ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18827, 30 September 1924, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

' THE i OPEBA HOUSE.

~;A;; d iversified' and , most entertaining vaudeville programme was presented to patrons of the Opera House for/the/first time yesterday. An unusual number of new performers made their appearance, and wero without .exception received with well merited • acclamaticin. The standard ; of the items was for the most part very high.;; Dancing was the dominating note throughout, practically every turn including one or more dances of eccentric or other typo. Howard audi Wyndham, two .new arrivals, are woodshoo / dancers of no mean ability* and their offerings became instantly popular at yesterday's performances. They were unfortunate in-not . having had more time to work with their orchestra, but their performances / nevertheless was- little, short of marvellous. An unusual musical turn was presented by Ronald Knight and Sheila Brady, who are the possessors of || lyrio /-tenor and full soprano / voices ' respectively. Miss Brady sang several' of the old favourite numbers, including " Coming' Through the Bye," in a manner that * completely captivated her audience, while her partner was heard/to; advantage in, more modern numbers, in* chiding the popular, " Dirty Hands." ; Their harmonised items, however, were tho best heard in Auckland for soma time, their rendering of "Annie Laurie" being of an unusually high standard. //An amusing act was presented by " Fiery .-' Jackson and tjartner, whoso burlesque of a juggling perormance was responsible. for much : mirth. ■ Another \ newcomer was Frank Wilson, who proved to bo an instrumentalist : of exceptional versatility, and master of the technique of a number of instruments. His solos on concertinas, saxophone, cornet, occarina and trombone were all heartily received, while his qnaint contortions were responsible .', for much amusement. Lyons /and o'Moore were also responsible for, a good deal pf merriment, in a song and patter act, in which the latter partner appeared to advantage in tho part of a Lancashire lass. The remaining performers on the programme have already established their popularity, and their new items were of the same standard as before. The McKinnon boys p*csented new musical numbers for concertina and saxophone, while their simultaneous dancing was a feature of the entertainment. Reno's Marimba Band also presented new numbers, including ' a selection from the* " Peer Gynt," suite by Greig. Further Scottish humour was presented by Jock Mills in his usual inimitable manner, - while* "Dinks and Trixie " were also included on tho programme. v / WILLIAMSON ENTERTAINERS.

1 Commencing at the matinee on Saturday next, J. C. Williamson, Limited, will present their second company of- world entertainers, headed by the famous English male impersonator, Hetty King. It is stated that the standard set by the Bransby Williams' company will be maintained in all future shows. Hetty King is. billed as the "Prince of Vaudeville.' She has the reputation of being the most famous male impersonator in the world's vaudovillo stage. She is a favourite on both sides of the Atlantic, and her art has made her as popular as the/ great Vesta Tilly. Miss Hetty King is described as one of tho most human artists on the English stage. All her impersonal tions, from the "dude" to the navvy, are described as masterpieces in make-up and costume. Her seasons in Sydney and Melbourne have been a series of triumphs. Tho company supporting Hetty King has been selected from the leading English, Continental and American theatres, and includes an artist of charm, Edna Thomas, a singer of negro spirituals and plantation songs. Her act is described by tho London press as being one " that has brought a new note to the London theatres." A popular Scottish comedian and his partner arc Donald and Carson. . A pantomimist and juggler is Ed. La Vine, who was the big comedy "hit" .in the last pantomime at the Lyceum Theatre, London. Away from tho beaten track are Holloway and Austin in impersonations and dances on tho wire. Roman sports and pastimes as "they were not" will be presented by Laveen and Cross, as " Julius and Brutus." A cartoonist and dancer is Dudley Dale. The orchestra, - scenery and effects are all being brought from Australia.' The-box plans open to-morrow at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Limited.^ / :

'REGENT THEATRE.

" Riders of the Dawn,'' the film version of Zane Grey's novel, "The Desert of Wheat," will be the principal attraction at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, this evening. The story is set in Western America, in the land.of the wheat growers, whero , the operations o£ an LW.W. band stir 'the inhabitants to; defensive action. Claire Adams has the role of the heroine, Zcnore, while Roy Stewart, as the hero, gives a finished performance. Robert McKim and Joseph :J. Dowling also have : prominent . roles in the cast. The programme ' will be repeated to-morrow evening and again on Thursday. ." , V NATIONAL ; THEATRE. :- "The Enchanted .Cottage,'' the First National picth.ro which is included in the current programme .at j tho ; National Theatre, is a whimsical story concerning the marriage of a young man rendered a physical wreck by the war, to a plain, unattractive-looking girl, who, however, has iia. beautiful nature. Richard Bafthelmess and May McAvoy have- the leading roles. ' " PRINCESS THEATRE. "Just Off Broadway," a William Fox production, with. Lester Cuneo in the leading role, is one of the two principal attraction's in tho current programme at the Princess Theatre. It is a story "of the French-Canadians, set in a picturesque background. ; A Paramount picture, "Pied Piper < Malone," with Thomas Meighan and Lois Wilson, is 1 also .being shown.' TIVOLI THEATRE. "Tho Steadfast Heart," a romantic story of the Virginian Mountains, is the main attraction^at tho Tivoli Theatro this week. Tho picture deals with the life of a . girl who stood up against society to save an outcast boy, and a feature of the production is- the participation of a number of clever child actors. A fine ) programme is offered in support. ■