THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 563, 29 November 1915, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER—LAST NIGHT.

To-night will be the last opportunity of seeing Annette Kellerman in "Neptune's Daughter," as the final performaiice will take place to-night at the Theatre Royal. So great has been the success of this "fairy tale in pictures" that it could undoubtedly remain much longer, but this is impossible owing to previous bookings. Described as a fascinating romance of land and sea, this picture is undoubtedly one of the finest works of its kind which has been reproduced by a. kinematograph, there being a beautiful story, which can be easily followed, and a wealth of picturesque and artistic scenes. Miss Kellerman herself is delightful in the main role, and surprising in the versatility she manifests. The plan for to-night is at The Bristol. DAMON, AND PYTHIAS..

The first production of the great photo-drama, "Damon and Pythias," will be given to-morrow night at the Theatre Royal. "Damon and Pythias" was given its initial presentation at the New York Theatre last November, and scored a tremendous success for. its strong and gripping dramatic story, tender sentiment, and spectacular scenes. This picturedrama is in five parts, full of dramatic fire, and spirit, and the story of the friendship existing between the noble senator, Damon, and the sol-dier,-rPythias, is said to be vividly told, while the. Grecian atmosphere is faithfully depicted. Of great beauty are the scenes in Damon's garjden, the villa and home of Calarithe, the betrothed of Pythias, who is shown in one delightful scene dancing in the garden among ,her maidens. The destruction of a Greek city by the Carthaginians, terrific battles on land and sea, the gtfeat chariot race and stadium games are all said to be wonderfully portrayed, while, like a thread of gold throughout the whole play runs the attachment of the two friends. The plan, where seats may be reserved without extra fee, is at The Bristol. OPERA HOUSE. The chief attraction at the Opera House to-night will be the first appearance of Herbert Brooks, the famous illusionist and entertainer. Included in his -repertoire is the famous-box trick invented by Maskelyne and Cook. A prize of £SOO was offered by these magicians for the correct solution of the mystery and the reward was claimed by Brooks. The correctness of his solution was disputed and on the matter being referred to law was finally decided in Brooks's favour after the enormous sum of £4OOO had gone in legal expenses.. This and other clever illusions will be performed by liim every night this week. Another first appearance will be that of Morris and Meeker, two American patter artists who term themselves "The Salesmen of Joy." Vernon Sinclair will be seen in a clever and j amusing musical comedy trifle, and Bellora will render some clever imitations of Australian birds. Rowley and Tointon, in new dances, and Balancing Stevens, the quaint equilibristic comedian, remain from last week and Ted Russell and Ward Lear complete the programme. "POTASH AND PERLMUTTER." Wonderful success has been achieved by "Potash and Perlmutter," the quaint and extremely humorous Hebrew comedy, to be staged here by J. C. Williamson's company, on Monday evening next at 8 o'clock at the Theatre Royal. Critics in every part of the world in which "Potash and Perlmutter" has been played are unanimous in stating that the remarkable popularity earned by the piece is more than justified. The J. C. Williamson management, if we may go by reports, showed great judgment ..... when they decided to bring from America artists who appeared the original production of "Potash and Perlmutter" in New

York, where it ran for upwards of two years. Paul Burns as Abe Potash supplies, it is said, a remarkably fine character study; for the time being he is the living, breathing character to the life. Mr Sam Le Bert as Mawruss Perlmutter, also gives a life-like representation of the other partner, and the pair of them, it is said, keep the house in convulsions of laughter from the moment the curtain rises until its final fall. The leading lady of the company is Miss Margaret Vinton. "Without exaggeration," said the critic of the "Australasian," "Miss Vintonmay be described 'tall, and most divinely fair.' She has the composure, the certainty of touch, that reveal the experienced actress." Miss Lizzie Wilson, it is said, gives an excellent interpretation of the suspicious, but at heart good natured, Mrs Potash and Mr Samuel Howard is said to be most convincing as Marks Pasinsky, the bustling buyer for a western house. Others in the> cast-are Messrs Lewis Willoughby, Victor Tatnell, Cyril French, E. L. Delaney, John de Lacy, John Vincent, Lawrence Hardirige, Charles Lawrence, Edwin Lester, Carleton Stuart, also the Misses Nance Winton, Gladys Young, Gwen Weston, Rosalind Smeaton, Sylvia Bremer, and Gladys Pardy. The dresses worn by Miss Vinton are said to be original and magnificent. The plans will be opened at Milner and Thompson's on Friday morning next at 8 o'clock. A queue will be formed from 7 a.m.

SUNDAY'S PATRIOTIC CONCERT. The great success of the patriotic concert at, Everybody's -was sufficient recompense for everyone whose patriotic inspiration prompted them to assist towards the issue. Those who organised the function are desirous, however, of personally thanking the little band of helpers for their prompt and willing response to that which they regarded as their duty. To the management and entire * staff of Everybody's Theatre, who gave the theatre and services free of all charge, especial thanks are due. The New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association and Messrs Strange and Co. generously footed the bill for advertising and printing programmes, and provided flags and bunting, whilst Messrs Milner and Thompson, with similar generosity, attended to the issue of tickets, and supplied free of charge all the music scores which were necessary. Thanks are also due to Messrs Ti Armstrong & Co., who supplied the performers with white satin souvenir programmes; to Miss Kiver and Mrs Reed, for flowers, which were utilised in the floral decorations by Messrs Free and Coffey, of Strange and Co.'s; to Messrs Wallace and Co., for lantern slides; Mr Stanley East, conductor of the choir, and Mr Bidgood and the members of his augmented orchestra; Mr F. A. Hornibrook, who, at considerable personal inconvenience, marshalled the choir from outlying districts; to all who contributed to the concert portion of the programme; and to the local newspapers, for generous space and liberal advertising rates. The organising secretaries take this opportunity of thanking his Worship the Mayor for his active and valuable interest in the proceedings. THE KITCHENER LECTURE. Long before 8 o'clock, the hour stipulated by the council for doors to open for Sunday evening entertainments, there were several hundred people gathered at His Mqjestq's Theatre last night to attend the lecture on Lord Kitchener. Within a quarter of an hour the dress circle was declared full after which the body of the hall was soon crowded. His Worship the Mayor presided. Dr Bradshaw gave an organ solo, a fantasia from "The March of the Men of Harlech," and later gave "Pomp and Circumstance," a military march. Both selections were loudly applauded, and Dr Bradshaw's services, which were given free, were much appreciated. Mr J. H. Cocks sang "Lead Kindly Light." This item was given with much feeling, and

Mr Cocks was heard to best advantage. Miss Eileen McDavitt sang "There is a Green Hill." She was accorded a splendid reception, and won loud applause. Miss Dunne and Mrs F. D. Kendall were accompanists. The lecture was given by Mr J. B. Merrett, who dealt with Lord Kitchener's services in Palestine, India, Egypt, and South Africa. A vast amount of information was given on "The Man of the Hour," and the lecturer was frequently applauded during his address, by an appreciative audience. A collection was then taken up and resulted in £2l being handed to the Mayor for the Patriotic Fund. The Mayor announced the expenses of advertising and lighting were paid by Mr Merrett while His Majesty's Theatre had been given free of charge so that the fund would benefit by the whole of the collection. To-day Mr Merrett received two donations of 10/- each from gentlemen who had not been able to attend the lecture, so that the fund will benefit by £22.