HIPPODROME THEATRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18897, 20 December 1924, Page 14

HIPPODROME THEATRE

One of the most baffling mystery stories ever shown on the screen Heads Um current programme at the Hippodrome Theatre. This is "013," which is acknowledged to Iks the best creation from the pen of Maurice Loblanc. Arseno Lupin, the chief character and tho cleverest criminal in fiction, is seen wrestling with a problem that involves tho safety of the whole of Europe A mysterious murder is committed, and tho evidence all indicates that Lupin is the murderer, and yet, Lupin, despite all his misdeeds, has never been known to commit a murder. By mysterious messages, he conveys to tho world that ho is innocont of tho crime. The public believoa him, but the authorities do not. Thereupon Lupin sots out to £olv« th« mystery himself.

ROYAL COJUC OPERA COMPANY. Tho box plans for the production of "Sybil," which will bo presented at His Majesty's Theatre on Friday nest, will be opened at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Mondav morning. Playgoers are already eagorly looking forward to the return of the Royal Comic Opera Company, the doyen of J. C. Williamson's mus'ical attractions. During the Christmas and Now Year carnival this eminent lv popular organisation will be seen in several new comic operas, notably "Sybil" and "A Southern Maid," with Miss ( Gladys Moncrieff in tho leading roles. "Sybil," the opening attraction, is described as a musical play of romantic charm and powerful dramatic situations. It is said that of all tho brilliant roles that Miss Moncrieff has created in Australia, none stands out so convincingly as "Sybil." Tho following is from the Melbourne Argus:— 'Teresa' in 'Tho Maid of the Mountains," and as ' Dolores ' in 'A Southern Maid,' she scored heavily, both as a singer and as a dramatic artist. In 'Sybil' she rises to new heights. Tho part calls for infinitely more artistic treatment —more light and shade— either of the earlier roles. . In those she had only one character to sustain. In 'Sybil' she has two, the opera singer, emotional and temperamental, and tho grand duchess, typical -of Russian aristocracy. She achieves her contrasts brilliantly. Moreover, she scores a surprising success as a dancer, which is quite a new phase of her art. Altogether, her performance is one of the most notable in the history of the Australian stage." STRAND THEATRE. The Strand Theatre's eighth Birthday Week opened yesterday with a speciallyprepared programme of pictures and mus'lcal interludes. It is a happy arrangement, in every respect approaching the high standard of entertainment for which the Strand Theatre is noted. Not only do the pictures shown combine drama, comedy and general interest in acceptable proportions, but a vocal and instrumental programme is offered which for quality must surpass anything attempted in a local picture theatre. In this connection, the outstanding contribution at yesterday's evening session was an excerpt from the first act of " Madame Butterfly," in which Miss Kale Campion achieved a magnificent operatic effect. Custumed in picturesque Japanese garb, and appearing in a brightly-coloured garden setting, Miss Campion gave a delightful rendering of the appealing melodies which have made " Madame Butterfly " one of tho most favoured among the operas, and sustained tho many high notes in brilliant fashion. She was warmly applauded. Next to her performance from the viewpoint of artistic success was a violin solo. " Valse Trieste," played by an invisible artist, whose arras only wero visible against a black background. To add to the series of interludes thus provided, there was a novelty musical act by Stewart and Lorraine. Tho picture programme is, as usual with Strand programmes, particularly strong where the supporting films are concerned. The Pathe Review, for instance, is an entertaining collection of scenes and incidents which present new phases of life at every turn. Unusually artistic is a series of panel views consisting of landscapes, seascapes and figure groups, each occupying the centre of a picture frame. The result in each case is a beautiful photographic effect which looks remarkably like an artist's sketch ■ntil the smoke from the chimney starts to wreath or the figures start to move. Then there- is a Pathe comedy entitled " No Noise," an amusing piece of work, in which a number of funny children become inextricably entangled in the mysterious precincts of a hospital. The comedy is really laughable and at tim<*s is literally a scream. Finally, there is a film version of the famous stage melodrama, " Harbour Lights," by George R. Sims. It is a thrilling tale, set amid the rugged coast of Cornwall. Matt Moore has tho leading role. The Strand Orchestra, which plays at both afternoon and evening sessions, provides an excellent programmo of incidental music in addition to the overture. " DIXIE "JUBILEE SINGERS. The " Dixie " Jubileo Singers, tho firstcompany of all-coloured jubileo artists wTfo have visited the Dominion for 26 years, will make their initial Auckland appearaco at His Majesty's Theatre on Christmas Night. The season will be continued at the Town Hall concert chamber, commencing on Boxing Night. The company toured Canada and the United States with great success, and wero enthusiastically greeted whenever they appeared on platform or stage. The singers make friends wherever they go, on account of the taste and judgment they display, both in tho character of their numbers and their general deportment. They are said to be equally effective in either simple Southern melodies or more pretentious music, such as the "Sextette From Lucia." Jubilees, old and new, plantation songs, negro melodies and classic and comic songs are a few of the attractions which they offer, and are some indication of what should prove an exceptional musical treat. Box plans for the season open at Messrs. Lewis R. Eady and Sou, Ltd., on Monday. CHRISTMAS ORGAN RECITAL. v A programme of music suitable to the season has been arranged for the municipal recital in the Town Hall on Christmas Night. Tho performers will include Miss Mina Caldow, the Lyric Quartet and the city organist, Sir. Maughan Barnctt. DIXIELAND. Dixieland, now under row management, offers dancing enthusiasts even greater attractions than before. The finals of the fox-trot competition will bo held this evening, when the well-known dancer, Miss Vcrna Bain, who has been specially engaged by tho management, will appear in new cabarot numbers. Special lighting effects will bo introduced. Those wishing to reserve tables for Christmas Eve, Boxing Night, and New Year's Eve, should do so now. SAVOY HAVANA BAND. * The Savoy Havana Band and the talented company of Williamson Entertainers will close their season at His Majesty's Theatre this evening, when a special gala night will mark the end of their phenomenally-successful visit. Thero will be a matinee this afternoon.