AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16260, 10 July 1918, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

"DICK WHITTINGTON" PANTOMIME, j The box plana for the J. C. Williamson annual pantomime ecaeon, this year "Dick Whittington," will be opened at llilner and jjompson'a this morning. The J. C. Williamson pantomimo has, in tJjfl Dominion, come to bo regarded as an annual institution. For a long eeriea of •years oco production has followed another, inch presenting eomo special claim to public favour. 'On thi3 occasion"—writes a wellknown critic —"with the story of Dick Whitjjngton and hie cat presented as the nominal jiome, there is a combination of attractive scenes, humorous incidents resplendent costumes, delightful ballets, the most sylphlike dancing, and many quaint interpolated turns. It may be said that one of tho distinctive features of tho pantomime is the all-round excellence of the principals, and the higher rango of vocalisation. It would be difficult to recall a better boy than Misg Vera Pearce, who presents all the material qualifications in a handsome presence, a good singing voice, und an unfailing vivacity. Then as tho principal girl, Miss Pauline Bindley takes quite a. distinctive position, by reason of the exceptional value of her vocal contributions. Then thero is Miss Pearl Ladd, graceful and attractive as tho daughter of the fierce Emperor Of Morocco, also Miss Ethel "Walker as tie spirit of tho Chimee, Mr Villiers Arnold as tho Demon King pAsents a striking figure." The humour of tho pantomime jj entrusted to very capablo hands. Most of the artiste that created so excellent an impression laet year havo again important parts, notably Mr Arthur Stigant (Molly the Cook), William Fullbrook (Alderman Fitzwarifen), Ernest Longford (Johnnie), Harry Roxbury (Idle Jack), Billy lo Bran (The Cat). Something of a sensation is anticipated in the appearance of the Camille trio, a team of aorobats that are described as little short of marvellous. It takes *7 scenes to present the extravaganza, which is in two acts. Thorp wil] be a matinee on Saturday afternoon. Tho season is for six nights only.

OPERA HOUSE. There was a large and appreciative audience at the Opera House lust evening, when th® pantomiine and vaudeville programme was repeated. Mr Murry Livingstone, the clavcr protean actor, was very popularly received for his most enjoyable turn. Aubrey and Riche, the two dapper American girls, also scored heavily with their dainty singing and dancing turn. Those two acts will appoar for three more nights only. Cromer and Arnold (comedy sketch artists). Ley wood and Norcll (burlesquo comedy couple), and Nellie Kolle (comedienne), all successfully repeated their first night offerings. In the srst half the Harry Farrow Company again itaged "Babes in the Wood," the piece being l jeceivod with every sign of approval. The lame bill will bo given to-night.

CRYSTAL PALACE. fxcollent attendances wore. recorded at Crystal Palace yesterday, when the new programme was successfully repeated. Very great pleasure'was given by June Caprico in the beautiful and romantic dramatic story, "Every Girl's Dream," in which the ennny disposition of this charming actrees has full pliy. The screening of the film was followed with keenest interest. The Mack Bennett force-comedy, "His Hidden Purpose, was responsible for much healthy merriment, and great and absorbing attention marked the screening of the latest instalment "f the mystery oerial, "Who is Number One?" The latest topical events were pictured interestingly in tho American Gazette. At the evening session de luxe the vocal items of Mr James Cock 3 gave great pleasure, and tho selections contributed by the Crystal Palace orchestra, under the baton of a Mr W. H. Corrigan, also added to the enjoyment of the audience. Beginning at noon to-day and this evening tho same programme will bo screened.

QUEEN'S THEATRE. The piquant and quaint incidents pictured in tho • Mutual-Amorican photoplay. "'Molly Go Get 'Em," were heartily enjoyed by largo audiences at tho Queen's Theatre yesterday. Margarita Fischer is tho charming, tomboyish, irresponsible heroine, and fascinates alike with her beauty and with her great talent as an actress. The film is a

splendid example of high-class photography, not the least interesting feature being the luxurious interiors pictured. A further in-

etalmoilt of the serial, "A Loss of the I/umberlande," a two-rool drama, "The Gulf Between," a mirth-making comedy, "A Mix-up at Rudolph's," and a aeries picturing the South African whaling industry complete a - highly attractive programme, wiich will bo fckown again to-day ancl this evening.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. . The screening of the screen version of Kipiing's story, "The Naulahko,' was witnessed by large • and interested audiences at Everybody's Theatre yesterday. In this story, which palpitates with tho mystery and magnificence of tho East, Antonio Moreno and Helen Chadwick ore featured, and the dancing of Doraldina is also noteworthy. A further instalment of the Patlie serial, "The Mystery of the Double Cross," was screened, and al?o tho Patbe Gazette. At the evening session a violin solo was given by Mr Voro Buchanan, and a 'cello solo by Mr G. T. Martinengo. To-day and this evening tho name programme will be eoreen«d.

LIBERTY THEATRE. » "Betsy Ross," the fine drama of the Ame-

fioan War of Independence, in which beau- - tiful Alioo Brady is featured, drew largo ■ V audiences to 'the Liberty Theatre yesterday. ' Many sportsmen and other lovers of horse- • flesh wero greatly interested in the film picturing the muscular action of horses when leaping. To-day and this evening the same 1-films will bo shown. STARLAND THEATRE. There were large attendances at Starland yMterday, when "Tho Jaguars Claw," foatur. ing Scssue Hayakawa, and the fine support- ■ ing subjects, were greatly enjoyed. Tho Borne films will be shows to-day and this evening. STRAND THEATRE.

"Bab'fl Burglar," featuring Marguerite Olark, with the interesting and v&nea supporting subjects, attracted largo audiences to the Strand Theatre yesterday. The same programme will be presented to-day and this ovouing.

SKATING RINK. ' The Colosseum Skating Rink was liberally patronised at all sessions yesterday, thO learners' session showing a gratifying increase. The evening proceedings wero. enlivened by the tuneful musio of Mr C. Dunn's band. The rink will b e open at the usual hours to-day. To-morrow night a hookey match between S«Jywn and a combined team will be played, and judging by the exciting and interesting game between tho Selwyn and Sydenham teams at the carnival tho coming match . should be well worth seeing. Following are the teams:—Selwyn (chocolate): Robb, Harris, Evans, Bell, Smith; combined team (red , and black); Luxton, Sinclair, Snoll, Beaton, Holland.