ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 19518, 18 May 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

ALBION THEATRE. Before a packed house last night at tne Albion the famous soprano Madame Annette Hayward made her initial bow to an Invercargill audience in classical and popular items sublimely rendered. A pretty stage setting descriptive of a homely fireside made an effective and appropriate background. Madame'e first song, “Jt£t~a Song at Twilight,” was rendered in a very artistic manner, the purity, animation and ease which she sang being truly charming. Her second item was the appealing number, “Sweet Spirit Hear My Prayer.” We 'have heard many renderings of this soulful vocal gem, but none to compare with the rendering by Madame Hayward last night. In answer to a persistent recall Madame sang •‘The Pibroch,” a delightful martial song dear to the heart of every Scotsman. Musical enthusiasts should ..not miss this famous artist. The movie drama presented at 8 p.m. is from the capable pen of Peter B. Kyne and is entitled “The TenDollar Raise.” The play is dedicated to the middle class, and should certainly be seen by every wage-earner who will thoroughly appreciate this day-dream that came true. The caste includes William Mong, Pat O’Malley and Helen Jerome Eddy. At 9 p.m. is screened the Selznick drama, “A Man’s Home.” This play is certainly unique, and has an everyday parallel. Comedies, interests, etc., complete this musical and dramatic programme. Seats may be reserved by telephoning the Albion. CIVIC PICTURES Jack Holt, Lila Lee and Charles Ogle, have utterly surpassed all previous efforts, in “After the Show,” the theatrical picture which leads the bill at the Civic, and which will be shown to-night for the last time. And in this superb photoplay William de Mille has created a new standard from the producer’s point of view. From the moment Pop O’Malley meets Eileen, the penniless chorus girl, the spectator is irrestibly attracted to the story until the final scene. The story of two loves so different in character, is set in a wonderful background of dazzling colour and life. Wanda Hawley again brings with her all the joyous feelings of holiday time in her latest Realart picture, “Her First Elopement,” the other feature on the programme. The story is strong, with a rich vein of humour running through it. Needless to say, Miss Hawley takes full advantage of the comedy. Her daintiness and charm, cffupled with natural ability, imbue in her characters a living force. She has an innate leaning towards comedy-drama, and without losing her poise, can convince the spectator. In all her efforts she adds a dash of the dramatic, which raises a picture from the mere comedy to the lifelike. The scenic effects call for admiration in no small degree, lending a pleasing setting for the production. This programme cannot be seen after to-night. Q. P. ENTERTAINERS. SEASON CLOSED. The Municipal- Treatre was again well filled last evening when the Quality Performers brought a successful Invercargill season to a close All the entertainers were in good form, and the whole performance went with a swing. The items received marks of warm appreciation and recalls were frequent.