THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 857, 8 November 1916, Page 13

THE THEATRES.

LIEDERTAFEL "AT HOME." The Christchureh Licdertafel was "At home" last evening in the Choral Hall to lady friends and supporters, the occasion being the second open concert of the season. It seems a peculiarity of the society that the presence of women makes for a certain restraint, and much of the freedom in the singing which distinguishes the ordinary evenings is absent. Nevertheless, the concert, which was listened to by a large audience, was enjoyable. The singing of the chorus was excellent. "The Hunter's Farewell" (Mendelssohn) was a well-balanced study, but it was not until several items had been given that the chorus really found itself in the cantata, "Longbeard's Saga" (Lloyd). The words are adapted from Chas. Kingsley's "Hypathia," and are the song of old Wulf, who weans his followers from their life of sloth, stirring their passions with the joy of battle, their blood leaping as though to the breath of the invigorating north winds. Save to a tendency to thinness at times, the singers fully realised the swing and force of the chant, with its suggestion towards the end of the stamping of warriors. The performance was an extremely meritorious one. Amongst the soloists, Mr C. Glarkson, who made his first appearance, scored heavily. He possesses n rich and resonant bass voice, which was heard to advantage in "When Might is Darkest." Mr R. Vincent, who is on leave from Trentham, took Mr Trewern's place as the soloist in the old Swedish part song, "Dear Land of My Lathers," and received an enthusiastic reception. Mr C. H. Schwartz in "Onaway, Awake, Beloved," rather spoilt the effect by singing in verses. In several ballads, Mr C. D. Morris sang pleasingly, hut Mr C. Fleming, in Massenet's "Open Thy Blue Eyes," has been heard to greater advantage. Dr Bradshaw, at the piano, played "If I Were a Bird" (Henselt), and also from Chopin and Mendelssohn in cxquitc fashion. Members of the Symphony Orchestra, Messrs I). Sinclair, R. C. Zimmerman, B. Riordan, W. G. Cookson, and L. Bonnington, in a clarinet quintet from Mozart's first movement, gave much pleasure to those who listened. Dr Crooke played the accompaniments in praiseworthy fashion.

"AT HOME."

During (he interval the Rev. C. N. Taylor made an eloquent recruiting appeal. OPERA HOUSE. Another very large and appreciative audience assembled al Ihe Opera House lasl everting, when Ihe excellent bill was very well received. Miss Margaret Jewell's singing was again the turn which look Ihe house by storm. Another I urn which was well received, was (hat presented by Starr and Starr. These two artists are repeating Ihe success they achieved when (hey appeared here lasl. Ccslria, a clever comedy acrobal and juggler, also came in for his share of the applause, while Lester Brown's playlet caused much amusement The whirlwind turn presented by Ihe Dick and Dorothy Trio was very loudly applauded.

THEATRE ROYAL. Another large audience filled the Theatre lloyal last evening when "II Pays lo Advertise" was again staged. As a tilling termination lo a day's holiday making Ihis laughter provoking play could scarcely be bettered. It captured Hie audience al the outset and dominated the feelings of patrons throughout. It abounds in hilarious situations, the dialogue is witty, and the whole movement of the play keeps one pleasantly away from serious thoughts. "It pays lo Advertise." will be repealed to-night. QUEEN'S THEATRE. A picture which thoroughly mystifies all who see it, is "The Phantom Crook," which is this week's feature at the Queen s Theatre. Enid Markey and Frank Kccnan are starred in Ihis play, which is a Triangle KayBee production. There is a good siipi>' >,-,: "" "'""raumie.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. In "The Warrens of Virginia," the picture at present the feature attraction at Everybody's, Miss Blanche Sweet has undoubtedly achieved the triumph of her career. The story is based upon the American Civil War, and it abounds with the thrill of romance of those days. It tells of the sorrows of the beautiful daughter of a southern general, who is in love with an officer in the northern army. Mow the girl's grief is added to by discovering her lover guilty of an act of treachery, gives an appeal to the play. The battle scenes are particularly realistic. The whole picture is superbly mounted and photographed. The supporting programme includes a Mutt and Jeff cartoon, a war special, and a Gaumont Graphic.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. How the coming of a child into a household, caused the reformation of two society characters, is the theme of "Going Straight," the Triangle Fine Arts play which was screened at His Majesty's last evening. Years after their new start in life, the two are surrounded by luxury, and their happiness seems complete. One day the husband meets a former accomplice, who threatens to blackmail them, unless the man will return to the old life for one more coup. For the sake of his wife, he undertakes the sacrifice, but, how, on the night of the robbery, the two are delivered from the grip of the crook, forms a powerful play. Miss Norma Talmadge, as the wife, is eminently successful, and some clever children play important parts. The supporting programme includes a Frank Daniels comedv.

STAR LAND THEATRE. The large attendance at Starland last evening fully enjoyed the programme submitted. Miss Nance O'Ncil plays the leading part in the current Fox feature, a six-reel dramalic offering entitled, "Princess Romanoff." The pari is a difficult one, and calls for many varied emotions. As the beautiful woman whose happiness is destroyed by the conflicting passions of love, .justice, and revenge, Miss O'Ncil is excellent. "Out of Darkness," the other star picture, is a five part Lasky production starring Charlotte Walker. This is another powerful and appealing play, which depiets a struggle between Capital and Labour. It is produced in Lasky's best style, and its plot is one which grins. "Out of Darkness" is the star picture during the day sessions, when the evening's supporting programme is also screened. The Starland orchestra, which is in attendance during the afternoon and evening sessions, plays appropriate selections.

GRAND THEATRE. "The Snowbird," which is al present being screened at (he Grand Thcalre, is n picture which is sure to j add lo Metro's reputation. Mabel Taliaferro, |he brilliant little artist, is seen in a new role. As the madcap society girl who forsakes her luxurious life to <r o into the great woods ol Canada in an endeavour lo clear her father's name, she is excellent. Set amid magnificent scenery, "The Snowbird" is a piclure which should have its appeal for all. The latest episode of "The Broken Coin" serial is full of thrills, and the many followers of this laic of mystery will have no occasion lo be disappointed. GLOBE THEATRE. Comedy is tlie chief feature of tlie current programme at the Globe Theatre, there being two comedies as the star items. "The Fireman," (Mutual Chaplin), and "A Modern Enoch Arden" (Triangle-Keystone), are the titles of these pictures. "JANE SHORE." "Jane Shore," a great and powerful love story, was presented to a large attendance at the King's Tliealre last evening. No picture of a like nature lias been seen here before. It has the additional merit of being founded on fact. The picture was taken amid some of England's

rural scenery, and some wonderful spectacular effects are also introduced. The various parts arc played by a specially selected cast of English artists. "Jane Shore" will be presented again this evening, and on the two following evening's.

CHRISTCHURCH ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

An attractive programme has been arranged for the Christchureh Orchestral Society's concert to be given in the Colosseum this evening. The Danish baritone, Sigurd Lestrup, is the vocalist, and among other numbers he will sing the well-known Prologue from "Pagliacci" to orchestral accompaniment. Another interesting item is "The Carillon," in which the war poem "Sing, Belgians, Sing" will be given by the wellknown Christchureh elocutionist, Miss Lucy Cowan, assisted by the orchestra, which is now (it) strong. The box plan is at The Bristol up till 12 noon.

MR SIDNEY WILLIAMSON'S SONG RECITAL. Mr Sidney Williamson, with the assistance of Mr Ernest Empson, will give the last of this year's series of song recitals in the new Masonic Hall, Gloucester Street West, on Monday evening. The programme, which is a request one, has been chosen by Mr Williamson's subscribers from the works given by him at his former recitals. The box plan is open at Messrs Milner and Thompson's.