THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 107, 11 June 1914, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

THEATRE ROYAL. I/Ast night the Willoughby Dramatic Company presented the well-known dramatisation of "The Term of His Natural Life" to a very large audience which entirely approved the play and its presentation. The company contains several capable actors who. make the action rividly realistic. The nptive of the drama is embodied in the prologue, in which, Lord Belasis, the dissolute nobleman, is killed by his natural son, John Rex, and here it is why Richard Devine, also a natural son of, Lord Belasis, but supposed to be the son of Sir Riehard Devine, becomes "Rufus Dawes," a convict. He believes that his supposed father, having just discovered the truth regarding Richard Devine's parentage, has killed Lord Belasis, and takes up the burden of the trime. Mr Cyril Mackay plays Richard* Devine-Rufus Dawes very capably, the character giving him much better opportunity for showing his abilities as an actor than such a nebulous drama as "The Bad Girl of the Family." The prologue contains the best action in the play, but the succeeding part is full of Btrong situations well presented. Mr

Boland Riley as John Rex acted the polished and polite scoundrel with a true conception of the character; Mr Vivian Edwards played the part of the Rev. John North with equal success; and Miss Nellie Fergusson played the part of Sarah Purfoy a little "stagily," but not with such staginess- as to mar conception of the character. The intense horror of the drama as developed in the book is relieved in the play by an abundance of humorous situations. Mr Darcy Kellway as the Rev. Mr Meekin was responsible for much of the broad fun, but there were others assisting. The drama is ably condensed from the book, and the scenes follow on each other naturally and in a way that carries the interest along to the climax without any breaks. All things considered, it is far superior to. the ordinary melodrama, and the actors are given opportunities for showing that they possess ability. It will be staged to-night and to-morrow night, and will be succeeded on Saturday by the American mining drama, "At Cripple Creek."

HIS MAJESTY'S. Hay ward's Pictures were witnessed by another large house at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, and every item on the current programme must have

been thoroughly enjoyed. The piece de resistance is, of course, "Caprice," which must rank as one of the finest films yet presented in this city. Mary Pickford takes the leading roll, and.so picture patrons have the opportunity of seeing a great actress in a great play. Other pictures are "Winter Scenes in Stockholm,'' a fine snowy scene, "Flight over the Seine in a Hydroplane," "Pedro the Dog Charmer," "Sally's Elopement," "Insect Mimics,'' and the latest '' Gaumont Graphic." The programme will be shown again this evening.

COLOSSEUM. Large audiences have attended the Colosseum this week where a programme to suit all tastes is presented. The star drama entitled "A Million in Jewels," is a picture dealing with the wealth of an Indian Rajah, and the rascally attempt to steal his jewels. A picture which should be of great interest to local "sports" is the Wells-Car-pentier fight, which shows the quick work the Frenchman made of Wells. An interesting budget of the "Gaumont Graphic" is supported' by three fine comedies, '' The Cowboy and the Baby," "On the Lazy Line," and the "Spring Rock." The programme will be repeated again this evening.

OPEEA HOUSE. The Opera House has been well patronised during this week, a bright programme of star vaudeville artists appearing. ' The chief attraction is Fred C. Hagan and company in their excellent sketch entitled "The Pool-room." Livermore's animated doll provides much amusement, while the Era Comedy four give a pleasing and harmonic turn. The "Hesitation Walta" is danced successfully by those popular tango experts, Philipps and Merritt, and Fernandez and May introduce a new instrument on which they play the latest ragtime. Carlton Max, the singing ventriloquist, is still popular in his turn with his comical doll, while Knowles and Lee, vocalists, Bay! Lawrence ("Just an American Girl"), Dennis Carney, comedian, and The National Duo, child performers, all go towards making a most successful programme, which will be presented every evening this week, a special matinee being given on Saturday afternoon.

SYDENHAM PICTURES. The programme at the Sydenham Pictures drew a large audience last evening. The chief attarction for to-night is the fight between Wells and Carpentier for the heavy-weight championship. The principal drama on the 'programme is entitled '' A Million in Jewels.'' The '' Gaumont Graphic'' should be well received also. Other attractions are "An Enemy's Aid" (drama), "The Spring Lock" (comedy), "Denver, Queen City of the Plains," "The Cowboy and the Baby" (comedy), "Across the French Jura" (scenie), and "On the Lazy Line" (Edison comedy).

GLOBE PICTURES. The Globe Pictures were well patronised yesterday, when the first programme of the "week was concluded. A fine collection of pictures is being shown today, the s-tar film being an exciting Gaumont drama entitled "The Terrible Alternative,'' which is an exceptionally fine piece of work. "Kedskin. Raiders" is a drama produced by the well-known Kalem company, and is supported by the ever-popular "Pathe Gazette,'' which gives a pictorial account of the happenings of the world, while ""A Waterside Hero" is a comedy guaranteed to arouse plenty of mirth. This programme, which is concluded by '' The Tyrant's Doom" (comedy) is attracting large audiences at the various sessions.

OLYMPIA RINK. The exhiliarating pastime of skating is at its height just-now, the rink being well attended at all sessions. The equipments of the Olympia Rink, with its splendid floor, tea-rooms, and attendants, are second to none. The ear nival which proved a big success has added new recruits to the already large ranks of skatcis, and crowded floors are expected at to-day and to-night's sessions. A MUSICAL RECITAL. in the Cadena this evening a song and pianoforte recital will be given by Miss Milliceut Jennings and Mr Alan Tytheridgc. This will be the first of a series, and the programme to be submitted gives promise of something of more than ordinary interest. MihS Jennings is to give a number of modern and seventeenth century songs, and Mr Tyt.heridge will play from the compositions of Debussy, Grieg, and Rachmaninoff.

MR DSNSEM'S PUPILS. A programme possessing more than average- interest, will be presented at the Choral Hall on Wednesday, June 17, when the pupils of Mr W. Densem will tender that gentleman a complimentary testimonial concert. The occasion will mark the farewell appearance of Miss Alice Saunders. This talented young elocutionist has played a very prominent part in matters histrionic (luring the last few years, and lias been uniformly successful in competition work. Indeed, Miss Saunders has attained championship honours for New Zealand while, if only as a humorous reciter, she has quite won her way into the affections of the Christchurch public. The supporting programme is a strong one, and will include a number of well[known performers in songs, monologues, [sketches, dialogues, and recitations. In addition, Heir Zimmerman will con;tribute instrumental items. Day sale tickets are now on sale at Chivers's music stores (where seats may be reserved). Day sales are also obtainable at .lenner's central news agency.