ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10561, 12 April 1920, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATKE. The sensational nature of tho act " a few hard knocks," in which Archie and Gertie Palls will introduce themselves in thß new programme at His Majesty s Theatre this evening, entitles it, so it is said, to be classed among the best of its kind ever seen on the Fullers' Circuit. Miss Faults is reputed to be a swinging: rope and trapeze artist of uncommon skill and danng, and an acrobatic tum'bler of astonishing nerve. Her partner, who combines comedy with his gymnastic work, receives most of the "hard knocks." A feature of this turn is its complete originality and novelty, and one example may be instanced: Mr Falls stands oeneath his partnor while she is suspended from a trapeze. Suddenly springing into the air, he turns what evoryoiw supposes will bo a somersault, but with the circle half completed ho locks his feet in thoso of Miss Falls and stops there hanging head downwards. The duo will, finish their unique I act with some evolutions, the liko of 'which few patrons of His Majesty's can liavo witnessed elsewhere, and usually this act causes quite a sensation. In addition to the "star" act, Mr GeorgeHall, the American raconteur and vocalist, will bo heard in a new budget of his breezy jokes and monologues. The C'ourtenay's, whose last appearances are announced, will provide an' especially selected repertoire. Miss Florence Fox, malo impersonator, will bo heard in a number of new songs. The supporting items will bo rendered by the Uarnaghs, sketch, artists and instrumentalists, and Flaneur and his performing dogs. The first half of the programme will be provided bv Mr Paul Stanhope and his Revue Company, who will stage a bright and humorous absurdity entitod "Vanity Fair." The new programme will be rapeated nightly at 8 throughout the week, and a matinee at 2.30 on Saturday. ""POSSUM; PADDOCK." There was a large and enthusiastic audience at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night when another production of the Australian "outback" comedy, "Possum PaddocK." was presentt d by the Kate iiowarde Company. Throughout . the four acts interest, is Jiela by a weliarranged theme, all the characters contributing excellently to the success oi the pi ay. Typical of the doings on a backblock selection the- comedy has much to recommend it and provides a really good laugh. "Possum i'addock" will bo again, presented to-night. ORGAN RECITAL. , It is to be regretted that the Good Friday attendance at the organ recita's is not kept up all through tho year, for if there is anything that deserves the entire support of tho musical public in Wellington it is Mr Page's recitals. Last Saturday's 'recital, .which began with Ilolloway's well-known "Suite Ancienne," included two new numbers, the "Prelude in D Flat Major," Op. 23 (No. 1) of Glazou.iov and "Faure's Romance iians Paroles," Op. 17 (No. 3;. The former is a fine composition, opening with a theme of almost ecclesiastical character end rising to a climax of great intensity and power. The "Romance Sans Paroles" is a very graceful and charming, if rather hlight, little fancy, and gave an opportunity for a vnry tasteful ueo of the solo (ops bv tho organist. There could not vtry well bo a greater contrast than there was betwe-.'n tho Adanto from Debussy's string quarette, with its st.'ango. a)rr>«.t vnearthly, beauty, and the rush and tumult of the toccata and fuguo in I> minor, an example of the greater Bach, which followed it. Mr Page played the fuguo rather better than thV toccata. One was glad to hear Cosar Franck's "Privre"' (Op. 20) again; it would bo hard to find in tho whola range of music anything more truly' mligious or mystic; a perfect combination of classic restraint and romantic feeling. Mr Pago concluded one of bis finest programmes with Franck's "Finale," played 'with groat spirit and technical accomplishment, tho grandeur of which, nut even tho wretched acoustics of tho Town Hall, could entirely destroy. "DADDIES." BY J. AND N. TAIT'S COMEDY CO. A number of theatrical artists will be making their first acquaintance with New Zealand when 0. ftivl N. Halt's new Comedy Drama Company arrive by the Ulimaroa to-day from Sydney to prepare for the short season at the Grand Opera House, commencing next Monday, 19th inst,, when that highly successful fouract comsdy "Daddies" will be presented for six nights only (on account of tho theatre being otherwiso booked) The leading lady of tho company is Miss Krnita Lascelles, a young English actress who was specially engaged by Mr J. N. Tait in New York recently. Air Tait speaks in the highest terms of Miss kascelles's abilities, und predicts that sho will become a big favourite-, an opinion which that delightful acress, Miss Bmclie' Polini confirms. a=> tho latter has frequently seen Miss Lascelles in a number of roles. Further strength to 'his new J. and N. Tait company will bo made by the inclusion of Mr Herbert Rawson. tho English actor, who has come out specially to join tlio company. "Daddies" is the first, play of the company's repertoire, and it is cne of thoso comedies with a number of delightful comedy situations in it, and besides it is brightened with tho appearance of several children in tho cast©. In London, New York and in Australia "Daddies" was a very big success, and as .T. and N. Tait aro making evey effort to present the new company under tho very best conditions tho success of the season Eoems assured. Tho company aro visiting tho south after tho forthcoming season, but aro to return hero late in May, when other highly successful comedies w ill bo presented. Tho box plan for the 7s reserved seats for tho season will bo opened at tho Bristol on Monday morning. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Alico Brady gives one of her best impersonations in tho Select picture entitled "Woman and Wife," which is showing at Everybody's Theatre. This picture is adapted from the famous novel I ''Jano Byre." '"Woman and Wife ' is n story that holds the interest and the character of tho role permits the star to present two distinct'typos. MtJcli of the story calls for deep emotion, and Miss Brady rises to dramatic heights in every scone' which calls for such registration. Nothing has been spared in giving this picture tho true atmosphere ns suggested by tho author's work. Some of the sets used are lavish in every detail and tho extoriors aro examples of tho boauUful. KING'S THEATRE. An exceptionally bright programme of pictures, song, and music is advertised for tho King's this week, when two very I popular stars. Constance Talmadge and Tom Moore, appear- in a fino foature en. titled "Tho Lesson." Tho supporting items are up to the usual KingTs standard. Mr Martin Duff, tho Scottish tenor, appears nightly, and at tho orchestral matinee on Wednesday tho music n'aved by tho King's Grand Orchestra is bright and in keeping with the picture subjects; they play in addition to the entr'acte, selection from the "Country Girl," also selections from "Oh! Oh; Dolphino," overtures "Gibbs" and "Earl and the Giul." The plan is at the Bristol. THB EMPRESS. A. J. norbort, who plays, the part of Dick Richardson, in tho now World picture, "Coax Me," now showing at tho Empress, and starring Juno Elvidge, was born in Melbourne, Australia, and educated in Scots College there. lie originally wont to America from England

with Chas. Frohman, and supported Doris ICeaue is "Romance, and Mrs -fat Campbell in "Pygmalion," besides appearing with Nat Goodwm . and Mrs Fiske. For two seasons ho played a* "Fair and Warmer." His screen wort includes productions by Famous Flayers, Metro, Vitagraph, Sehg, etc., among which could be mentioned Pursuit ol Polly," with Btflio Burke, "In the Hoilow of Her Hand," with Alice Brady, ,f'The 'Man Who Stayed at Home, etc The seventh chapter of the 'Man ox Might" is also shown, with usual sup porting pictures.