ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 234, 28 June 1921, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

KING'S THEATRE. "Th* Broadway Bubble,” with ths •oomplished Corinne Griffith in the most fascinating rolo in her carets*', is a new treat offered by the King's Theatre. The story abounds in strong and dramatic situations, and provides Misa Griffith with tho best opportunities she has yet had. In assuming a dual role) of twin sisters, both often appearing in the same scenes, she is provided with doublo the opportunity to display wonderful gowns, the wearing of which she makes an art. Mr. Leslie Jehpcott, tenor, was well received in aH his numbers last evening, whilst the King's Orchestra added materially to tho entertainment. EMPRESS THEATRE. “Man’s Desire,” starring' Lewis Stone, is a vivid drama of the timber country. The desire of Tom Denton was a normal, healthy, and manly craving—to make a good woman happy. Tom had other desires, too; one was to get tho scoundrel who had killed his brother in cold blood, and had terrorised the girl Tom had wished to make happy into a compulsory marriage. It is a high pressure drama that gives Lewis Stone plenty tft do, and ho does it in a snappy manner. The supports include episode 6of “The Silent Avenger,” a comedy, and latest Gazettes. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Tho Romance of a Movie Star," which i» screened at Everybody’s Theatre this week, is a fine film. The story hinges on the rise from obscurity- to stardom of a girl. Vanna George, and gives intimate glimpses of the artists at work in a big studio. A fascinating love story runs through the plot. The supporting

programme is good. , * "THE GONDOLIERS.” The J. C. Williamson, Gilbei-t and Sullivan comic opera season will open at the Opera House on Saturday next. The initial production will be the ever-popu-lar "Gondoliers,” of which the critic of tho Sydney “Evening News” writes;— “The music of thia opera would make it welcome, apart from its other attractive qualities. ’ Under Mr. Slapoffski's direction the tuneful choruses were taken with excellent spirit, a nice balance being secured. The groupings were j,icturesque in the pretty scenes at the Piaeetta, Venice, and the Pavilion in the Palace of Barataria. Mr. Charles Walen was bent upon getting all that was possible out of the part of the Duke de Plaze-Toro, and lie succeeded in a humorous representation of the , character. Much of the attractiveness of the music is due to the concerted portions, rich as they are in melody, and Mr. Walen, Mr. John Ralston (Luiz), Miss Beryl Walkley (Tho Duchess of Plaze-Toro). Miss Cissie. Vaughan (Casilda, her daugh er). Miss Patti Russell (Gianetta), Miss Thelma Carter (Tessa), James Hay (Marco), and Mr. Frederick Hobbs (Guiseppe) are to be credited with singing this mnsic with excellent effect. Mr. Albert Kavanagh, as the Grand I nquisitor, was oonscieniious in ills acting and singing. "No Possible Doubt,” and the satirical song in the second act gaining entire approval. The companion gondoliers, Marco and Guiseppe, kept well in the picture, Messrs. Hay ar.d Hobbs having a good share of the applause for their singing. “Take a P’air of Sparkling Eyes!,’ was, of course, a favourite, and Mr. Hay was called upon for a double encore. As the two wives. Misses Russell and Carter sang the sparkling music commendably, and when parting from their husbands, caught tho spirit of the scene capitally.” "Tho Gondoliers" will be played for the first five nights, and will be followed by "The Mikado" for four nights. The box plans for these two operas will be opened at the Bristol on Thursday next. QUEEN'S THEATRE. The feature now screening at tno Queen's Theatre is a film "transcription" of an episode in Charles Dickens’s novel, "Bleak House." ' The story chosen is one of the most dramatic in the book — that of the tragic romance of Lady Dedlock and the discovery of her secret. Tho production is nn English one, and its quiet tone and smooth, though forceful progress is in marked contrast to the more fiery action which js standard practice in film making. The cast, headed by Miss Constance Collier, as Lady Dedloek. is remarkably capable, and the atmosphere of the novel is convincingly transplanted. A Metro comedy-drama, "After His Own Heart,” combines plenty of thril with its humour. The plan is nt tho theatre. Tho New Zealand Diggers, who’ have fust completed a ten months' tour, have suspended operations. Tno company is to commence touring again in October, when the performance will be on a more elaborate scale'than heretofore.