HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12485, 29 June 1926, Page 12

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

REVUE AND VAUDEVILLE LAST NIGHT’S CHANGE. Henry the Eighth had eight wives, but he is out or the tunning for the record in the matrimonial stakes compared with the number of husbands—dead and alive—who come to light in the revue which the George Ward Company is performing at it is Majesty's Theatre this week, and which had a great start last night. The title is “Turned Up,” auu it is a scream from start to finish. Captain Hermie Schultz, an old sea dog of the saltiest type, personated by George Ward, provides a great deal of tlie. comedy, ably seconded by Bert La Blanc in the role of an’ undertaker, Abe Cohen Bones. Darcy Yates is in the role of the skipper’s wife, and the scenes that occur when other wives turn up can well be imagined. There are some pretty and novel dances, among which “Moon Struck” is peculiarly quaint. Daisy Yates and the Snapshot Six are well to the fore in maintaining the ballet part of the play. The musical numbers are very attractive, including “Song of the Clock,” “Nancy,” “By Bad Bill,” and “Light of the Stars,’’ and the choruses iu the vari-coloured limelights were very effective. The ballets were supervised by Miss Vslda Leach, while Mr Yorke Gray vas stage manager. It is a most enjoyable revue, chock full of fun. A new arrival on the variety programme is Tom Rees, the entertaining Irishman, who is an artist on the xylophone, trombone and cornet, and brought down thj house with a brilliant selection on the xylophone. In between he regales the audience with a few stories, and if an Irishman cannot tell good stories no one can. His Irish folk "and other songs were" also very delightful. Frank Foster and Robert Needham, both back in their native country after a tour round the world and a' season in London," presented a musical comedy offering. Frank Foster, woo was principal tenor in the- Carl Rosa Opera Company, England, gave a splendid rendering of “The Toreador,” but later showed symptoms of a cold, from which he- is suffering. Nevertheless, the pair had a great welcome. The Rev. Frank Gorman is in his Inst week in Wellington. He sang “Worth While Waiting Fo-.-.” and “When Other Lips,” and related a fund of anecdotes. Jack and Eva Arnold, a pair of jolly Americans, made goad with the new items they presented, which included “I Lost My Ribs,” “The Irish and the Jews,” and finally “The Rosaiy,” with variations and ragtimo. Altogether a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment. EMPRESS THEATRE “IRISH LUCK.” Lois Wilson is leading lady for Thomas Meighan in his latest starring picture, “Irish Luck.” The star, the director, Victor Heerman, and Miss Wilson went to Ireland to make many of the Scenes of the picture. The story tells of a man on a visit to Ireland, who is mistaken for a nobleman, and of the thrilling events that happen through this mistake. “Irish Luck” will be screened at the Empress Theatre all this week. “Reveille,” the second attraction of the programme, gives a vivid impression of London in the years 1918. and 1923 —a year of war and a year of peace. Betty Balfour takes the principal part with much success. Good support; and tuneful music by Mr M. Dixon’s orchestra are included in the bill. “IRENE,” FASHION MUSICAL COMEDY PARAMOUNT THEATRE ON FRIDAY. Colleen Moore—and not Paris is likely to influence fashions this season; according to advance reports from those who have seen the star’s latest picture, “Irene,” which is screening at the Paramount Theatre on Friday next, July 2nd. In this film, which is based on the musical comedy triumph, “Irene,” Miss Moore and sixty Hollywood beauties stage a fashion show which is "reported to he the last word in styles. The scene is heightened by the fact that it has been filmed in colours, pre-viewers state. Following the plot of the original play, Colleen has a Cinderella-like role. Starting as a lowly wrapper in a department store, the peppy young lady rises to the eminence of a dress model and finally captures the heart of a wealthy young gentleman. Scenes of a fashionable lawn fete, at which Colleen and sixty beautiful models parade in original creations, are of surpassing beauty, being presented in natural colours. Comedy abounds, with several of the screen’s foremost funsters in the cast. Lloyd Hughes as the philanthropically inclined bachelor and heir, George K. Arthur as the male modiste, and Charles Murray as the bibulous father of Irene, head a strong supporting roster. Jut.a Mathis’s expert hand is apparent in the development of the story. Cora MacGeachy, famed as the designer for Flo Ziegfeld’s “Follies,” created Miss Moore’s costumes. 'She also equipped the gorgeous ensemble that appears in the fashion revue.

The box plans for the “Irene” season, are now open at the Utility Stationery Shop, next to the theatre.