ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17711, 15 May 1929, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE WRECKER” TO-NIGHT. Thrilling and mysterious, novel in conception and with a saving grace of humour, “The Wrecker,” the railway mystery drama to be staged here for the first time at the Theatre Royal tonight by the J. G. Williamson Ltdmanagement in conjunction with E. J. and Dan Carroll, is by Arnold Ridley, who also wrote “The Ghost Train.” An outstanding feature of “The Wrecker” is the realistic effects, which are worked by an army of specially-selected electricians and mechanics. The noises of trains offstage are, it is said, a remarkable innovation in stagecraft. Even before the curtain rises the audience is startled by shrill whistling and stentorian pulling from behind—effect due, it appears immediately afterwards, to the departure of trains from the station of the great trunk railway, which are just outside the windows of the office pictured on the stage. Miss Josephine Wilson, the leading lady of the company which is to present 'The Wrecker,’ ran away from school to go on to the stage, and she has had no reason to regret her action, as she is at present one of England's most popular dramatic stars. Mr Clayton Greene, whe will make his first appearance here in “The Wrecker,” made himself immensely popular in Australia, where he is regarded as one of the best actors who has ever appeared thereThere can be no return of the company, for it must return to Australia to fulfil engagements there, while some of the principals have to leave for London and New York as soon as the Australian lour is concluded. The box plans are open, and ns the booking so far has been heavy intending patrons arc advised to reserve early.

FAREWELL TO THE FROLICS. ANOTHER LARGE AUDIENCE. There was again a large audience at the Theatre Royal last night, when the Midnight Frolics concluded a very successful season. The entertainment, as on the previous night, was gay and sparkling, and proved very popular. The company left this morning for Auckland. STRAND AND FRANKTCN THEATRES A. tale of the sea, of seamen and a siren is unfolded in “Captain Lash,” Fox Film starring Victor McLaglen, which opens at the above theatres to-night. McLaglen, from his palmy days of “What Price Glory?” and “Loves of Carmen,” is an especial favourite locally. Fox has provided him with an ideal vehicle in “Captain Lash," Most of the scenes take place aboard an ocean liner plying between Sydney and Singapore, with McLaglen one minute driving his stokers at a furious pace and the next making love to Claire Windsor, an adventuress. There is some great fun in the finish. The supporting picture, entitled “Toni,” featuring popular Jack Buchanan is an exhilarating comedy of a wealthy young man who turned defeedive for his health. There is fun and thrills galore in this one.