THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1358, 20 June 1918, Page 7

THE THEATRES.

THEATRE ROYAL. "When London Sleeps" was presented at the Theatre Royal last night by the Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company before a large and appreciative audience. On Saturday evening the company will be seen in ihe thrilling racing play, "The Pace that Kills." This is built on true melodramatic lines, and abounds in exciting situations and surprises. It is a story of the English Grand National Steeplechase, and deals with a plot to prevent the favourite from in the race. A series of complications arises from the efforts of the good and bad people of the play to outwit each other, and as the failure of the favourite to win the race would enrich the villain and crush the hero financially, the interest in the play becomes intense. The characters of the dissolute gambler, the money-lender, and the adventuress, who all work against the hero, are all in capable hands. Miss Kathleen Arnold has ample scope for her natural charm in the part of the heroine, and Mr A. Bran-don-Cremer as Joe Nettles, the hopeful jockey, has an excellent part, in which he is responsible for a great deal of the comedy of the piece.

LIBERTY THEATRE. A powerful and well-produced World Film drama, "Whims of Society," with beautiful Ethel Clayton in the lead is being screened this week at the Liberty Theatre. It is a drama which depicts Miss Clayton in the role of a factory girl, and in this part she gets many opportunities to display her well-known talents. A young millionaire loves her, but bis father objects, and threatens to disinherit his son, but the way in which this difficulty is overcome is well told. Another good picture is a topical subject, "The King's Visit to the Grand Fleet," which contains some splendid views of the great British High Seas Fleet in battle trim. It is a picture which should inspire confidence.' EVERYBO D Y'S THEATRE. Tn several acts of good story with luxurious sellings, and a quaint character-interest. Olive Thomas appears in "Limousine Life" at Everybody's this week. The second instalment of "The Mystery of the Double Cross," "The Masked Stranger," was screened again yesterday, and further revealed the mysterious doings of Ihe lady with ihe "Double Cross " A most enjoyable scenic film is also being screened, entitled "A Trip Through Japan." CRYSTAL PALACE. A programme of pictures and music which would be exceedingly difficult to surpass is being presented this week at Crystal Palace, and that the quality of the bill is being jippreciated is evidenced by Ihe fact that even the liberal seating accommodation provided has been quite unable to meet the demand which lias been made for admission. "Some Boy" is the chief pictorial attraction, and it is a play which depicts the inimitable athletic hero Get). Walsh, in the role of publicity man to a large seaside' resort hotel. Actual sensations being scarce, he decides to manufacture a few. It is a swift-moving, always entertaining and diverting production of the type •which grips, and it depicts Ihe popular George Walsh at his best. i'he supporting programme includes a sensational Roscoe Arbuckle comedy, "Fatty Out West." The .singing of Mrs John Fraser, mezzo soprano, is one of the big features of 4he entertainment during the evening sessions.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. "The Frame-Up." ;i live-reel Mutual production, shirriiift William Hussell ;iik! Francelia Billington, has been responsible for Crowded houses all lliis week al the Queen's Theatre, ll is a fascinating drain;) of (he heavy variety, containing a wealth of powerful situations. "The Spiked Switch," the eurrenl chapter of the "Lass of the Lumherlands," and other good supporting films are shown. STARLAND THEATRE. A big Paramount drama is this week's feature at Starland Theatre, and is entitled "Her Own People." J.eonore CI rich is the star. For the taking of the scenes the film company went high up into the Calil'orniiin mountains, and camped beside a beauliful lake. Good stars, equally well supported, and a thrilling story combine to make this picture one of the best that has come from the Paramount Corporation.

OPERA HOUSE. Those who have not yet seen Miss Winifred La France's beautiful act, which has delighted large audiences nightly at the Opera House, should not miss i( as it is a turn of that kind which one gels an opportunity of seeing, but once in a while. There are other good turns, including that of Maud Courtney and Mr C, the witty comedienne, and clever raconteur who have been enthusiastically received nightly. The Balancinos present a good athletic act, while de Car, the acrobatic waiter is still appearing with great success. Ward Lear, comedian and mimic, is also on the programme. The Harry Farrow Pantomime Company is presenting a potted version of "Dick Whittington," which forms an excellent entertainment. STRAND THEATRE. , A good bill of fare in the wav of ; pictures is provided for the benefit of picture patrons at the Strand. The, ;big attraction is one in which Vivian Martin is starred in "The Wax Model," a story of great heart interest. Miss Martin ably fills the leading role and once more demonstrates her powers as a star of no mean ability. The big feature is supported by several well-varied films.

GRAND THEATRE. An excellent programme is being screened this week at the Grand, the main feature being the Metro pic-' lure, "Daybreak," in which the fascinating Emily Stevens is starred. It is rather an unusual picture and sees Miss Stevens in a most fitting role. "Daybreak" is supported by a varied programme, including a diverting comedy, "Flatheads and Flivvers," and "The Valley of the Lys," a fine scenic film. SYDENHAM PICTURES. There will be a change TTf programme this evening at the Sydenham Pictures when Olive Thomas will appear in "Limousine Life." COLOSSEUM SKATING RINK. The fascinating art of roller skating attracted large attendances to the Colosseum Rink yesterday during all four sessions, and patrons obtained the utmost enjoyment from an hour of two on Ihe rollers. It is the best exercise imaginable for these cold and fosty evenings. The management provide every facility for a swift and safe mastery of the art, and learners have the privilege of attending a special session from 5.30 to 7 p.m. The annual fancy dress and poster carnival is being arranged for July 3 and 4 next.