ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10639, 12 July 1920, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

J. AND X. TAIT PANTOMIME. Though the legendary cupboard of mythical "Mother Hubbard was bare, J. and N Tait and Bailey and Grant promise loiers of pantomime a cupboard overstocked with good things. A pantomime must have plenty of fun for the children, as well as humour to spare for tho grown-ups who accompany them, ulso that specialty acts, including jugglers, and acrobats, not forgetting tho "dawg" of Mother Hubbard" fame, should predominate. To this end a wonderful east, has been secured, which, on paper, is a formidable array of talent, headed by tho inimitable Barry Lupin.o as "Dame," and the boisterous Jack Cannot as tho husband. That clever animal actor, Mr William A. Hassan, is credited with a performance as "Bully" that caps all his previous efforts, while the Creightons, whirlwind jugglers and acrobats, and that clever duo, Moon and Morris, provide specialty acts that are a marvel of daring and ingenuity. .Then there is dainty Elsie Partes, who dances her way into everyone's heart, «nd Kelso Henderson, "who at times partners hor in many pretty numbers. Tho principal boy is Dorothy Leigh, and Daisy \ sites is principal girl, and if the pantomime lives up to tho reputation that has preceded it lovers of this, land of amusement will be well satisfied, Urn box plans will open afc the Bristol Piano Company next Monday. HIS MAJESTy¥"tHKATRE : ALL VAUDEVILLE. A splendid programme of all vaudeville acts has been arranged by tho management for initial presentation this evening. Ward and Sherman, who made such an impression on last week's audiences, will present an entirely, new and original sketch, "The WomenHaters' Union." which is stated to bo clover in tho extreme, and to be redolent of hilarious, but clean humour. Edwards and Parkcs will also be seen in another of their specialities. "Off on a Holiday," which is said to show this versatile and clever duo tit their best,, and to give unlimited scope to their fun-making propensities. Tho Falvey Sisters will bo heard in a further selection of their delightful songs; and tho Matanas, vocalists, will also render a fresh budget of popular songs Jennings and Gerald aro billed to ap pear in their pantomime absurdity, "Mrs McGilJicuddy," and this piece is stated to bo a scream from start to finish. .A feature of the act will be the remarkable, eccentric dancing of tho malo member of this popularpair. The first appearance is announced of Laurie and Rossie, '/Digger" harmonists, baritone and tenor ro spectively. who aro said to be most plcasins in their rendering of popular songs. In addition complete changes will be given by Yince and Eva Courtenay (composers and singers). Ray and Olga (patterologists), Knight and Bunting (singers), and Curley Sherwood (Soubrette and comedienne), and Planner and his doss will be seen in another novel and entertaining animal act. THE EMPRESS. At all sessions on Saturday large crowds were attracted to the Empress Theatre, where Sessuo Hayakawa, is appearing in his latest and best picture,. "His Birthright." This is undoubtedly the best picture Sessue Hayakawa has ever appeared in, and tho mounting and acting is splendid. The story is entertaining, and lull of quick action from start to finish. The usual supporting vuctures a ro good and include a pretty coloured picture "'Travels Through Prance," and the fourth episode of tho weekly serial ''Liberty," which is crammed full of thrilling and sensational stunts. ' 'THE MAN THEY COULD NOT HANG." That tho public appreciate a story which is taken from actual facts is being proved nightly at Everybody's Theatre, where phenomenal houses havo witnessed every screening of tin's remarkable picture. Last Saturday night over 1000 people congregated outside Everybody's, clamouring to gain admission. It has rarely happened in New Zealand that a photo-play should meet with this sensational and continuous success. Frederick HaU dane, tho talented English actororator, is called upon for the display of exceptional versatility, for in his lecture ho portrays vocally all the principal characters who appear in the story.- "The Man They Could Not ( Hang" will be screened continuously*' at Everybody's until Thursday nest. ; thtTking'sS. "Throe Green Eyes"> was again screened before a well-filled house at the King's on Saturday evening. The etory is quite original, and decidedly humorous, which caused some hearty laughter. The leading role is played by Juno Elvidge, who is ably assisted by Montague Love, Evelyn Greeley, Carlyle Blackwoll, .and that clever comedian, Johnny Hines. High-class supporting pictures were also iscrcened. The vocal items were enjoyably rendered by Miss Eileen Driscoil, and an exceptionally good programmo of music was played by the King's Grand Orchestra. THE ENGLISH PIERROTS. Tho clever musical combination —tlm English Pierrots —who have toured 'the Dominion on several occasions during the past twelve years/ aro again announced to visit New Zealand, and will make their appearance at the Town Hall on Saturday nest. As on previous occasions ,thc company js still under the direction of Will and Rob Thomas, pioneers of this class of entertainment in Australasia —some seyenteen years ago. The male members are as last season, still including the droll comedian, W. P. Turner; Chares Lawrence, in his musical monologues at" ' tlm piano; Leslio Austin.light comedian; Hoy Cooke, basso; David Lyle,, tjtmor, Loui3 Mitchell, baritone, and a new member —Mr William Crougey, baritone. The ladies new to the combination aro Miss Thelma Redgrave, sonbrettc: Miss En a Gordon, ... soprano; Miss Jov Rolls, danseuse; Miss Lilian Colenzo, character; MacLeod, Jnrs do Suxe, and Bramwell—members of the instrumental quartette—which is a, special feature. Tho box plan opens at tho Bristol on Wednesday. | TRAMWAYS" MILITARY BAND. An entertaining musical programme was provided at His Majesty's Theatre last evening by the Tramways Military Band, under the baton of Mr G. W. Bowers. There was only a fair attendance, duo obviously to the inclemency of the weather. Last night's concert was easily the best of the 1920 sea3on. Mr BoWes conducted with accuracy and the baud played with precision and more expression than usual. The opening number-was Wagner's grand march "Tannhauser," of which .1 spirited rendering wn.s given. The overture. ''Strodella" (von Flo tow) was ono of the best played

selections, of the evening, and also the most popular. The grand selection' for the evening was Verdi's "Ernane" —a most attractive composition—while the other bend items were "Softly Unawares," an idyl by Lincke, and tiio valso '-'Nights of "Gladness" (Anclift'e). Vocal .volos were contribnted to the programme by Miss Madge Wilson, who eang u-ost pleasingly "Soul of Mine" and "The Carnival" (both of which were encored), and by Mr R. H. Meates, who was enjoyable in ''Sombre Woods" by Lully, and a second number. Miss Blanche Crump ; played the accompaniments efficiently. SONG RECITAL. Miss Rene Goyder gave a song recital in the Concert Chamber on Saturday night. Although the audience Was not large, owing chiefly to .tho weather, its members were most enthusiastic and insisted on many encores, one singer, Master John Walters, having to respond twice. Miss Goyder, who is a pupil of Miss Mina C'alciow, has been well trained in her art. Her voice is a deep contralto, and she uses it with restraint and skill. Just at 2rst a slight huskinoss was noticeable but this quickly wore off, and in her later numbers her rendering was very clear and -true, while her enunciation is nnrtk'iilarly good. Miss Goyder in a young singer of exceptional promise and she should go far in her art. Hor first number was "A Summer Night," by Goring " Thomas, while her lor fecond she 'chose "Softly Awakes My Heart" from "Samson and Delilah," and gave a dramatic rendering of this difficult number. In ■ the second part of tfto programmo the Bongs chosen were of a. lighter vein, and in "0, Lovely Night" (Landon Ronald) and "All Joy Bo Thine" (Sanderson) the singer was heard to great advantage. The last numbers were "Willow Song" (Sullivan), and "Home Along" (Sanderson), both charmingly given, • the latter' having -a 'cello obligato specially composed by Mr P. Wolfgang, which was played by Mr Cecil Smallbone. Mr Smallbone rendered also Scherzo op. 12 (Daniel van Goens) and Cantabile, op. 39, No. 2 (Cesar Cui), as solos and was encored on both occasions. Mr Reginald Blow sang the "Pagliacci" Prologue in fine style, and later gave "Invictus" (Bruno Huhn) and "CastiKan Lament" (Teresa del Ricgo), in both of which he sang delightfully. Master John Walters sang tho Irish melody. "Rich and Rare Were the Gems She Wore," and in response to an encore gave "Wake Up," which he had to repeat. With his brother Cecil, he was also heard in a pleasing duet, "Charity" (Stephen Glover). Mr Harold ".hittle and ; Mi 6» Dorothy Talbot played the accompaniments. PIANO RECITAL. "To a technique equal to the deI mauds of the most exacting composition, she unites the expression of a vivid musical temperament," says Mr Ernest Empson, of Christchurch, when referring to Miss Oons'tauce Leatham, who is giving a pianoforte recital in tho Concert Chamber on Tuesday night. This gifted 1 young player is only to be heard once in Wellington, in a* programme winch taxes the powers of mature artists. Such a work as the great Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Bach-Tansy is seldom heard these days, yet the critics in Christchurch" had fiome great praise to lavish on this gifted player's performance in* that city. One critic says: "One does not often find a member of tho gentler sex who ca,n handle Tansy's famous transcription of Bach's Toccata and Fuguo with such truly rcmarkablo inflight:"- - Of the great Beethoven "Appassionata" Sonata, the same critic says: "It is not given to many young players to have so masterly a grip of this monumental Sonata." That this young lady has placed such works on her programme is in itself an indication of her great technical ability. The full programmo appears in our advertising section.