THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1065, 11 July 1917, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

« OPERA HOUSE. This week will see the end of the season at the Opera House, the local vaudeville entertainment being transferred to Ilis Majesty's Theatre on July 21. A good programme is being presented, including Haig and Haig, the sensational strong men. Billy and Doris, the popular dancers and talkers, are still appearing with great success, while Murfayne, the xylophonist, has heen encored nightly. The famous Bunty Comedy Company are presenting another of their successful sketches. The coloured comedian, Billy C. Brown, is as popular as ever with his jokes and songs, while Cusko's Monkeys, and their clever canine assistant, Jerry, continue to be a big attraction. Those favourite musical comedy artists, Taylor and McQuoin, are still firm in public favour. This week they are featuring a new patriotic song, "There's a Ship That's Bound for Blighty." The Gadabout Girls are also on the bill. -THE BATTLE OF THE ANCRE." Widespread public interest has been aroused by the announcement that the Jirst of the official war films which are being sent out to the New Zealand Government will be shown in Chrislchurch at His Majesty's Theatre for a season commencing on July 10. The Government has entered into an agreement with the "Y.M.C.A. to display the picture right throughout the Dominion for the benefit of our soldiers through several of the well-recnanised channels. The subject of the big picture, which is some 5000 ft in length, is the "Battle of the Ancre," which took place last September, and by no means the least interesting feature in if is the section which illustrates for the first time the advance of the tanks which struck such terror into the Germans and helped to save so many British! Jives. The whole picture is said to

present the most comprehensive, reliable, and realistic record of the war that has yet appeared in this country, ami for that reason alone crowded : houses should be assured here and wherever the picture goes. The entire net proceeds of the exhibition . of the picture will be devoted to the 'relief of our soldiers and the distribution of comforts to the men both ; at the front and in hospital and convalescent homes in England and abroad. COLOSSEUM RINK. The popularity of roller skating continues to increase, as is evidenced jby the large crowds which have been i attending the Colosseum Rink of late. There are four sessions daily, from 10 to 12 in the mornings, 2.30 to 5 in the afternoons, 5.30 to 7 in the evenings, and 7.30 to 10 at night. During the latter session and on Saturday afternoons a brass band is in attendance. The 5.30-7 session is a special one for learners. j "THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT." The box plans for J. C. Willliamson's, Ltd., pantomime season, I which commences at the Theatre j Royal on Monday next, will open at \ Milner and Thompson's to-morrow I morning at 9 o'clock. There are I two items in "The House That Jack '■. Built" that provide an element of mystery not usually associated with : pantomime. The first is the big "Jingle Johnny" that, lowered from ! the dome of the theatre, sings the ! chorus of Hilda Guiver's song, and ! answers questions. Of course, the i general supposition is that there is I a man inside, but the peoph in the j dress circle can see the empty in- ; terior of the grotesque figure through i the open flap through which the ; sound emerges. And as to the i gramophone supposed to be inside, : that supposition is disposed of by I the fact that "Jingle Johnny" replies | intelligently lo questions and refers to various people in the theatre. The j other mystery relates to the dolls

that help to back the song "Baby Doll." These are carried by the children who assist, and on being placed upright on the stage, they immediately dance in harmony with the chorus, keeping perfect time. The pantomime is claimed to he the most successful that the noted firm has ever produced. There will be two matinee performances during the season. PICTURE THEATRES. Enid Bennett, the popular Australian actress, is appearing this week in a strong dramatic Triangle play, "The Little Brother." Starland's current three-hour programme is headed by "The Family Stain," an enthralling detective drama. In addition, chapter 2 of "The Purple Iris" is being shown. "Snow White," this week's attraction at the Strand Theatre, features the popular little actress. Marguerite Clark. The supporting list includes a Vogue comedy and the Pathe Gazette. "Apartment 29," now being shown at His Majesty's Theatre, is an enthralling story abounding with thrills. Earle Williams plays the leading role. "Behind the Screen" is Charles Chaplin's greatest Mutual success to date. It is being shown at the Queen's Theatre together with "The Haunting Shadow," a World Film drama. The brilliant emotional actress, Olga Petrova, is appearing this week at the Grand Theatre in her latest Metro success, "Bridges Burned."