THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1309, 24 April 1918, Page 7

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. Good business continues to rule at the Opera House, where an exceedingly good and well diversified programme of vaudeville turns is in season. The star turn is that of Philip Newbury, the famous tenor, and Amy Murphy, the brilliant soprano, and their selections are artistically rendered. Among them is the ever pleasing "Miserere" from "II Trovatore." Irene Pearse presents a novel and pleasing vocal turn, while Arthur Croxon, the popular English comedian is reappearing with much success. The season of Vaude and Verne, the two fiopular entertainers, is now drawing o a close. A good musical comedy act is presented by Agnes Raines and Svdnev Jones. "Murphy's Night Out" is the title of the latest Tom Haverley escapade, and it is a production which fully maintains the company's high reputation.

GRAND THEATRE. Emmy Wehlen is an artist who has become famed as a dramatic actress on account of her many successful Metro appearances, and each of her productions is welcomed by picturegoers. This week the Grand Theatre is showing this artist in her best role to date in "The Outsider." In this picture she is seen as a young girl who has a terrible struggle against bitter circumstances. "Miss Wchlen's acting abounds with all her characteristic charm and tenderness, while the setting, photography and other departments of the production are also highly creditable. Other good items are also on the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE. That virile portrayer of big parts, William Farnum, is appearing this •week at Crystal Palace in his best characterisation to date in "Playing Fair," a powerful William Fox production, the theme of which is founded upon the popular novel "The Ironmaster." William Farnum's interpretation of the star role, that of a man who finds the attentions of his wife straying, and who eventually brings about a pleasing reunion, is brilliant indeed. Jewel Carmen plays opposite "Bill" Farnum. This week's programme is noteworthy on account of the fact that it contains the opening instalment of a serial which promises to represent the very highest mark of excellence in the way of serial production. It is entitled "Who is Number One?" and abounds throughout | Its two reels with incidents which; thrill. Other good pictures are' also on the programme, including "Max Wants a Divorce," a riotously amusing comedy in which the famous French comedian, Max Under, is featured. The latest American Gazette is also being shown. High class music by Mr W. 11. Corrigan's orchestra accompanies the screening of the play, while selections are rendered by Madame Clarice Holgate, the wellknown vocalist.

STARLAND THEATRE. A really delightful comedy drama is the premier attraction this week at the popular Starlaml Theatre. The title is "Skinner's Baby," and it is an artistically conceived Essanay production starring the famous screen actor, Bryant Washburn. The humour is good, and a very pleasing touch of heart interest is interwoven. The leading character is not a heavy-weight, in fact he is only an infant, and it is well known that infants often get their parents into strange predicaments. Skinner's baby does this with a vengeance,' and the result is a most diverting picture. Another instalment of "The Voice on the Wire," is also on the programme. QUEEN'S THEATRE. Dainty little Mary Miles Minler, the idol of many hearts is appearing with great success this week at the Queen's Theatre in a powerful five-act Mutual feature, "Peggy Leads the Way." It is a virile story of life in the heart of America's lumber areas, and the wild grandeur of the scenery, and the excellence of the photography make the picture still more acceptable. It is something rather different from most of Miss Minter's previous productions, and it is one which gives her unlimited opportunities. The supporting list is a good one, and includes a riotous comedy and a pleasing little drama. LIBERTY THEATRE. Irene Castle is the most piquant, ultra-fashionable actress of two continents. Her first film plav is "Sylvia of the Secret Service," which

is being screened at the Liberty Theatre. The story opens in the offices of an Amsterdam diamond cutter, who entrusts an enormous jewel to the custody of the hero. The photography is good, and the whole drama is quite a unique production. It abounds with gripping situations, while throughout there runs a strong vein of mystery. In addition is shown the 9th instalment of "The Neglected Wife."

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. Miss Alice Brady's successes with the World Film Corporation may be numbered by the score, in fact every picture which this artist appears in is a masterpiece, so that the knowledge that she portrays the leading role in "The Gilded Cage" this week's star item at Everybody's Theatre is attracting large attendances to that theatre at all sessions. The picture is one which possesses a distinctly original touch, and it tells in a most fascinating manner of the way in which the heroine unmasked a base international deceiver. Other good pictures include the latest instalment of "The History of the War." STRAND "THEATRE. A remarkably unique picture is at present being screened at the Strand Theatre. This is "The Call of the East," in which the well-known and popular Japanese actor Sessue Hayakawa has a role to which he does the fullest justice. He is assisted by a piquant little Japanese actress, his wife, Tsuru Aoki. It is a story of romantic adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun, and its settings are the last word in Oriental splendour. The producing and mounting are of characteristic Paramount excellence. Other good pictures are also on the programme, while appropriate selections will be rendered during the evening sessions by the Ellwood Trio.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. The Christchurch Orchestral Society's first concert of the season will be held to-night at the Choral Hall, Latimer Square. Arrangements have been made to specially heat the building, and a very attractive programme has been drawn up. The full orchestra will play the overture "Merry Wives of Windsor" (Nicolai), "Suite dc Massenet" (Mouton), "Vaise Triste" (Sibelius), and the Triumphal March from "Cleopatra" (Mancinelli). The orchestra will also play the accompaniment to violin solo "Meditation" from ThaisMassenet (Moutpn). The solo will be played by Miss Irene Morris. Mrs Vere Livingstone (pianistc) will play the first movement from Schumann's pianoforte concerto with orchestral accompaniment, and the vocalist of the evening will be Mr Leslie Fleming, who will sing "Mine Enemy" (Olga Rudd), "Boris Epais" (Lully), and "Until" ((Sanderson). The box plan is open at The Bristol, where seals may be reserved.

MALE VOICE CHOIR. One of many features of the programme to be presented to-morrow evening and on Saturday evening by, the Christchurch Male Voice Choir, under Dr. .1. C. Hradshaw, will be the singing of Sullivan's "The Long Day Closes" and Stanford's "Farewell," both in memory of our heroes who fell in Gallipoli. ' The latter was recently performed at the great National memorial service for fallen heroes recently held at the Albert Hall, London. Another feature will be the singing of several quaint madrigals, written as far back as the fifteenth' century. In these the Cathedral hoys will take the soprano parts. Splendid hooking is still re-' ported by Messrs Milner and Thompson. Tickets are still on sale. "COME INSIDE." At the Theatre Royal on Thursday, May 2, Sydney James will present his New Revue Company, including the famous Royal Strollers, in the latest Revue "Come Inside," which is said to be one of the brightest and most original extravaganzas ever produced in Australasia, and Christchurch theatregoers will witness the initial production in New Zealand. The Royal Strollers have during the past two years played over fiftyseven weeks in Sydney, and their farewell season at the Playhouse broke all records, as for weeks every seat in the house was booked up, and nightly hundreds were turned away. In "Come Inside" it is said that Sydney James has got the ideal entertainment, and one which will appeal to all tastes. From the opening chorus—a muddled medley of musical mixtures —to the end of the performance there is an atmosphere of the most delightfully fastidious extravagance and bubbling, sparkling gaiety. Now it is a "spasm" from Shakespeare, now a

burlesque of "Faust" followed by a ballet, then songs ? sketches, scenas and a potted version of some wellknown plays with impersonations of famous players. Item follows item, and it is said that there is never a dull moment, and the audience is carried through the evening in a joyous mood. In addition to the original members of the Royal Strollers, the company includes many artists who are making their first visit to New Zealand, and they come with the very best of reputations. The Christchurch season is a limited one, and the box plan will be opened at The Bristol on Tuesday next. rink. Roller skating is an art and pastime which fascinates, and consequently the annual season during which its followers may indulge in it is invariably welcome. The 1918 season will commence on Saturday next. Fuller particulars will be announced later.