ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10884, 26 April 1921, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

“ SINBAD THE SAILOR ” ANOTHER. LARGE AUDIENCE AT OPERA HOUSE. Despite the fact that there were no laite trams, owing to the service being the same as on Sunday nights, there was a full house at the Opera House last night to witness the pantomime, - ‘Sinbad the Sailor.” As the appearances of this talented company progress, theatregoers are making up their minds that it is the brightest of it® kind, that has visited Wellington for a considerable time. All the principals again claimed the full measure of support. The illimitable Jack Cannot again made himself the people’s idol in his witty sallies, and bright songs. That spark of versatile gaiety, thei principal boy, Jennie Hartley, brought to her aid, besides a galaxy of the brightest costumes, her irrepressible presence and liveliness in all her numbers. Dan Agar, as Mrs Tinbad, was the centre of merriment in single and concerted numbers that brought him full measure of applause and approbation. Colin Crane’s imposing voice was heard to the best advantage in ‘‘Jack Tar” and the. “Karuvan.” As Igo and TTgo, Eric Edgeley and Cleon Dawe kept the house in a constant ripple of amusement in their comedy items. The ‘‘Jewel Jugglers,” the Littlejohns, gave a. highly artistic display, their juggling of naked axes being a turn that thrilled as well as charmed their audience. Another popular performer in Wellington, William Hassan, again claimed support from everybody by his fine impersonation of the cat “Ginty.” Other-parts well sustained were 1 those of Ethel Walker, Nellie McCarthy, Margot Lester and Charles Dillingham. Rarely has such magnificent scenery been shown in the production of pantomime in Wellinggton. The scenic wonders of tlie Wreck of the Siaucy Sherbet, the Tsiamond Valley and the Caliph’s Palace were an ever-changing panorama of light and 1 colour, and the tableau curtains, with the charming ballets, and the parade of the Mack Sennett girls adduced an ensemble in pantomime production that it would he difficult to surpass. The management announce that a matinee will take place on Wednesday, and state that the plan will ho at the Bristol for the remainder of the season. HIS MAJESTY'S. ENJOYABLE NEW PROGRAMME. Last evening every portion of the auditorium -at Hie Majesty’s Theatre was crowded on the occasion of the weekly change of programme by Pullers’ Vaudeville Company. Fredo and Stan, who made their first appearance, perforined acrobatic ■ feats, contortionism and hand-balancing. The juvenile partner of the team seemed to be almost as sinuous as a snake. Mr Fredo exhibited mueicianly skill in a violin solo, and then played a lively air whilst tumbling recklessly about the stage. Their act received great applause. Another contortionist on the bill was Barbarina, a young lady, who also gave a finished exposition of her prowess. The Darraghs reappeared in a humorous patter, song, and instrumental “turn.” Their ’cello and violin duet was distinctly creditable, and Miss Darragh’s song and recitattion, “Lonesome,” received hearty plauditß. The popularity of the Rev. Prank Gorman, ‘-the singing parson,” shows no signs of diminution. He has 'been on the Dominion circuit for many months, and is in as great a demand as ever. His offerings last evening were: “I’ll Build a Cottage for Two,’’ “Once in the Long Twilight” (a delightful composition written by a New Zealander, Mr Robert Horne), “The Houfie at the End of the Lane,” “She’s Worth While Waiting For” (a Bowery boy’s ditty), “Bye-lo,” and the Rev. Gorman also told some negro dialect jokes in his inimitable manner, which created muoh hilarity. A welcome return season was commenced by Baisden, the trick cyclist, whose most laughable chatter is excelled only by the agility with which he accomplishes his risky feats. Mr Arthur Tau chert (the original “Sentimental Bloke”) recited Dennis’s “Spring Song” in real larrikin style, which won unstinted applause. He was also thoroughly successful in the humorous song “The Pilgrim of the Night,” and a female oharacter number, which made a decided .“hit.” A talented couple who are tremendously" popular, Brtul and Hemsley, gave their domestic skit, “Fifty Years Hence,” and their provincial comedy skit, “A Lancashire Couple at a Race Meeting.” Among many daring acts that have been staged in local vaudeville for some years past, that of the Vardells must be placed in the front rank. The smaller athlete dives from the flies on to a wooden loop, and shoots towards his partner, who catches him feet to feet. A storm of applause greets this daring deed nightly. Munro© and Massey were ‘ entertaining with their patter, and gave a fine display of dancing. Campbell and Mayo were splendid in tlieir pot-pourri of juggling, singing, and dancing. Up to-date topical allusions in their patter and songs were again a feature of Vaude and Verne’s contributions. The humour- of this couple is always fresh, and the audience insisted on a double recall. The programme will he repeated this evening. EVERYBODY'S. A GREAT PHOTO-PLAY. “Silks and Saddles,” the Australasian release, continues to attract big houses at Everybody’s Theatre. In this feature E., and D. Carroll (who are represented by Mr Leo do Chateau) have given an admirable blend of sport, sentiment and stirring scenes with a bluegum setting. All sports thrill in the blood and the climax: where Kennacuhair and Poitrel, thoroughbreds both, fight out an exciting finish at Randwiek, is a sight worth seeing. Miss Brownie Vernon has the somewhat trying role of Roberta, the only daughter of a wealthy squatter, and she carries it well indeed. Tho supporting programme ,i» of a high standard. "THE BETRAYER.” NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST BIG PHOTO-DRAMA. By having an interpreter toll Mita, a Maori chief, that he would only be lying down with closed eyes to represent a sleeping man, Beaumont Smith had inveigled the superstitious old fellow into a death scene. Mita. was stretched upon the ground; tho hero and! the heroine were absorbed in their emotions. “The chief is dead,” said Cyril Mackay solemnly. "My grandfather, my grandfather!” sobbed Stella Southern. The scene wont no further. With one yell and a loan tho corpse came to_ life, knocking over the camera as he did so. He uttered o-mm

that the interpreter refused to translate, and scratched wildly at his leg. For the soke of honour in his youth Miita had borne much suffering. For the sake of art in his old age he refused to bear the bite of a sand-fly in silence. The cast of “The Betrayer” includes Cyril Maekay, Stella Southern, ,) ohn Cosgrove, Bernice Vere, and Marie Dalton, and in addition Mita, chief of the Ara.was, Bella Paipakura and Guide Susan. The film will receive its first screening in New Zealand at the Empress! Theatre on Friday next. THE KING’S. WHAT WOULD YOU DO P Once to every woman comes o fateful time, when she must choose one of two paths—to say either “yes” or “no.” The interesting picture at present showing at the King’s Theatre is built on the drama or choice and the tragedy of desire unfulfilled. It opposes the tenets of two sides of civilisation, and incidentally gives Norma Talmadge ample scope for ner unusual talents in the dual roles of the wife of a millionaire and that of a struggling tradesman. She is excellent in both settings—the gilded cage the millionaire gives his bride and the squalid sordidness of the East Side. An excellent supporting programme is shown, and the vocal numbers of Mr Edward Dadland contribute to the evening’s