AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18278, 22 December 1933, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. George Arliss in ‘ The King’s Vacation” appears in the role of a very human king, whose natural bent is towards the understanding companionship of other good fellows, but whom the eternal and unvarying semi-worship and etiquette drive very nearly frantic, continues to draw delighted audiences at the Regent Theatre. His throne is insecure—indeed, the country is on the brink of revolution —and, heartily sick of the position, he pushes through dictatorial legislation which can have only one effect, to cause a universally welcome revolution, so unanimous that there it no fighting. Florence Arliss, as the queen, has always realised his real sympathies, which lie with very ordinary mortals, and when he has abdicated she sends him back to his former wife and daughter. In the old homely atmosphere, where he formerly lived so happily, things have changed a good deal, and for a while it looks as though he would >lie in the unfortunate position of having a freedom which lie cannot enjoy as ho would have wished, hut after all he is shown as a very lucky fellow, and ends his days in a mellow companionship which fully repays the stormy, uncomfortable days oT his kingship. Younger parts are taken with success by Dick Powell and Patricia Ellis. The new feature for to-morrow is Noel Coward’s romantic comedy, “To-night is Ours,” featuring Frederic March and Claudette Colbert. MAJESTIC THEATRE “Lord Camber’s Ladies” introduces to the public of Gisborne the most representative galaxy of English talent. Directed by the distinguished playwright, Ben. W. Levy, this powerful story from the pen of Horace Annesley Vachell provides excellent faro for the theatregoer. The cast is headed by Sir Gerald du Maurier and Gertrude Lawrence. Sir Gerald, the idol of the British public, gives an excellent performance as the stern and relentless Dr. Napier, a role in which he shows the histrionic ability and superb artistry that has made him famous. He is ably co-starred by Gertrude Lawrence, who gives an especially meritorious performance, first as the high-spirited Shirley Neville, the musical comedy star and favorite of the public, and then as the unhappy Lady Camber, forced to watch her husband’s philanderings from her death-bed. Of the supporting artists the performances of Benita Hume, the lovely brunette heroine, and Nigel Bruce, the perfect roue peer, are deserving of mention. There is a fine supporting programme. To-morrow, Robert Montgomery and Helen Hayes will be presented in “Another Language,” a special. Dance patrons are reminded of a dance to be held in the Sehvyn Hall to-morrow, Christmas Eve. As this will be the third Christinas this dance has been held, a special effort is being made to make the function highly successful. Wade’s orchestra will provide the music.