ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19419, 30 August 1926, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

COMIC OPERA SEASON. "THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD." - \ » • ? * [ •/ V » I The highly-talented ' Gilbert yapd Sullivan Opera Company presented The Yeomen of .the Guard '' -ai-HU Majesty s Theatre -on Saturday afternoon 'arid'evening and. it need hardly be- said ■ that the house" 1 was packed on each occasion. It is such seasons as this that make the public wish the theatre was a good deal larger. The evening performance -was a memorable one. The company faced an enthusiastic audience; the audience greeted a company keyed up to highest effort, ancl both had the inspiration of an orchestra controlled by a master hand. Rut the inspiring power over all lay in the work of the two great masters of musical comedy, whose association has left so much that will endure.

Strange ingredients go to the making of " The Yeomen of the Guard —an age of cruel ignorance, a grim prison tower, ;i gallant, soul awaiting execution for "sorcery," a headsman in black, a sinister torturer whose conviction it is that he is a pretty wit, a broken-hearted jester in cap and bells, a sweet maid, who in giving her heart becomes the real torturer. Imagine what a horrid melodrama it might have made! Rut the theme is nothing more than the background of a canvas upon which the artist in words and the painter in music portray a bit of life with pigments of philosophy mixed with the essence of humour. How very like real life it is! Into the midst of tragedy comes tripping the imp of laughter and, again, a merry moment ends in grave reflection if not in tears. The revealing light flashes from peak to peak —from " It is more easy to die well than to live well " to the confessions of the jester who is paid to be funny. A fact which ought to be remembered in Gilbert and Sullivan seasons is that, as a .rule, each comes "to a hew generation: a substantial part of the younger section of each audience is making its first real acquaintance with the operas and that part falls as completely under the spell as did its parents. In.the present case it has reason for great thankfulness that its initiation is at the hands of such a fine, well-balanced company. At its head stands Mr. James Hay, who is as good an actor'as he, is. a singer, which says a great deal. In "The Yeomen of the Guard," he-fills the'role of Colonel Fairfax, and the exquisite solos of the part were interpreted .with rare feeling by the great tenor. Thunderous applause brought him back for encores. Miss Strella Wilson is another voice of outstanding merit. She took the part of Elsie Maynard, the fitrolling player and her solos revealed her capacity. Possessing a voice of great range she rose to the highest tests with remarkable ease, but never forgot for a moment that she was portraying a character of many moods and conflicting emotions. As Jack Point, the jester, Mr. Charles Walenn was as excellent as in' the other leading comedy roles with which he has delighted Auckland. He has a versatility worthy, of the traditions, and whether he fashions his work after models of the past or is distinctive,, about which tho old brigade is always pleased to argue, presents a Jack Point of many parts. A particularly fine effort was . his song to the jailer. Mr. Sydney Granville was the jailer and extracted a vast amount of humour from his linos. Mr. Bernard Manning was a most satisfying Sergeant Meryll and his ■ "opposite number," Miss Winifred Williamson, was thoroughly pleasing as Dame Carruthers. Miss Mabel. Gibson was Phoebi and a very winsome sweet-voiced Phoebe she made. Her "Heigh Ho" at the spin-ning-wheel was exquisite. Mr. Lance Fairfax! was nicely placed in the, colourful part of lieutenant of the tower. The duets, trios and quartettes in which, the principals took- part were rendered with the highest- artistry. For such balance and sweet blending of voices one usually has to j wait a long time. For the work ; of the'chorus the audience should be particularly grateful. It ■ never failed to touch the high lights. As for the orchestra it is sufficient to say . that it was-under the baton of Mr. Gustave Slapoffski.v ."The Yeomen of the Guard " will be repeated this'evening. ■ •" ' \ j OPERA HOUSE, j The ,weekly change of programme at the Opera House to-day will introduce | the Hector St. Clair Revue Company to Auckland. A varied programme of entertainment will be provided by expert dancers, singers and comedians. In addition there will ■be the St. . Leon troupe, Maggie Foster, "the girl violinist, Signor Palmetto, the Danish singer, Hastings and Adair, and Rayna Carbette, the Russian vocalist. * HIPPODROME THEATRE. Special features are included ill the.programme commencing at the Hippodrome Theatre to-day. The pantomime, " Humpty Duinpty " will be presented this afternoon, and should prove a great attraction to the- children. This pantomime is said to ,be crowded with humour. An excellent cast has been engaged and it is said the players .make the most of their parts. In the evening a professional and amateur vaudeville entertainment will be.presented. Among the attractions will be.the grand final of the adult gold medal competition. Owing to their great success last week, the six veterans of variety will make a welcome reappearance. A popular item will be the appearance of " Daddy" Shaw in piano and violin selections. Lester Sinclair and Arthur Lord will . entertain for the seventh successive week. The. brothers O'Day, in song and dance, Jack and Doug, in mouth organ selections, the Smith sisters, dancers, and Miss C. Palmer, balladist, are included among the many others who will provide what promises- to -be an unusually bright entertainment. • The picture, " Rulin* the Wind," will also be shown'. V ' " COLLEGE DAYS." Enthusiastic' audiences have greeted the showing of "College Days" ' at the Prin-. ce;is, Tivoli and Everybody's Theatres! The overwhelming humour of this picture of college life has attracted large crowds at all sessions. There is no doubt that Harold Lloyd, the principal player, is a great draw, but the story is ■ exceptionally; good and provides ample opportunity for Lloyd's particular type of comedy. Fooled and'hoaxed at every : turn, Harold Lamb, in his first-year at school, goes, through a series of laughable adventures until he eventually finds fame in the : football team and favour with the girl he loves. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A high-class vaudeville entertainment and pictures, will be presented at the Frince Edward Theatre this evening. First-rate entertainers will be seen on the vaudeville side. Joe de Lancy, the inimitable dame, will dispense humour, and comic song, while the Imperial troupe of singers and dancers is sure to be accorded excellent reception. Hohepa Kennedy's rich baritone voice will be heard in a number of songs, and the Collegiate orchestra will play the latest and brighest jazz gerns. Reg Bell, the wonder -whistler, will give several impersonations. Altogether, patrons are assured of a bright, laughable, and varied entertainment.