THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1788, 6 November 1919, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

* GOODY TWO-SHOES" PANTOMIME. Judging by the generous nature of the advance booking for the pantomime, the season promises to be singularly successful. There is no doubt that a deal more than the usual interest is being shown in the forthcoming season of the J. C. Williamson Goody Two-Shoes" pantomime, which ■will be seen here ior the first time on Saturday afternoon next. The cast includes Miss Madeline Harrison, an artist from the principal New York theatres, who will appear as Goody. Miss Dorothy Hastings, another artist of very high reputation in light opera and burlesque work: Miss Toby Claude, well known as one of the most popular comediennes in America; Miss- Maud Gray, a singer of rare charm and beauty; Maggie Dickinson, than whom no greater dancer lives in Australasia to-day; also Mr Arthur Stigant, the beau ideal of all pantomime Dames; Mr Herbert Walton, a comedian from Drury Lane, London; Gus Bluett, Arthur Elliott, Stanley Odgers, Charles Howard and Sydney Yates. A host of attractions of extraordinary interest will include the following :—Fred Walton in his extraordinary specialty, "The Toy Soldier," presented by him during the last 14 years at the leading English and American theatres—said to he a remarkable exhibition of I pantomimic efficiency. Jewel's Marionette, Circus, introducing a distinct novelty in! Circus Day in Toyland; and one of the greatest of all pantomime acts, the famous ■ acrobatic comedians, the Kenna Brothers, In their world-famed specialty, "By Airplane to the North Pole." Besides these star features there arc many specialties of an astonishing nature, notably the baffling "Mysterious Tent," the bewitching "Magic Bubble," the radiant rainbow ballet, the beautiful Kirchner ballet, the fine exposition of living tableaux—the "Hobby Horse" and Toy Ballets—and the wonderful finale of the Palace of Peace. There will j be matinees on Saturday and Wednesday. next. The box plans are at MHner and I Thompson's. I

ROYAL TOGOS-ALSACE COMPANY. Considerable interest is being evinced in the appearance in the King's Theatre tomorrow evening of a special vaudeville company of artists of high standing on the variety stages. The company is headed by the famous Japanese artists, Uno and George Togo. These clever people present a wonderful act of juggling, balancing and daring feats, terminating with the "slide for life," in which one of the brothers walks along a slender rope which is stretched from the stage over the heads of the audience to the ceiling of the theatre, and, blindfolded, astounds all with his thrilling slide. Louis Alsace, who is recognised as a wizard of the violin, will offer choice classic gems, excerpts from grand opera, and will also introduce musical items on the 'cello and alsacephone. La Belle Undine, who comes direct from Paris, will be seen in the latest dance originalities. These artists will depart shortly for America and Europe, and this is their farewell to New Zealand. Wendy Dale and Alphonse are flrst-class performers, whose forte is harmony singing, smart sketches, and neat dancing. In , Lalla Knight, the company has a soprano singer of rare charm and brilliancy. Miss O Hana Mitsu is the accompanist, and the stage settings are most appropriate and gorgeous. The King's Theatre is being specially lighted and heated, and the interior is being generally rearranged for the season. The box plan is now open at The Bristol. OPERA HOUSE. There was again a crowded attendance at the Opera House last evening to see the newprogramme. Pinto, a remarkable contortionist, greatly astonished the audience by his ability to tic himself into knots. Moon and Morris, in light comedy and lighter dancing, won for themselves the unstinted approval of the house. The Astons, Cracknel Is (whip and lariat experts), and Frank Sidney and Co. again appeared with success. Paul Stanhope and his revue company appeared in "Safety First," an amusing little trifle, interlarded with good jokes, catchy choruses and neat dancing. The company is a very versatile one. Mr Bidgood and his .orchestra again supplied selections and accompanied the performers in their finished manner. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE* "Heart of thv. Sunset," from the pen of Bex Beach, now being shown at Everybody's Theatre, is well received daily. "The Magnificent Meddler," a Topical Gazette, and a comedy film complete the programme. GRAND THEATRE. An excellent programme, headed by "For Husbands* Only," a sparkling comedy, featuring the piquant little comedienne, Mildred Harris, is being shown at present at the Grand Theatre. "The Further Advent turcs of Stingaree," an episode in the life of a gentleman -.Tacksman, "A Regular Patsey" (Christie comedy), and an interesting Gazette complete a programme of unusual attraction. LIBERTY THEATRE. Sentimental Bloke" is nightly attracting appreciative audiences at the Liberty Theatre. Both Lottie Lyall and Arthur Tauchert show a thorough appreciation of the author's whimsical humour and originality. During the screening of the picture Mr Abel Howe sings some appropriate numbers. QUEEN'S THEATRE. "Hearts of the World," D. W. Griffith's classic picture, was the chief attraction on the programme screened at - the Queen's Theatre yesterday. The war scenes proved of especial interest to the large audiences that attended at all sessions. The excellent acting of the principals, , Dorothy Gish, Lillian Gish and Robert Harron, mid the general production were-thoroughly appreciated. The supporting programme, which contains several first-class items, also met with approval. STRAND THEATRE. , "Arizona," featuring Douglas Fairbanks, rind "Jane Goes A-Wooing," Featuring Viv-' ian Martin, drew large crowds to thc'Strand Theatre yesterday. CRYSTAL PALACE. "When A Woman Loves," with Emmy Wchlen in the leading role, "The Last Bottle," and a screamingly funny comedy, featuring Billy West, are on the programme at Crystal Palace. Songs are contributed by Mr Harold Prescott. The same programme xvifl be presented this evening.