THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 883, 8 December 1916, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

A ROYAL FUGITIVE. Last evening the pupils of Miss Lucy Cowan gave a bright and interesting entertainment in St. Michael's Hall, when the play "A Royal Fugitive," a story of olden days in England, was staged. The first act, and also the conclusion, were written by Miss Cowan. It was produced in a most capable manner, the staging and general effects being undoubtedly good. A large number of budding actors and actresses took part, and acquitted themselves creditably. The principal characters were taken bv Miss Thelma Pryce (Charles II.), Miss J. Manhire (Lady Grcnville), and Miss I). Rutland as a waiting maid. Others taking part included Misses Mavis Ritchie, Mavis Crowhurst, Gladys Chinchlcy, Gwen Chapman, Mavis Martin, Nina Hunt, Raymond Stockdale, Jessie Roscwarne, Irene Kennedy, Veronica Granger, Valerie Anderson, Lisa Whitta, Alice Chapman, Edna Miles, and Masters Neil McGilivray, Charles Martin, Hugh Granger, Howard Machon and James Martin. A group of fairies included Miss Marie Brown, Phyllis Rutland, Netta Bilclill', Winnie Ramsay, Ethel Tapper, Doris O'Halloran, Evelyn Williams, Ada Tapper, Edna Snowhall and Dorothy Overton. During the evening a patriotic recitation was given by Miss Jessie Rosewarne, in aid of the Lady Liverpool Fund, the effort yielding jl! 13/0.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Capacity houses have been record-1 ed every evening this week at Everybody's where "Sweet Lavender," the Hepworth Film Company's version of the drama by Sir Arthur Pinero, is the premier attraction. The story of this play is well known for its charm, romance and powerful love interest, and the picture form invests the story with an even additional appeal. The wronging of an innocent girl by a man who is now a banker commences an impressive story of sacrifice and atonement, the conclusion of which comes as a delightful surprise. The leading roles are played by Henry Ainlcy and Alma Taylor, who are eminently successful. One of the popular Keystone Triangle comedies, a two reel production entitled "The Judge" is also included in the programme. An animal study, and the (iaumont Graphic concludes the entertainment. STARLAXD THEATRE. "The Little Gipsy," the Fox Corporation's contribution to the success of the current programme at Starland, has much to commend it. Dorothy Bernard, in the title role has .scored a decisive success, while the other parts are also capably handled. The-story is a novel one, telling how a wealthy Scottish estate owner one day finds a little gipsy girl by the roadside. He adopts the girl and educates her after the manner and customs of his people. Years later, now grown into womanhood, the little gipsy feels the call of her nature, and every evening she abandons her veneer of society-, and masquerades in the woods as a gipsy girl. While in this role many startling events happen, through which runs a delightfully romantic story of love. The play contains some wonderful spectacular effects, while the scenery throughout is magnificent. A Famous Players drama featuring Tyrone Power and Edna Mayo, and entitled "Aristocracy" is the other star feature. "Aristocracy"' is the star item during the day sessions. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The Triangle Kay-Pee problem play. "The Payment," which is running at His Majesty's Ihisweck, is undoubtedly Bessie Rarriscale's greatest triumph. How a poor girl rose lo fame through the assistance of an unscrupulous married man is the text of the story. She accepts his help, for what she thinks a small price, hut when success comes to her, circumstances also bring about the realisation thai she has not closed the transaction, 'flu- way in which the problem is solved forms an admirable, but powerful, conclusion lo

an excellent play, while it also affords ample scope for convincing emotional acting. Miss Barriscale is supported by a capable cast, each individual member of which makes the most of the opportunities provided. There is a good supporting programme. Next week, Mary Pickford will appear in her latest and greatest success, "Little Pal." OPERA HOUSE. Chris Richards delighted another j large audience at the Opera House last evening, with his witticisms and comicalities, while Harry Little is an operatic baritone, who pleased all | with his magnificent voice. The j Three Ruddles provide an original j juvenile turn which includes a i Charles Chaplin impersonation. The Two Devons are a clever duo of! dancers and singers who perform | very creditably.. Leeds and Lemar are a pair of eccentrics direct from Egypt. The clever Italian acrobat j and juggler is now in his last week, and no one should miss seeing this j turn. Coyne and Levingstone present! a highly successful revue!te»of vaude- j ville entitled "Bits and Pieces," Will j Clarke and Wallace, patter come-j dians and dancers, are also appearing. PEG 0' MY HEART. The concluding performance of; the "Peg o' my Heart" season was given in the Theatre Royal last night, .before a large house. The season was a highly successful one, the comedy possibly being the best constructed and best-acted one that hasj been seen for some years. Christ- j church audiences will be pleased to renew acquaintance with Miss Allgood. ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY. The final subscription concert for 1916 season is to be given by the Christchurch Orchestral Society tomorrow evening in the Theatre Royal, when the finest programme of the season is being presented, the chief number being the Symphony in '\) Minor (Cesar Franck). All the movements are being given on this j programme, a portion of the third movement only being excised, in 'deference to the importance of j several other items. Mr Rex I Harrison, who was so success- ! ful at the second concert, is ! again Ihe vocalist. Mr Geo. 11. j Bonnington plays the oboe solo in the Rlughardi Concerto for oboe and ' orchestra, and Miss Irene Morris, the solo violin in "Traumerei" (Schumann), and "Romance - ' (Leo Pouget). Mr B. Yates, the well-known Wellington bassoonist is again | assisting, and the concert promises I to be one of the best in the annals |of the society. The Vice-Regal 'party have signified acceptance of the society's invitation to attend the con- ! cert. Extra seats may be reserved j at Ihe Bristol, and 2/- and 1/- tickets 1 day sales at the Toy Cave Sweet ! Shop.