THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 760, 18 July 1916, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

H.M.S. PINAFORE. A very creditable effort in the way of a Gilbert and Sullivan revival was staged at the Theatre Royal last night, when the Glee and Madrigal Society, under the direction of its able conductor, Mr Sidney Williamson, produced "H. M. S. Pinafore" to a crowded house. Of all the delightful operas that emanated from the genius of Sir Arthur Sullivan and Mr W. S. Gilbert, "Pinafore" is perhaps the most popular; certainly it 3s the one most favoured by amateurs. As regards last night's performance, it was appropriate that "Pinafore," an opera smacking of the sea, should be given in aid of our naval heroes (as well as the Red Cross Fund). The staging and setting were admirable, and to Mr Sidney Williamson's conception of the part of Captain Corcoran, Commander of H.M.S. Pinafore too much praise cannot be given. His was the dominating influence throughout, and his stage presence and stage craft were particularly admirable. Mr Cecil Branigan, as the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.8., the shorebred "ruler of the King's Navee," was also very happy in his partdictatorial, fussy, pompous, and exceedingly inconsistent. Miss Marjorie Harris might have put a little more animation, a little more spirit generally, into her portrayal of Josephine, the captain's daughter. Her voice is very sweet and appealing, but her acting was somewhat stilted at times. If, on the subsequent performances, she conquers the slight nervousness, which is the almost universal heritage of the amateur, she should make the part quite convincing. With Ralph Rackstraw (Mr Mark Woodward) she sang particularly charmingly. The part of "Little Buttercup," the Portsmouth Bumboat woman, was given to Miss Ethel Johnson, a young lady with what might be called a forcible presence and a deep contralto voice. She did very well indeed, and her duct with Captain Corcoran, "That is so," was one of the hits of the evening. Her opening song, "I'm called Little Buttercup," was also very good. Miss Betty Lucas, as Hebe, Sir Joseph's first cousin, was dainty and pretty, and made the very most of her part. Mr John Halls must be commended for his "Dick Deadeye," which is a difficult and exacting role. Master F. Whitta was a neat lit'lc midshipmite, and Mr John McLean was Bill Bobstay (boatswain), and Mr Roy Cummins Bob Beckett, (the boatswain's male). An excellent item was Captain Coreoran's song, "My Gallant Crew, Good Morning," and another was the trio, "Wedding Bells," by Captain Corcoran, Sir Joseph Porter, and Josephine. Mr John McLean's singing of "He is an Englishman" also •alls for special mention, but the most meritorious of all was the song, "The Midshipmite,' by Mr 0. Rhodda. The chorus gave useful support, and achieved a very nice eflect in some of their numbers, particularly "Over the Bright Blue Sea." The play, which was produced under the direction of Mr Sidney Williamson, was stage-managed by Mr Tom Pollard. Mr Arthur Lilly acting as conductor. Mr Nat Woods acted as honorary business manager, and was of much assistance in this capacity. An orchestra, with Miss Margaret Lund at the piano, played the overture and the fuller score parts with spirit and brightness. During an interval Mr Nat Woods presented Mr Sidney .Williamson with a souvenir pinafore, made of silk, and having the programme printed thereon. At the suggestion o( the recipient, the pinafore was put up for auction, a sum of 20 guineas being received in pound bids. The garment will be "sold" in this way every night of the season, and on the final night all the names of the bidders will be put in a hat, and a drawing will take place, the lucky winner to keep the article.

It. should be mentioned that the members of {he company have proyided Ihcir own dresses and sfage

properties, which will make the financial result all the larger. The opera will be repeated to-night. OPERA HOUSE. "House full!" was the order of things at the Opera House when the first turn of the new bill came along for the delectation of vaudeville patrons last night. The programme is again a well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable one, the newcomers being a particularly strong team. Dan Thomas, pleasingly remembered as one of the most successful pantomime dames of recent years, comes to us in vaudeville with that originality and versatility which has earned for him distinction as an entertainer of more than ordinary merit. Burt's Comical Comedy Company of Canines provide a traineddog act which makes good, not only by reason of the remarkable intelligence of the dogs, but also by the humour which is infused into it by the comedian who conducts the show. Kitchie and Klitie gave a display of comedy acrobatic work that earned for them insistent recalls. Another good act is that of The Ralcighs, a singing laundry maid and a comedian who performs some exlraordinary feats on the slack wire. Starr and Starr, "the funny fat folk from 'Frisco," provided plenty of fun during the 15 minutes' occupation of the stage, and proved themselves entertainers to the liking of the audience. The list of new turns was completed by Nina Aix, who was well received in her dancing and singing efforts. The Bunty Comedy Company are seen in a new sketch, "McPherson's Wooing," which scored a success equal to that of the previous week. Nelson and Nelson continue to draw roars of laughter and to produce consternation by their marvellous tumbling and balancing on stilts. Les Wharton is seen in a complete change of programme, and the Kerlines renew the good impressions formed last week regarding them. Miss Phyllis Harris and her orchestra do excellent work.

EVERYBODY'S. Merriment is the keynote of the new programme presented at Everybody's for the first time yesterday. Those two popular comedians, Roscoe Arbuckle and Mabel Normand, are featured in "Fatty and Mabel Adrift," the principal item on the programme. This production is the funniest Keystone-Triangle picture yet shown in Christchurch. Fatty and Mabel get married, and they leave farm life to go and live by the sea. A gang of villains, headed by a love rival of Fatty's, one night set his cottage adrift on the ocean. The pair are rescued, however, just as their home is about to sink. There are many hair-raising incidents, including a big explosion. Miss Normand and Mr Arbuckle are in the forefront of screen comedians, and when they are associated in a production the fun is always fast and furious. They get the limit of humour out of every situation. There is also an excellent supporting programme. GRAND THEATRE. "A Yellow Streak" was presented al the Grand Theatre before large audiences at a!! sessions yesterday. There are several prominent features in the production, notably the excellent photography and superb settings. Some wonderful horsemanship is also shown. The picture tells of a man who is ruined by his wife, who loves another man. He goes west, intending to end his life. Later he meets a girl in a western saloon with whom he falls in love. Before he declares his love for her he returns to the city with the intention of getting a divorce, but finds that that has already been done by the wife. He then marries the girl of his choice. There is a good supporting programme. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A very powerful cast is presented in the star attraction at the Queen's Theatre this week. The picture is entitled "The Grey Mask," and is produced by the Shubert CorporaItion. Edwin Arden has the leading

role, and he is supported by John Hines, Barbara Tennant, and several other eminent artists. The photo-1 graphy, mounting, and staging of • the picture are beyond all praise. I Edwin Arden is seen as a polished! detective, Barbara Tennant as the heroine, while John Hines supplies the humour. The story is an excellent one, and contains some thrilling incidents. A good scries of sup-! porting pictures is also shown.

HIS MAJESTY'S. A picture of unusual merit forms the premier attraction at His Majesty's Theatre this week. This is a Triangle Kay Bee production, entitled "The Iron Strain," featuring Dustin Farnum. It tells an enthralling story of Alaska. Other good subjects are shown in support. CAB I HI A. In the great motion picture, "(2ahiria," which is to be screened next week, a thrilling feat of high diving is performed. The hero of the play, Fulvius Axilla, is tleeing from the enraged priests of the Cartagenian god Moloch. His flight leads him tc some high cliffs on the sea shore. There is only one way of escape, and he leaps from the top of the cliffs into the water below. The part is specially fdled by an actor who is physically able to perform some wonderful feats. STARLAND THEATRE. "The Path of Happiness" is the premier attraction at the Starland Theatre this week. This production features a charming young actress, Violet Mersereau, who is new to picture patrons of ChVistchurch. Her acting as a child of Nalure is excellent. In one exquisite scene she ap-j pears sporting in a mountain stream like Diana at the Bath. The story is beautiful and touching. There is a supporting programme of allround merit, which includes an excellent Eclair Journal with all the latest pictorial news, and a humorous comedy.

MR H. NEVILL-SMITHS CONCERT. In the Art Gallery to-morrow (Thursday) evening a line programme of vocal music will be contributed by students from the studio of Mr H. Nevill-Smith. Several of those taking part have been the soloists selected by some of the leading choral societies, and have been champion prize winners at the New Zealand competitions. Others make their first appearance before a Christchurch audience. The programme includes some selections from the works of eminent song writers, and new songs by Ligey, Arensky, Ware, di Capua, Oliver, Philips, and Sibella. The wellknown Timaru pianiste, Mrs N. 1). Mangos, will be the accompanist. Tickets and box plan are at The Bristol.

OLYMPIA RINK. Good business was again done at the Olympia Rink yesterday at all sessions. The evening session, when the Olympia Band is in attendance, is very popular. Many attractions will he contained in the grand fancy dress and poster carnival to be held to-morrow and Thursday.