AMUSEMENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12284, 5 April 1918, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

CRYSTAL PALACE. The external appearance of Crystal Palace is imposing and leaves a good impression on tlio mind. The managers of the new theatre promise that this impression will not bo belied by tlio internal appointments, which are said to be of a most up-to-date and luxurious character. When the theatre was planned the whole aim was to secure comfort and case. A great drawback to many theatres is the narrowness of the spaces between the rows of seats, in Crystal. Palace ample spaces have been provided. The .seats will be roomy and comfortable, 'the lights soft and restful, and the decorations artistic and harmonious. In a word the patrons of Crystal Palace will be assured of delightful rest as well as an enjoyable entertainment. In these days of war this former assurance should ho an alluring proposition in the choice of a place of amusement. The theatre, will ho opened to-morrow night at 7 p.m., jmd the programme will begin at 7.-15. “Heart and Soul,” an' adaptation of Sir Rider Haggard’s I novel “Jess,” starring the famous actress, Theda Bara, and “Max in a! Taxi,” an Essanay comedy, presenting the comedian Max Linder, will be the two principal features of this first night’s entertainment. Mary Al’Alister, tlio child actress, will also be seen in her latest “ Do Children Count?” picture, whilst an item of topical interest will be supplied by the “ War Gazette.” A strong orchestra, under the baton of Mr, W. H. Corrigan, will supply the music, and Madame Claris ILolgatc will contribute vocal numbers. On Monday • Crystal Palace will commence as a continuous picture theatre. The box plans are now open at The Bristol. OPERA HOUSE. A lively musical farce, supported by a number of excellent vaudeville turns, constitutes the current programme which has been drawing large crowds to the Opera House every night this week. Tom Haverley and his company supply the farce. Their initial production is entitled “Two Irish Sports,” a piece which from start to finish has not one dull moment in it. This playlet will be presented for one more night only. At the matinee performance to-morrow Tom Haverley’s second musical farce, “The Alan in Black,” will be staged. The vaudeville artists who make their final appearance to-night are The Tossing Testros. jugglers and equilibrists, and Bluffo, the eccentric juggler. The Five Lewins, whose act consists of pretty songs and dances, will appear for the last time to-morrow night. Patrons will he pleased to learn that those popular patterists, Vaude and Verne, and the comedian. Ernest Pitcher. will appear for a further period. On Monday evening a new vaudeville act will he contributed to the programme by Delmore and Lee, aerial gymnasts, who are said to give a turn of incredible daring. Seats for any performance can be booked at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s. ADA REEVE. The Ada Reeve Company presented a new programme at the Theatre Royal last night. Miss Reeve’s first item was a soldier’s song of the kind that the great comedienne excels in. It was entitled “You Remember There’s a Place Called Homo,” and it was sung by Miss Reeve in a most soul-stirring apd gripping manner. Miss Reeve also sang a number of her bright little ditties with titles like “ You Can Do a Lot of Things at the Seaside That You Can’t Do at Home,” and after numerous recalls she gave ns her final number that old favourite “ Tennessee.” The supporting artists also received hearty applaue. Air Tallour Andrews gave a fine interpretation of “On With the Motley,” from “Pagliacci,” in addition to one or two Irish songs. Tho singing conductor, Air Harry Jacobs, was heard to advantage in a number Of humorous items, udiilst Louis Nicola, the conjurer, mystified the audience with new tricks. Other acceptable items were contributed by Rogero, the mimic, Lucie Linda, juvenile danseuso, Peggy Peat, vocalist, and the New English Comedy Company. The same programme will be presented to-night. STARLAND THEATRE, Annette Kcllermann has won .fame in two activities of life—the world of sport and the world of the film. “A Daughter of the Gods,” which is now being shown at this theatre, is_ irrefutable evidence that Annette Kellermann is an actress of no mean ability, She is the central figure of this William Fox production, which can best be described by the one word gorgeous. Indeed “A Daughter of the Gods” is as magnificent and perfect as art and money can make it, and by some critics it is reckoned as n masterpiece. The picture is certainly attractive, for crowded houses were recorded at all sessions yesterday. “ A Daughter of tlio Gods” will bp. screened again today and this evening. SYDENHAM PICTURES. Sydenham must be considered fortunate above most of the other suburbs in at least one respect—that it possesses a picture theatre where excellent entertainments are given. The new programme shown last night was quite up to tho high standard that the management of tho theatre lias set itself to maintain. “ They’re Off.” the principal film, starring Enid Rennett, was, as tho name indicates, a racing drama full of exciting incidents and tense moments. This picture was well supported by an excellent selection of films, of which the thirteenth episode of the “Afysteriea of Afyra” and the “History of the War” series. No. 6, were perhaps the most interesting. This programme will he shown again tonight.