ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18947, 19 February 1925, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

SEYMOUR HICKS COMPANY. FIRST NIGHT ENTHUSIASM. Auckland playgoers' first introduction to tho celebrated London actor-manager and playwright, Seymour Hicks, was an altogether delightful experience. A master of light comedy, in all its phases, the possessor of a magnetic personality, and a scholarly command of the language and stage requirements, he achieved an instantaneous success, shared in equal respect by his accomplished wife, Ellalino Tcrriss, anil tho other members of his company. Tho first night audience, which largely filled the Opera House, was completely captivated and enthusiastically showed its pleasure and approval. There was a marked demonstration at the. close of tho performance. It was a happy inspiration which brought, for the opening of tho company s season, two such diverse pieces in juxtaposition as " Scrooge " and " Sleeping Partners," for, by this means were supplied, in the course of the same evening, drama and comedy in 'two of their most attractive forms. " Scrooge," which was given first, is a stage adaptation by J. C. Buckstone of Dickens' famous " Christmas Carol," and afforded Mr. Hicks an opportunity to reveal his powers of profound dramatic expression in a manner which was a sheer delight to the onlookers. AH of the deeper Dickens, his pathos, tragedy and wonderful knack of character delineation, were reproduced in this one-act play, and through it moved Sir. Hicks—a shabby, bent old figure, terrible in his meanness and greediness. The character lived as a reader of books would scarcely imagine he could live. His throaty monosyllables, his cracked laugh and the cruel cynicism of his " Bah ! Humbug!" brought the audience into contact with a living human whose reality held tho senses spellbound. The strength and vigour of Mr. Hicks' acting was quite unusual and, in the " visions of a Christmas past, a Christmas present, and a Christmas to be," gripped tho attention as in a relentless vice. Mr. Herbert Sheldrick, as Cratchitt, and Mr. Austen Milroy, as the ghost of Marley, were the principal players in support. " Sleeping Partners " was as striking a contrast as could bo looked for. Here was a light, delectable comedy of the type that is typically the product of the Fronch temperament. It is, in fact, an adaptation by Mr. Hicks himself of " Faison un Rove," a comedy by the famous French actor-manager, Sacha Guitry, and _ it sparkles with wit and humour as the richest and finest of French wines. If, at times, it trembles daringly on the brink of a precipice, it is only what might be expected in a play of tho kind. No doubt tho author of the adaptation is owed a debt of gratitude for his excisions. According to the synopsis of the scenes, the play is one of hesitations. In the first act a wife's hesitation leads her to make an appointment at a bachelor's fiat. A second hesitation causes_ her to keep it. Unfortunately, she is given a sleeping draught in mistake for a sal volatile, and unwittingly spends the night in the apartment. By an ingenious conspiracy, the husband, who has all along been made the scapegoat, is made an even greater fool, and thereby reconciled to a happy denouement. In tho role of the over-sentimental bachelor, Mr. Hicks was in his element and amazed tho audience with his dash, his exuberance, his exotic love-making, and the astonishing wealth of his gesture. That the one man played Scrooge and the He of "Sleeping Partners" seemed wellnigh incredible. His was a triumph of comic expression, and every restless movement of the hands, every inviting glance and dumb movement of the lips was enjoyable. Mr. Hicks owed his chief support to Miss Tcrriss, whose womanly charm, becoming manners, and beautiful voice won all hearts. The husband was played by Mr. Vivian Edwards, and the servant by Mr. Reginald Collins. Tho opening programme will be repeated each evening until Tuesday, when it will bo superseded by " Broadway Jones." CAREY-HUTCIIENS' RECITALS. Lovers of music in search of a programme free from conventional commonplaces were amply rewarded last evening when the first of two recitals was given before a numerous assembly at the Town Hall concert chamber by those sterling artists, Mr. Clive Carey (baritone) aud Mr. Frank Hutchens (pianist). The exponents were in excellent form, and gave of their best in a wide range of numbers of great interest. Mr. Carey, who was heard here for the first time, proved himself a baritone of resource, who was specially intriguing in ballads of the seventeenth and early eighteenth century periods. Prominent among these examples were " Phyllida Flouts Me " and " Come, Sweet Lass," these being rendered by the singer with great charm and adroit, vocal management. The numbers, " 0, Mistress Mine," and " The Spanish Lady's Love," were unique examples of this style of ballad, and moreover displayed Mr. Carey's command of tonal inflection. Subsequently the baritone was heard in an alluring group of Old English folk-songs, and also impressed the audience by his artistic interpretation of a number of selections from his own pen. The " Songs of Fairy Folk " had just that touch of the unexpected which is usually associated with works of genius, the accompaniments alone being skilfully worked out. Probably the most enticing of a lengthy budget was Mr. Carey's "Awake, My Heart, to be Loved," which called forth the full powers of the exponent. The excellent piano interpretations of Mr. Frank Hutchens are by this time familiar to Auckianders, and it, is not too much to say that he achieved an emphatic triumph last, evening. His numbers were played with adequate technique, strength, genuine tenderness, and understanding, so that the course of thought was invariably clear, while the romantic element was not overdone. The Prelude, Aria, and Finale of Cesar Frank made tho keenest executive and temperamental demands, which were fully met by Mr. Hutchens, while lie completely sensed the composer's message in the " Sonata in E Flat Major," Op. 27, No. 1 (Beethoven). In a miscellaneous group, which included the Chopin "Valse in E Min. " and "Berceuse," and the Debussy characteristic pieces, " La Cathedrals Eugloutie " and " Jardins Sous la Pluie," the popular pianist was at his best. He also made light of the difficulties of tho closing solo, Chopin's " Scherzo in C Sharp Min," and scored well in additional solos. An entirely new programme will be given at {tho Town Hall concert chamber this evening. ETHEL OSBORN FAREWELL TOUR. Auckland will have a final opportunity of hearing the new Australian soprano. Miss Ethel Osborn, in a series of concerts in tho Town Hall on March 3, 5 and 6. During the past year Miss Osborn's voice is claimed to have developed remarkably. Dame Nellie Melba said: ' It is the most, wonderful voice that I have heard for many years," and at once interested herself in the question of sending Miss Osborn to Europe for operatic experience. This tour is the final one prior to her departure for Italy. She will be heard in a number of new arias and songs, also in favourite old numbers, including the bird songs in which sho excels. The concerts just given in Sydney and Brisbane wero great successes. Still retaining its great range her voice is said to havo broadened and rounded. Thoroughly enjoyable programmes are promised as Miss Osborn will havo the support of a speci-ally-selected company of artists from Sydney. Tho box plan is at Lewis IL Eady and Son, Ltd. THE MUNICIPAL BAND. Several hundred persons attended the open air concert given hy tho Municipal Band at Point Erin Park last evening. The programme, which was greatly appreciated, included an overture from "Maritana" and selections from "Preciosa" and

NATIONAL AND LYRIC. ' " The Side-Show of Life," featuring Anna Q. Nilsson and Ernest Torrance will be the chief attraction on the new programme at the National and Lyric Theatres to-day. It is a film version of tho well-known novel, " The Mountebank," by William J. Locke. The story, telling as it docs of the struggles of a man and woman against fate which throws them upon the hard road of life, is a powerful tale of France. Andrew Lackaday, an Englishman, known as " Petit Patou," in a second-rate French circus, finds himself stranded when the show closes. Cultured and especially fond of the study of war and its methods, financial circumstances havo forced him into tho circus for a livelihood. Ho meets Elodie, a French girl, down on her_ luck, and they unite forces. On declaration of war Andrew joins up, and when refused by the French he joins the British Army, and in three years he rises to the rank of colonel. On peace being declared events move fast, and at the Stewart home he meets Lady Aurial, but although he wants to confess _ love to her tho thought of the girl in France restrains him. In addition two highly amusing comedies of unusual merit will be shown. " Wet and Warmer," is the first of the six special comcdi&s being made during this year for First National for which the National and Lyric Theatres hold exclusive rights. The other feature will be the first of the 1925 Mermaid comedies, featuring Louise Fazenda, who has earned a high reputation as a comedienne STRAND THEATRE. Music-lovers will bo delighted with the anouncement that Bert Ralton's worldfamous Savoy Havana Band has been engaged by the management of the Strand Theatre for a season, commencing to-morrow. This is London's most popular jazz band and also a favourito band of the Prince of Wales. It met with wonderful success in Australia and again on its recent tour of New Zealand. Those Auckianders who were unable to hear the band on its previous visit as well as many who did so will bo glad of its return visit to this city. At the end of two years' season in London one critic wrote: " The Savoy Havana Band, under the energetic leadership of Mr. Bert Ralton, retains its position as the premier organisation of its kind at the present itme. There are many copyists, of course, of this famous combination. From a musical point of view, it is the finest jazz band in London, and Mr.. Ralton is an artist to his finger-tips, as also are the rest of this company." Another critic has said: " The Savoy Havana Band was an electric success from the start — and has scored one of tho most pronounced successes in the vaudeville history of Australia. Tho music is ' syncopation in excelsis, irresistibly infectious and captivating." The Havana Band is probably (per medium of tho gramophone) the best known band in the world, for few homes are without some of their jazz records. Bert Ralton is recognised in the musical world as the most truly musical of all dance leaders. The picture programme at tho Strand Theatre will be headed by an exciting story entitled, " Tho Fire Patrol," a pro duction made more attractive by its strong cast which includes Anna Q. Nilsson, William Jefferies, Dicky Brandon, Madge Bellamy and Helen Jerome Eddy. HIPPODROME THEATRE. Patrons of the Hippodrome Theatre will have the pleasure on Friday evening of witnessing an attractive vaudeville'" act in which La Ventura will make her first appearance. It is claimed to bo one of the notable vaudeville acts of the stage and the onlv act of its kind touring Now Zealand. The following is a Sydneypaper's criticism of this Parisian novelty: " The most novel item of the evening was undoubtedly 4 La Ventura ' in ' The Venus of Flowers,' and Miss Vera Murray in the Fantasmagoria dances. This item has to be seen to be appreciated. The wonderful combination of kaleidoscopic colours from the magic machine, the grace- | ful postures of La Ventura, and the effects I of the pictures combine to make a nost | beautiful spectacle. La Ventura in her i fantasia of colours produced something | the like of which has not been seen in Sydney before." A picture programme, headed by a Paramount production, "Tiger Love," with Antonio Moreno and Estelle Taylor, the wife of Jack Dempsev, in the leading roles, will also be shown." GRAND THEATRE. The bathing beauty contest at present being conducted by the management of the Grand Theatre is attracting ranch attention. The competitors were filmed on the beaches last week-end, each girl being allowed ono minute before the camera in which to make the most of her charms. The pictures then taken are now being screened at the Grand Theatre and the audience is asked to act as judges in the competition. There is keen rivalry among the competitors for the honour of being recognised as Auckland's most beantiful bathing girl, and the contest promises to be a most interesting one. The prize for the winner will be a first saloon return trip to Sydney or its equivalent. Two other prizes are also offered. A strong pictn.-o programme is screened in addition and musical items are rendered by the California Jazz Band. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A Universal picture. " Big Timber," with William Desmond in the leading ■ role, will be tho chief attraction at the Queen's Theatre to-morrow. The story ! tells of a young timber king, who, on [ coming to supervise his newly acquired | properties, finds himself faced by the resistance of a rival company as well as by the hostility of his own men, who believe he is responsible for the death of the former owner. He fights desperately against almost insuperable difficulties. A forest firo and a desperate fight between the heads of the opposing camps provide thrilling incidents in the story. The climax is provided by an unexpected romance. Olivt Hasbnouck heads the supporting cast and plays the role of a tomboy heroine a barefoot forest waif in overalls. A strong supporting programme is also shown.