ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18631, 12 February 1924, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. With the exception of Miss Rosina Gordon, the talented mezzo soprano and pianiste, and the George "Wallace Revue Company, the performers who appear on the programme at Fuller's Opera House this week are all newcomer:? to Auckland; although some of them established themselves as favourites in the past- Last night Slavin and Thompson, who made their first appearance here, were well received. Their turn included songs and patter. As a " hen-pecked " husband and his wife, the duo caused much laughter by their recriminations. Their parodies on the well-known songs " Bubbles " and " He's Coming Home " proved very popular. The brilliant mezzo soprano, Miss Rosina Gordon, has established herself a firm favourite judging by her reception last evening. Her two songs, " Because'' and " The Call of May," suited her voice, which is of very wide range. As a pianiste, also, Mis. l Gordon displays her remarkable technique, her piano solo " Rose do Bohime " giving her a wide scope for effects. Les Wharton, black-face comedian, who is making a return tour of New Zealand, possesses a face of marvellous flexibility, being able to twist his face into " knots " each more grotesque than the last. His two songs, " Love Me All the Time," and a parody on a popular song, substituting " pyjamas " for the usual fruit, were a great success. Tho reappearance of this novelty musici.ii " Hats " Mackay was the signal for rounds of applause. His costume, his inimitable smile, and the accompaniment with his bat, added to the fact that he is no mean musician and understands his instruments fully, all tended to make his turn one of the most successful of the programme. A unique act was that of. Remona, showing the power of mind concentration and memory training ove/ physical limitations. Her turn included a remarkable feat, proving that it is possible by memory and concentration to do three different things at the came time. Again the George Wallace Revue Company accounted for most of the mirth of the evening, the second part of the programme being given to the revue. "At the Cross Roads." Marshall Crossby sane " The Village Blacksmith,"" which suited his powerful voice. _ A novel effect was an anvil accompaniment. " The Pipes o* Pan " was charmingly sung by Marie Nyman. As " P:rairie Pete," a wanderer, George Wallace was, as usual, the centre of merriment. His sinking of " Sally" of merriment. His singing of ''Sally, the Slavey," in female attire was enthusiastically received. Outstanding features of the revue were the lighting and costuming effects, and the dances of tho " Six Rascals." "THE SILVER FOX. For the last two appearances in New Zealand of the brilliant London actor, Mr. Lawrence Grossmith, the J. C. Williameon, Ltd., management will stage two special revivals of the very charming and clever comedy, "Tho Silver Fox," which proved successful -tfhen it was staged here last year. The play mornts from a splendid first act to a still finer second, and is sustained by an altogether brilliant' third. It Ss a well-known fact that Mr. Lawrence Grossmith is one of the'best English actors of the present day, a reputation hf has won by a number of perfect characterisations, and probably fo/emost among them is his incomparable representation of Edmund Quilt in "The Silver Fox," in which his artistry is given every scope to display itself. A big feature of the comedv is the frocking; tho dresses worn by Miss Diana Wilson created a perfect furore in Sydney recently. The company will leave for Australia on Friday next. STRAND THEATRE. The First National picture, "Trilby." is proving a popular attraction at the Strand Theatre this week. ' The part of Trilby, the beautiful little model of the Parisian art studios,. is well taken by Andre Lafayette. Trilby's three ad-; mirers, Little Billee, ' Taffey, and the Laird, are admirably portrayed. The evil influence of Svengali is cleverly depicted by Arthur Carew. An effective prologue is tha<, staged by Miss Lois Evans and Mr. Tom Harris. There is a good supporting programme of pictures which includes a new Larry Senjon comedy, "No Wedding Bells," and topical and scenic films. The Strand' Orchestra adds to the j pleasure oj patrons. NATIONAL THEATRE. x There are two good vaudeville turns on this week's programme at the National Theatre. The -year-old artist, Dorothy Waters, who has the reputation of a film actress as ,veil as that of a stage performer, pleases with her singing and danc- ' ing. The other vaudeville item is provided by tho Tully Sisters, with their jazz hand. " The band has some very popular numbers, and the skilful manner in which the pieces are played is worthy of commendation. The picture part of the programme ir, headed by the Universal film. "Thundering Dawn," with J. Warren Kerrigan and Anna.Q. Nilsson in the principal roles. The picture is a very interesting one, with many dramatic situations. . PRINCESS THEATRE. Two pictures of interest are on the current programme at the Princess Theatrs. Ono is " Mile-a-Minute Romeo." a film which is dominated bv the characteristic acting of Tom Mix. lie has the part of ■ a modern lover, a man of action, who falls in love with a girl who it about to elope , with another man. Mix is on horseback ,-for much of the picture and is £iven many opportunities for showing his skill as a rider. His horse, Tony, also performs some wonderful tricks. The second picture on the programme is a Paramount production, "Children of Jazz." It tells of the gay life of a millionaire's daughter, -who becomes engaged to three men simultaneously. A novel climax adds to the interest of the picture. *