AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19257, 22 August 1924, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The current programme at tho Princess Theatre is finding great favour with patrons, and the attendances are large. Last evening the performance passed off quite successfully, and there were numerous recalls. Jock Mills, tho Scottish comedian, never fails to keep his audience highly amused, ami Walter Vernon gives a clever ventriloquial turn which is thoroughly appreciated. Vaudo and Verne, recent additions to tho company, make the time pass merrily, and are quite an acquisition. James Stewart, Lyons and O’Moore, Marcus and D’Arma, Dinks and Trixie, Phil. Bransby, Frank Wilson, and Howard and Wyndham all provide their full quota towards a pleasant evening. EMPIRE THEATRE. The principal feature in to-day's change of programme at the Empire Theatre is entitled “West of the Water Tower.” It is a powerful drama of reckness love and tiie consequences. Glen Hunter takes the part of Guy Plummer, who is the smartest hoy in the town and attracted to Roe Chow, played by May M‘Avoy, the daughter of a rich man. They have a secret marriage, lint the papers are lost, and when Bee comes home from a holiday with a liahy the town is scandalised. Tho boy’s father, n minister, in his zeal, adds oils to burning waters, but eventually the young couple are made happy. The picture is adapted from the widely discussed novel by Homer Croy, and is produced on a lavish scale, the cast, bring exceptionally strong. Tho supporting pictures are carefully chosen, and are well up to standard, while the Empire Orchestra discourses suitable music, the overture being ‘‘Waltz Me,” the latest song, illustrated by slides. Reserves may be secured at the Bristol or by ringing No. 1-1-i. JERQUES. The frill dross rehearsal of this production, held last night, afforded ample proof of what has been claimed for the production, that it is a highly diverting and entertaining show. Item succeeds item in well-planned succession, each splendidly presented, in such a manner as to sustain the interest fully. The spectacle afforded by 350 vari-costumod performers of all ages uniting in a beautiful march culminating in a tableau of Empire, striking as it is, provides only one of a series of beautiful presentations. Every class of amusement is introduced, so that threatre-pat-rous need have no doubts on the score of variety. Tho items range from excellent vocalism supplied by leading artists to skilled gymnastic work and comedy sketches, acrobatic tumbling, and wand exercises of a high order. Special reference should l>e made to tho ballet dances, arranged by Miss Nettn Rentes, which have been assiduously rehearsed by skilled dancers so that they may be expected to provide something very much out of the ordinary. Illuminated club-swinging was seen at the Pageant, but the item to be produced at this show along these lines is to be a total variant from the accepted lines of production, novel lighting, and colouring, combining to provide a very pretty effect. The producer, Mr J. V. Hanna, is assured of a very large house at each showing, while very heavy bookings have shown the interest that has been created by the production, Every indication points to a successful entertainment of high, merit.