Theatre. The leading picture is "Paddy the Next Best ■thing, starring Mae Marsh. The production is one of Allied Producers and is an excellent adaptation of the well-known stage play. Mae Marsh, the wistful, appealing girl who has so often brought tears to the eyes- of spectatorsi is forgotten in this picture. Instead we .have a new 'Mae Marsha vivacious hoydenish girl who will be every bit as appealing to an audience, and will keep them laughing and intensely interested. There are no idle moments in " Paddy the Next Best Thing." It is good, clean fun, irresistibly humourous, with one event com so quickly on top of another that the spectators are carried away with the verve and rush and fun of the thing. Coupled with the splendid acting of Mae Marsh and tho excellent support given by George K. Arthur,* Darby . Foster, and Lillian Douglas, as well as the rest of the well selected cast, is some of the most delightful photography imaginable. The picture was filmed in England and Ireland and the . :enic effects of the great rugged cliffs and dashing sea are most beautiful. They make the picture a keen pleasure from the artistic standpoint. The climax is a dramatic one, giving the star an opportunity for a momentary reversion to her emotional style of work. In the main, however, the interest is light and merry. The second feature of the programme is " The Pride of Palomar," a Paramount film version' of Peter B. Kyne's story. It tells of the _ struggle of a World War veteran against crushing interests in his native state, the fight centring around the possession of the family ranch, which he finds in the hands of the enemy. Making it highly dramatic is the fact ' that the father of the girl whom the young man loves heads the opposing interests. Marjorie Day and Forrest Stanley head the cast. HIPPODROME THEATRE. A double programme of excellent quality is now being presented at the Hippodrome Theatre. The leading picture is- " East Lynne,'' a film version of Mrs. Henry Woods' famous story and play directed by Hugo Ballin. The story has been modernised and, produced -as an eight-act photo drama. It is extraordinarily well done by a cast of great strength headed by Mabel Ballin and Edward Earle, with Henry G. Sell, Gilbert Roonay and Gladys Coburn <in the supporting roles. The producer has made an artistic and successful, effort to transplant to the screen this well-known tale. In doing so he has judiciously toned down the more gloomy episodes, without impairing thfi J>l<s i? any way. Mabel Ballin is admirable in the emotional part of Isabel. The second feature of the bill is the Fox special film, " The Grail/' starring Dustin Farnum. He plays the role of Chic Shelby, a ranger, who has never failed in his duty. He is sent out after two outlaws. James Trammel ana hi 3 son, John, who have hidden in the mountains. He wins the confidence of the mother and daughter of the family and proceeds to arrest Trammel. Before he succeeds Sam Hervev shoots the elder outlaw and blames Chic. The latter finds a note in Trammel's pocket which saves hint at the critical moment. There are other entertaining pictures on the bill. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The chief picture at Everybody's Theatre this week is " Are You a Failure?" a Preferred Pictures production if a novel type. In addition to its finely pointed humour, Director Forman haa built up a series of dramatic situations revolving around the lives of the inhabitants of a lumber-town. And here again wo are given something worth looking at in some surpass scenes of the timberlands. There is an exciting exhibition of " burling " which as a game practiced by lumber-jacks wherein two opponents Hand on a log and by whirli ig it under their feet endeavour to upset each other. The story builds up step by step until suddenly this pleasant little play is turned into one of the most breathless spectacles of the year. The actuality of the blasting of "a log jam blocking the river is a rousing sight that sets excitement at a high pitch. Lloyd Hughes proves a plausible, amusing hero. Madge Bellamy is convincing as well as very beautiful. ! There are several excellent supporting ! pictures. FORTHCOMING CONCERT. A concert will be given in the Town s Hall concert chamber next Wednesday evening, A number of well-known performers will take part.

! HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY. v It is claimed, for. the Humphrey Bishop Comedy and Operatic Company, which' will open a season at thd Town Hall concert Chamber on Thursday, Decexr .-ei 20, that it iii one of the largest and most novel organisations of its kino to tat New Zealand. The personnel comprises all London artists, who left London six years ago, for a complete to*.— of the world. After a comprehensive tour of the East, they embarked upon a season of three years in Australia, appearing in all the theatres with Messrs. J. C. Williamson and J. and N. Tait. The fnll company is being brought in its entirety from Australia, but it is announced that the season will be played at the most popular prices possible as with the many complete and entire changes of programme they give, the Humphrey Bishop Company are anxious for everyone to see them m each of their various lightening productions. Mr. Edward Elliott, who is introducing the company to New Zealand, will himself rejoin the cast on their opening here, and in addition to the selections from grand opera, ballads and part singing, a big part of the programme will be devoted to real topical burlesque. The box plan for the first few nights will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd,, on Wednesday next. STUDENTS' ENTERTAINMENT. An enjoyable entertainment# was provided at the Town Hall concert chamber last evening by the students of Miss Zee Bail ley-Baxter, and the violin students of Mr. Harold Baxter. The programme included excellent vocal and violin numbers, dramatic and humorous items. The performers ranged from tiny tots to children in their teens and adults of sexgs. Particularly keen interest was taken m tne work of the younger students, whose happy, eager face 3 showed tueir pleasure in their performances. Charming dresses, pretty songs, and rhymes made the contributions by children most attractive, and throughout a high standard was' maintained, many of the students display- , ing considerable ability and promise for future achievements. The programme was commenced with a charming fairy play, " After Midnight," successfully presented, by youthful students. An excerpt from Gilbert's "Comedy and Trajrr iy," a comedy, " Mr. Mabbit," and a musical scene, " Eastern Garden of Dreams," were well presented by adults, whoso efforts were warmly applauded. Two English folk songs by vocalists in effective costume won general approval. Other performers were heard to advantage in pleasing violin and vocal solos, recitations, and humorous sketches. The entertainment will be repeated this evening. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Tho new programme now. being screened at the Queen's Theatre presents three pictures of diverse types and interact. One of the leading attractions is a sensational railway drama, " The Single. Track,' starring the delightful actress ■Corinne Griffith. A second feature is. " Forbidden Fruit," a Cecil B. de Mill© production with a remarkable cast of Paramount favourites including Agnes Ayres, Theodore Roberts, Theodore Kosloff, Katblyn Williams and Clarence Burton. The story concerns the drama of the life of an unhappily married \#bm?.n. There are many exciting incidents and several scenes that stand out and make a vivid impression. A Chaplin laughter--' maker completes the bill. CAROL CONCERT THIS EVENING. The programme for the Municipal Choir carol concert in the Town Hall this evening will include a number ' of traditional Christmas songs and the "HilelujaK Chorus" from the "Messiah." Miss Clarice Buckman will make her first appearance in Auckland, and will sing airs by Handel and Bach. Organ solos suitable to th-i season will be played by the city organist. HIGH SCHOOL GROUND FUNDS. A concert and picture entertainment in aid of the ground improvement fund of the Kowhai Junior High School at Kingsland will , take place on Monday, evening in the Empire. Theatre, Dominion Road. A varied programme will be submitted, including songs, sketches, and elocutionary items. The Kowhai School Choir of 50 voices will also render selections. ' , ' STUDENT,T RECITAL. A recital by vocalists and pianists front Mr. Barry Coney's studio wi l ! be given in the Town Hall Concert Chamber next Saturday evening. , A -chosen and well-varied programme has been prepared and -the talent will, be well up to tho standard of former years. ' > NORTH SHORE CHORAL SOCIETY. A concert will be given at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, on Monday evening, by the North Snore Choral "Society. Sixty Voices will be heard in choral nmsic. The soloists will be Mrs. Ernest Richard, Miss Phillis Bribbin, t.nd Messrs.. Meldum and H Taylor. The Dovonpork Orphans* Oil?orchestra and instrumental four will take j part. , -■ " • PUPILS' RECITAL. The pupils of the Misses Nettleton and Turner will present a seasonable sketch, entitled ''A Christmas Cracker," in Devonport parish, hall this afternoon and this evening. Much care has been, expended in the training of the pupils for the production, ' and those who are present are promised good entertainment. CAROL CONCERT. : V . § The Municipal Choir will give a carvl concert in the Town Hall this, evening,.. A' number of Yuletide carols will be sung, including "A Child This Day,'' "The Bethlehem Shepherds," and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah." Mis* Clarice Buckman will sing "Come Unto Him,' and "Th Lord is My light." The city organist,' Mr. Maughan Barnetfc, will play certain well-known Christm items, including Bach's "Pastcrale". and Guilmant's "Offertoire on Two ,Noels." , BAND CONCERTS. The Temperance Guards' Silver Band will render an excellent programme of music in Albert Park to-morrow afternoon. A sacred concert will be given by in the evening at the Palace Pictura Theatre,. Newton. Songs will be sung by Mrs. Mitchell and Mr. Carlsen. The Auckland Waterside Workers' Band will give the first of its summer concerts in the Domain gardens to-morrow afternoon. In the evening the band will play on the Central Whan.