ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11415, 11 January 1923, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S FINE VAUDEVILLE 1 FABE. There is varied fare to be found at His Majesty’s Theatre this week. Dolores, the shapely queen of the flying trapeze, performs many stunts, which calf for skill and nerve of ho mean order. Pat Donovan, a genial Irish comedian, is heard in a number of clever songs from patter to ragtime, and Golda, a wire-walker of no mean order, has some decidedly clever 6tunts tq show. Mr and Airs Kennedy Allen, clever English comedians, have a new and novel sketch, wh.ch Is aptly named. ..''Bluffing,” _ to tickle the audience’s fancy, while the Brackens, with many articles, show a number of deft and concerted juggling feats, concluding with the manipulation of some flaming clubs. Bussell and Frost, the two terpsichoreans, have some more attractive dances to show, and < ndude with a ngw version— 11 Tile Parisian Pony Trot." The latter half of the programme is filled by the Walter George Sunshine Players, In their latest musical medley, "The Girl from U.S.A." Here all the old favourites are seen at their best, Dorothy May, Vera Sewell, Dnlcie Miiner. Yorke Grey, and Bobert Raymond all contributing towards the mirth and music of the piece, while George Storey, this, time in a new. role, that of the detective, Herloek Sholmes, is screamingly funny throughout. The programme will be repeated gll this week, and reserves may be had at the Bristol. REX BEACH ROMANCE COMING TO THE KING'S. Bex Beach, pne of the present day’s most popular authors, has created in "'The Net" one of the most brilliant pieces of modern Action. "Fair Lady," the screen title of the thrilling story to be shown at the King’s, commencing tomorrow, is a faithful adaptation, and features Betty Blythe .with an all • star cast. Here is a romance which opens in the island of Sicily and in the Southern States of North America. It tells of the working of a secret society of the criminal element, and of the efforts of its leader, Cardi. to marry the Countess Alargherita. Norvin Blake, a young American, is brought in to the swirl of events, and the climax of the story is reached when Blake and Cardi fight a desperate hand-to-hand battle, while a mob of enraved citizens surge through the streets of the city crying for the life of the bandit. There are other special attractions, including the orchestra. BIG WILLIAMSON REVUE LEE WHITE AND CLAY SMITH IN “BBAN PIE.” The J. C- Williamson, Ltd., Bevue Company* headed by the popular London stars, Lee White and Clay Smith, arrived in Wellington from Sydney via Auckland by the north express yesterday, and the scenery by the Ulimaroa direct. The Grand Opera House presents a busy scene with all hands at work preparing for Saturday’s production of "Bran Pie,” the famous revue which proved the greatest success of the many triumphs achieved by these talented artists at the Prince of Wales’ Theatre, London. In Australia “Bran Pie” waa described by a leading critic os "A merry whirl of pleasure, with its wonder star and fine company of comedians and bewitching girls." Miss Lee While haß become the idol of Australia as she was the idol of London, where 6he delighted thousands of playgoers and received the following praise from the Press: —"Her attractive personality has never been displayed to greater advantage whether in song, dance or acting, than in this merry revue, 'Bran Pie.”’ Clay Smith, who shares with Lee White in the success of "Bran Pie.” is not only a comedian but a musician and 6ong-writer of note, and is responsible for many of the songs in the revue.

Other artists with enviable London reputations who will be appearing here for thff' first time are Ernest Sefton. Lucine Beck, Rupert Julien and Aluriel Cathcart. The company also includes the popular comedian Lance Lester,

Clarice Hardwick, Zoe Wenka and everybody’s favourite dancers, Male Baird and Archie Thompson, to say nothing of the J. C. Williamson chorus and ballet, which are always such delightful fear tures in the firm’s musical productions. "Bran Pie” is produced by Mr Bobert Greig, who was responsible fer tile find staging of the _play in Australia, and who has specially come to New Zealand to supervise the production here. Box Plans are now on Tier at the Bristol Piano Warehouse. WEBTMINBTER GLEE BINCERB ENGLISH SOLOISTS AND CHOBISTEIBS. The -distinguished English impresario ex-lay Vicar of Westminster Abbey and a tenor singer of note, Mr Edward Branscombe, recently visited all the.most important cathedrals in England in quest of a combination of solo and choral singers that would worthily uphold the remarkable reputation of the Westminster Glee Singers. After nine months Mr Branscombe returns by the Knapehn to-day and with him a combination of five boys and five men, whoee performance he affirms will totally eclipse those of the former company. The New Zealand tour will be commenced at the Town Hall, Wellington, on Saturday evening next, and during the season the programmes will be changed each evening, thus a veritable banquet is in store for music-lovers. The former company of Westminster Glee Singers under the direction of Mr Branscombe made musLcal history. Since then, however, much water has pessed under Westminster bridge, but io the great heart of the Anglo-Saxon people the same musical message appeals and these five hoys and five men bring back the message. Although the main object is the present part-music such as glees, madrigals, folk songs, plantation medleys. anthems, carols, etc., in all their natural beauty and charm, it will be found that the solo work of the various members is on an equally high plane. Ebch of Em' men and some of the boys is an expert soloist, having fulfilled engagements at the leading concert halls aaa! musical festivals of England. The GovernorGeneral Viscount Jelliooe has notified Mr Du Chateau that he is pleased to give his patronage to the. Westminster Glee Singers during their star in New Zealand. The box plans for the full season are now on view at the Bristol, where reserved seats may be booked without extra charge.