ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10523, 26 February 1920, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE SILENT WITNESS.”The tense and thrilling drama "The Silent U itncss" was presented .by Miss Muriel Stair's talented dramatic company at the Grand Opera House last night in the presence oi a large and interested audience Miss Starr was accorded high praise, and elicited loud applause by her excellent emotional work in the role of the heroine mother. Admirable work Was also done by Mr J. B. Atholwood in' the role of Kigsby, Mr Frank Harvey as the Crown Prosecutor, Mr Frank Allenby, Miss Marcus Clarke. Miss Ethel Morrison, and Miss Daphne Bairn. “COMMON CLAY" TO-NIGHT.

"Common Clay." the successful drama in wmoh Miss Muriel Starr captivated Sydney and Melbourne playgoers, and won lor her. the most flattering enconiums of critics and playgoers alike, will be presonvc.nl at the Grand Opera House this evening. Judging by the topical interest centred on this strikingly ciever play by local playgoers it is naely to enjoy a big season, such as it Intel in Auckland recently, where during us run' m that citv Hundreds were unable to obtain admission. The story of the drama is said to be a very appearing one, even if a big departure trom mere sentiment has been matte by tno author in order to demonstrate trutns and other realities of life. It is said rbat the normal playgoer with an eye to the broad issues of modern socidty will thoroughly appreciate this novel stage offering because. it gets to facts in a subtle and inoffensive way. The four acts in this play gives the audience the consciousness of having witnessed and heartily enjoyed a work in which there are many dramatic moments, broad humour, and tender sentiment skilfully blended. The part Miss Starr plays is the very opposite in conception to that of “Helen Hastings” in “The Silent Witness." and provides ample opportunity for the display of her remarkable talents in this impressive production. The final production will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday next, when the successful mystery spy play “Three tacos Ebst” will he presented. The plans for the whole EeaEojp.,ajp..nowon view at the Bristol.

Hl§ MAJESTY’S. Tba current programme by. Fuller*' Vaudeville Company drew a numerous attendance at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. Mr Vaul Stanhope and ins Musical Revus Stars provide an enjoyable second part with their ” musical farce. Sylvester’s magical , "turn” is eminently entertaining. Others who contribute most acceptable items are Astras, Jennings and Gerald, Lieut. Harper and Rena and Arta. The programme will be repeated this evening. MMS DAISY KENNEDY. Messrs J. and N. Tait announce _ that Miss Daisy Kennedy, the famous violinist, who has taken the music-loving public of New Zealand by storm, will give two farewell recitals in the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday next and the following Tuesday. The. artist is concluding one of the most successful tours ever known in the Dominion, and every town, visited, so great has been her triumph and so great the demand for seats, that extra recitals have had to be given. The Press throughout the country has fully endorsed all the flattering notices that heralded Miss Kennedy’s appearance here. "It is no matter for wonder that Miss Kennedy commands the homage of the critics of the Old World. Almost the entire- category of favourable criticisms that mav be said about a violinist may be applied to Miss Kennedy." Says the Christchurch "Sun” in speaking of Miss Kennedy’s recent yisit to that city. Miss Kennedy early in the year gave four recitals in this city and endeared herself with lovers of the violin. There appears to be no doubt that her two farewell concerts hero will attract crowded houses, for the interest already taken in the box plans at the Bristol indicates a big inquiry for seats. Miss Kennedy is also fortunate in having such an accomplished pianist as Miss Topsi© Doenau: to assist her in her. work. KING'S THEATRE. ’ To-night will see the final screening at the King's of the brilliant ana elaborate (English production entitled, "Choosing a Wife." ’This is without doubt one of the finest English dramas yet seen in -Wellington. "The 1 City of Comrades,” feature to be screened at the King's, to-morrow evening, is the story of , a down-anci-outer who hits, the bread-ima and burgles for food before things begin to coma his way. The girl of tne story is tired of the usual type of society man she meets, and longs ior a man who is “different.'' Her longing is satisfied when she finds a burglar in her pantry. Her quick perception, tells her that ’ here is no ordinary burglar, but an cxtra-spocial villain, with gentlemanly ways, at tnis point Cupid picks up tne tnreads of Destiny and guides tne pair over different and widely ooparuseu patus for reasons ot his own, finally bringing them together amid the tragic scenes of the great explosion at Halifax. Tom Moore and. pretty Scena Owen are, seen in tho leading, roles. A splendid supporting programme will bo. snown and the music by the King’s grand orchestra will bo a special feature of the programme. An additional attraction will bo Mr Lance Jones, ,a talented baritone, who will male’ liis first appearance.

"THE LEE KIDDIES," AT THE QUEEN’S. .

"The Lee Kiddies" do, remarkable clever work in “Wo Should Worry," a comedy drama now being shown at the Queen's Theatre. They appear in this picture as amateur matrimonial agents, whose work is, by good lUck successful, for by well, laid plans they hand a maiden aunt over to the right’ ihanr but not until they have brewed a. deal of trouble for themselves and for most others concerned. A carefully selected cast of adults support these two mirthmakers in their characterisations*, .The second big feature on the programme is "A Modern Thelma," featuring Vivian Martin, The picture is set in Norway and many of the scenes are really magnificent. In addition some excellent supports are shown. EMPRESS THEATRE. * The new World film success, "A Mandarin’s Gold," is the feature screening at the Empress Theatre this week. In the story, which stars Kitty Gordon, Betty Carden, through her fondness of gambling, is sorely tempted to sell n pretty Chinese girl for a bag of gold with sensational results. Episode fourteen of the ’daring Pathe serial ''The Lightning Eaider," featuring Pearl White is included on the programme. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. To-night will bo the final showing of "The New Moon” the exceptionally entertaining Select feature _ with M.ss Kornm ’] almadgo in the leading part. It is a wonderful story of Russian life. Another splendid feature is to bo shown commencing to-morrow entitled. ‘BUI Apperron's Boy," in which Jack Pickford is featured. '