ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20071, 8 October 1928, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MARGARET BANNERMAN. At His Majesty's Theatre this evening Miss Margaret Bannennan and Anthony Prinsep's Company will be presented by the J. C. Williamson, Limited, management in the first production in New Zealand of Somerset Maugham's clever and successful comedy, "Our Betters," which has created a furore in every city in which it has been produced. The play is said to bo finely wrought, to stand on its own merits, and its glittering dialogue is one of its outstanding features. "Never," wrote a critic recently, "was construction so defied in its conventions. Modern selfishness, vanity, hypocrisy, scandal, falsehood, snobbery, ■in all their rampant impudence, blissfully unconscious of their wretchedness. Hero is our new Congreve with a dazzling electric torch flashing its rays into tho dark summer-houso of society's garden and amusing the onlookers by the startling; spectaclo disclosed by SomersetMaugham." It was ill "Our Betters'* that Miss Bannerman scored one of her greatest triumphs m London. It is said her grace and charm carry the play on a buoyant wave from the first drawing room episode to tho last, and it is undoubtedly her brilliant performance as the clever, but unscrupulous, Lady George Grayston that has materially assisted to make "Our Betters" tho wonderful success it has been everywhere. The cast includes Elli3 Irving, Louis Goodrich, G. Kay Souper, Geoffrey Millar, Frederick Hughes, Pirie Buisli, .Kerry Kelly, Cicely Jonas, Dorothy Dunckley and Arthur Cornell. Tho magnificent model frocks worn by Miss Bannerman during tho progress of "Our Belters" created a sensation in Sydney, and the scenery, by tho lato John Harker, i.nd tho "elaborate furnishings aro special features. Only three performances can bo staged of "Our Betters," and it will be followed by threo productions of "Sexes and Sevens"- and two of ''Diplomacy." REVUE AT ST. J AMES'. An enthusiastic welcome should be accorded the Whirligigs Revue Company at their initial performance at the St. James' Theatre this evening. Presented by Mr. Nat Phillips, this clever company enjoyed on exceptionally successful Southern season, and Aucklanders should appreciate tho old favourites, Stiffy and Mo, in a now scries of burlesques. Always tho • centre of bright jokes and comedy sketches, Mo provides a feast of humour alone, and while ho and Stiffy are oil the stage, tlie audience is assured of its amusement. The. company includes the Charleston Symphonie Six, a novel jazz band that has been popular elsewhere, and the Radio Six, a troupe of dainty dancing girls whoso steps and frocks are said to be equally delightful. Miss Sadie Gale is an actress whose characterisations in comedy sketches are said to bo excellent, and whose singing adds to tho success of the entertainment. The company includes Roy Rene, Amy Rochelle, Jack Kelleway, Peter Brooks, Daisy Merrett, Dan Weidon. Dan Dunbar, "and Sylvia Gardner. AMATEUR PLAYS. Three clever plays were produced by Mrs. Zoe Bart ley-Baxter in the Town Hail concert chamber on Saturday evening. Two scenes from "Paolo and Franceses, by Stephen Phillips, were presented with much success. Miss Ysolinde McVeagh was excellent in tho difficult role of Francesca. Mr. Hugh Woods made an impressive tyrant, whilo Mr. Edward Churchouse's conception of the ardent Paolo left nothing to bo desired. Other parts were,convincingly played by Misses Enid Hosking and L'ay Reynolds and Messrs. Nigel Williams and Naughton Hammond. The old-world atmosphere of this cleverly-arranged tragedy was heightened by the artistic settings and tho suitable incidental music rendered by .Master Jock MacGregor, a young violinist nf much promise. "The Duel," a pretty Fantasy by Susan Blakenoy, received welldeserved applause, the two young actresses, Misses Winifred Crosher and Audrey Perry, performing with a con- • fidenco and skill unusual in amateurs, flie third production was a one-act. comedy, "Modern Daughters," played with commendable ability by Mrs. H. Possenniskie, Misses "Y solindo McVeagh, Mvrtle Burns and Audrey Perry, and Messrs. Logs Bullot, Ccdric Zahaia and Edward Churchouse. Proceeds wero m aid of the girls' sports ground fund. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. A most enjoyable concert was given by ihe Auckland Municipal Band, under Miv Christopher Smith, in the Town Hall on Saturdav evening. 'Two new members, selections from Wolf-Ferrari s Jewels of tho Madonna," andl " Virginia, a southern rhapsody by Hadyn-Wopd, wero well received. Other items included Thome's " Marcho Militaire ?> . Weber's " Oberon;" overture, Rossini s dainty fantasv, "La Boutique Fantasque; Easthope Martin's " Evensong" and a fantasia, " Reminiscences of tho vocal numbers, " Tho Lute Player, "King Charles" and "The Fortune, Hunter," were rendered by Sir. Stan.Pritchard, while instrumental solos wera given by Messrs. Hal. C. McLennan, flanV ist, and Fred Bowes, cornetist. Mr. Leo Whitlaker acted as accompanist. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Tho attractive programme at Every, body's Theatre is headed by the film version of Longfellow's famou3 ballad, The Wreck of tlie Hesperus," starring Sam; do Grasso as the skipper, Virginia Bradford as the daughter, and other wellknown players. Tho picture adheres closely to the original, although certain alterations have been made to suit the requiiemeuts of the screen. The second feature of this fine programme i? " Lovo Me and tho World is Mine." The Vienna of 1914, an international capital of culture, music and art, has been reproduced on the screen in all its colour, gaiety and abandon.: Mary Pliilbin and Norman Kerry, Betty, Compson and Henry B. Walthall, an outstanding cast, all appear in this fascinating picturo. PLAZA AND TIVOLI THEATRES. Two big pictures combine to produce an excellent programme at the Plaza and Tlvoli Theatres. Tho principal attraction is tho film version of Longfellow s famous ballad, "The Wreck of tho Hesp«'us starring Sam de Grasso as tho skipper, Virginia Bradford as tho daugh er, and 0 f her well-known players. Although certain alterations have been made to suit Ihe requirement of the screen, the lecture differs little from the original. Tossed by tiie slonn, her mainmast gone, her sans rinped to shreds, the Hesperus was driven toward tho menacing reef of Normans Woe. The second attraction is No Place to fio," with Mary Aster and Lloyd Hughes as tlie principals in a story of a romantic yachting cruise, in which two young people are marooned on an island. The picturo has a decidedly humorous as well as a romantic side. DRAMATIC RECITAL. A dramatic recital will be given by the Auckland Drama Club in the Grafton Hall this evening and to-morrow evening.. " Nothing but the Truth," J. Montgomery's drama, will bo produced. TUDOR THEATRE. "If I Were Single," an amusing comedy of matrimonial errors, is the principal feature now showing at the Tudor Theatre. Starring May McAvov and Conrad Nagel, this film abounds in ludicrous situations. The second attraction is " Under the Black Eagle," a .thrilling adventuro film. ORGAN RECITAL. A well attended organ recital was given by the citv organist, Mr. Maughan n'etf, in the Town Hall .last eveningThe attractive progratnmo included _ stenholme's " Overture," two minu , Mozart and Beethoven, Bach s and Fuguo in , Minster Chimes," singer,' Viernee •• and' ScimGuilmant's " Grand Choour, berfc's - Avo Maria. ~ ''