THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 299, 22 January 1915, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Large audiences continue to display a. lively interest in the picture-drama, "A Million Bid," which is on view at His Majesty's Theatre. The exciting nature of the incidents is chiefly accountable for its popularity, but at the same time it derives considerable merit from the fine vein of sentiment which is apparent throughout. Other interesting subjects are "With the Allies in Flanders," "The Temple of Nikko, " and "September Morn." The programme will be repeated to the end of the week, and there will lie the usual matinee on Saturday. OPERA HOUSE. After a lapse of some time the resumption of vaudeville entertainments by the Brennan-Fuller management in Christchurch has proved very acceptable to the theatre-going public, ami large audiences all this week have given eloquent proof of the popularity of the current programme. As the last two nights are announced, all those who liave not seen the entertainment should make an effort to visit the Opera House before it is too late. The company is large, clever, and versatile, and the entertainment is in every way excellent. The contributions of Herman and Shirley and of Miss Rose Lee Ivy are alone well worth going to see, and the assistance rendered by the other artists goes to make up a thoroughly good show. An entirely new bill is to be presented on Mondav.

COLOSSEUM. The work of Maurice Cost el I o in the leading role of "The Acid Test,'' society drama, is well worth seeing. A splendid story is told, containing an abundance of tense situations. "Lena and the Geese," featuring Miss Mary Pickford, is one of the most acceptable of a splendid series of siipporting subjects. The programme will be repeated this evening, and at a matinee to-mor-TOW.

GLOBE THEATRE. The current programme at the Globe Theatre is starred by '' The Third String,'' a pictorial representation of the story of that name written by W. W. Jacobs. It is well adapted to ireproduction on the screen and nothing of the humour of the story is lost. Another feature study shown is one of considerable scientific value, entitled 4 'Down the Crater of Vesuvius," showing a series of pictures of the actual crater, down which an intrepid operator descended to a depth of over 1000 feet. Supporting studies comprise '' Through the Overey District," scenic; "The Story of the Gate Told,'' drama; and yarious interesting war topicals. The Beries will be presented again this, evening and throughout to-morrow.

SYDENHAM'PICTURES. The new programme was witnessed by a large and appreciative audience last evening, "The Acid Test," feature drama, creating a lot of interest. The production is a society drama, and its success is due in no- small measure to "the splendid work of Maurice Costello in the principal role. Supporting numbers comprise:—"Their Tips and Downs," Keystone farce featuring Bosco Arbuckle; "On the ftiver Kat-

sura," scenic; "A Million Dollar Bride," comedy; "Lena and the (ieese," Dutch drama featuring Mary I'ickford; ".Buddy's First Call,'' comedy; and "Along the Deschutes," scenic. The programme will he repeated this evening, and the usual matinee performance is announced for to-morrow.

THE KENNEDYS. Concerning the gifted musical family —"The Kennedys"—who will open a four-night- season in Christchurch at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night, the Wellington '' Dominion '' said : —'' The company forms one of the most delightful musical combinations which has been heard in these parts, in a measure they remind one of the Mendelssohn Quintet which visited Xew Zealand many years ago. Hut there is this difference: though they give some classical items, demonstrating their high artistic standard, they supply a large preponderance o-f thoroughly popular pieces. In the programme they intermingled the music of such composers as Vieuxtemps, Wieuiawski, and Brahms with the most favoured inspirations of Verdi and Sullivan. This .judicious blending rendered the bill of fare quite appetising to all. The Kennedy family are ambidextrous artists. They shine particularly as instrumentalists, each acting in a dual capacity with the exception of the pianist, and one also adds vocalisation, which is most serviceable in concerted pieces. They are strengthened in the vocal department by a soprano and contralto, who supply all the variety that is required." The box plan is open at the Bristol, and day sale tickets may be obtained at Miss Kobler's.