THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 456, 27 July 1915, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

/ THE OPlatA HOUSE. j'he Opera House this \Veek dan j be commended without reservation ] as fi place where entertainment of j the first-class may be found. The new programme is practically an ''all star" bill, and the majority of the turns shown are some of the best of their kind seen here. The two? biggest turns are those of Miss DoiSothy Harris, ragtime artist, and Madame Marion, the wonderful quitfik-change performer. The reception given Mis? Dorothy Harris on fter entrance must have been very pleasing to the artist ; it showed that the -popularity she earned on her last appearance at the Opera House had been kept alive by admiration for her genuine merit, and the clamorous recalls, which greeted the conclusion of each of her "items proved thgt the audience recognised the artistry and finish of her work as weH as her personality. Miss Dorothy Harris sings her ragtime ditties in .ait inimitable manner, with little tricks of gesture and movement which, though apparently slight, add greatly t<r the humorous effect. Also, she sings as though she enjoyed her own humour and is pleased that the audifence should'enjoy it too, and, abov.eall, she is an artist. She deserved; her welcome. jWad&me .Mar* ionreinarkable quick-change work is surprisingly quick, but the very cleverness of it has the effect of making it appear simple,-'and it is only?! oft- the conclusion of her perfornsance that the audience realises the gkill which must go to the creation of seven different characters whQ hold the stage the whole Madame Marion acts seven ilfverse characters in a little comedy, in which there is ©nl# one other performer, and he is onli" necessary to maintain the dialogue*'., goes, put as Mrs-Ajnbeu, j an<| the next instant she is back as Nofah, the yaaid r ; Norah retires and on her heels comes another character!, and all' is done with incredible sw|"tness. Not only are seven characters played but some of the characters are repeated,, returning to the stale again.. The clever work ol Madame Marion "is in itself sufficient to flraw audiences to the Opera Iloyse. The Tossing Testros, in some effective juggling and balancing feats, are the first turn on this week's programme, and their business is good of its kind. Phil Ascbt a»d his lady partner get (tff some humorous quick-fire patter which n,<cver fails in its effect, and Phil Ascot himself shows sonic, quite, original, step-dancing". Alton, an extraordinary comedy acrobat, fools cleverlv, and performs a series of acrobatic feats which are novel, difficult, and neatly done. But the. higgistjhit in the comedy duos is Yal audi Lottie Newman. -Yal Newman in hilled as "the lean, lank comedian," is really funny. His business iV quaint* and whimsical, aml'somtjtimes so absurd- that l»,uighter is irresistible. Me is very ably assisted by Kottie NewiKtn, and their burisque' melodrama is a shriek. Val^Newman-h;*s the makings of an exc#lfent basso voice and recites welH but it is a mistake for a comedian who has baen. delighting an audience with his absurdities to conclude with a serious recitation of dramatic verse, as he did last night. The audience appreciated the patriotic sentiment of the verses, but their recitation was against the eifect of his previous work nevertheless. The programme concludes with amusing singing and patter work by the Two Rhodesburys and o grotesque parody on the ordinary juggling and strong-man turn-, by Bhill'o. Altogether it is a first-class programme, rich in humour and cleverness. HIS MAJESTY'S. A splendid new programme of piclurei} was presented al His Majesty s Theatre last evening. A study of an English village and woods, in colours, made a fine opening subject, and. it was followed by the "Patbe Gazette," always one of the most in-

teresting -pictures just now. The current number is not a whit less interesting than its predecessors, and many of the most recent happenings are pictured. Next came "The Mystery of Bray ton Court," a Vifagraph drama. This showed how one who was skilled in poisons brought the death of a rich man, and was proceeding to carry his crime further against his victim's daughter, when the skill of a doctor frustrated his plans, ahd that skill earned for the doctor a bride. A happily-chosen finale for the first half of the programme was a Keystone comedy, "That Springtime Feeling," a most laughable production, abounding in strenuous action, and featuring Syd Chaplin. The star film, which occupies almost the ,whole of the second half of the programme is entitled "1914," and is based on a scenario from the pen of "Rita," the well-known novelist: It tells of war and red ruin- and of the desolation which follows in the train off the Hun. It is a story of the present war, and is told in a scries of realistic and ambitious scenes. The story is gripping. It tells how a French deserter nfade good, and of the fortunes of a brave Highlander and his wife, the sister of the Frenchman. The acting is of the -best throughout, and it is safe to predict that the film will prove as popular as any shown, in Christchurch for some time. An. amusing ''Martin" comedy concluded the programme, "Spoof for 'Oof." WelL music contributed to the .general excellence of the programme, which will be presented :agjain this evening. EVERYBODY'S. | The feature film in the current jpyograipine at. Everybody's this week jlis, a stirring society idrarna entitled "On the Stroke of Five," It is a fine story of cunning and revenge, aJid the entrance of love into the play makes the plot attractive to the eml. "From Forest to Mill" is an interesting industrial subject. The Gqumont Graphic , contains the latent views froiii the front. The Lubin Company presents a> gQO(|; coiji-etly-dramu; ei*tit-Je<£ "Motbei? of Pearl." This misleading title is applied to a motljer-in-law who seeks tp shape the destiny- of her daughter and son-in-law. The result is many mistakes, some humorous and otherwise, "A Heart of Gold" is a compelling drama of the fisher folk,, while "Lotta Coin's- Ghost" is an amusing comedy played by two favourites comedians. "Dishing, the Dardanelles" an amusing series of war cartoons, concludes the programme.

"WITH THE FIGHTING FORCES OF EUROPE." THE SEASON EXTENDED. The kinemacolour pictures showwig views of the armies and: navies of the fighting countries are'proving a great attraction at the Theatre Royal. All the famous regiments are shown in all their variety of colours as they swing past in review order. The sight of the flower of the British army marching past in splendid steady lines is sure to appeal strongly to all Britishers. The magnificent dress of the Indian Rajahs is well-shown, even to the sparkling jewels in their turbans. The British Tommy's splendid cheerfulness is apparent in every camp scene shown. The best of Germany's soldiers are shown in full dress parade. The colours throughout are quite natural, even the flames from the camp fires being faithfully reproduced. The pro-' gramme will be repeated this evening. NO MATINEE. The season has been extended until; Saturday next, and consequently no matinee will be held to-mor-row afternoon. GLOBE THEATRE. "The Odalisque," an unusual drama, i& the- star attraction at the Globe Theatre this week. The favourite actress Blanche Sweet is in the K-a ding role, that" of a woman devoted to finery. Such is her over-

powering desire for luxuries that she almost ruins her own life as well as her lover's. The story is well told all through. Two good comedies are included in the programme, "WifTie's Love Romance" and "The Smuggler's Daughter." The Australian Gazette No 242 contains pictures of the latest happenings in Australia and the programme is concluded with a Nature study "Wild Birds at Sea." SYDENHAM PICTURES. "Scotland for King and Country" the fine war drama, pleased a large audience at the Sydenham Pictures last evening. The play is built on happenings ill the present war, notably the gallant'defence of Mons. "That Springtime Feeling" is a Keystone, therefore it is a success in the laugh-raising part of the business. A fine drama produced by the Vitagraph Coy. is "The Mystery of Brayton Court," and the programme, is complete with two good comedies, "He Couldn't Explain" and "Spoof for 'Oof."

"THE TIYOLI FOLLIES." Mr Hugh D. Mclnosh, who now controls the Rickards Circuit of Theatres, announces elsewhere that thfc "Tivoli Follies," the company of vaudeville entertainers so successful in Australia and the northern centres, are to appear at the Theatre Royal for a short season, commencing Monday evening next. The entertainment presented by the band of, laughter-makers is in the form of a revue, which lias been described as the greatest fun show yet presented in! Australian vaudeville. Foremost in the ranks of the laughter-makers is Jack Cannot, the comedian who appeared so many times in musical cqmedy produced by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. He has. limitless opportunities to display his abilities in the Follies' show. Mr Cannot finds an able partner in Miss Isabelle D'Armpnd, a clever burlesque actress. Toother notable attraction of the tallies show is Mr Robert Parker, .formerly premier baritone of the Qilinlan. Grand Opera Company. Other performers who figure largely in the entertainment are Miss Vera Pearce, the Australian beauty-; Frank Greene, of musical comedy fame; Alvaretta, Rego, and Stoppit, pantomimists of a high order, Alfredo, a wonderful violinist, and a full ballet and chorus. Box plans are advertised to open next Thursday at The Bristol Piano Co.