AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1926, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

THE ENGLISH FUTURISTS. PRINCESS THEATRE, TO-NIGHT. The theatregoers of .Hokitika are por raised n rare treat to-night when tlio English Futurists, a company of 1(5 artists, now on a world tour, wiil commence a two nights season at the. Princess Theatre. G. W. Desmond and Cyril Nortcote, who present this talented company, will he reinomhored by many as the pricipal comedians with the late Sydney James’s “Royal Strollers” who toured New Zealand some years ago. They were with Mr James until his unfortunate death, in Karachi in India, in 1919. Tt was then they decided to form “The English Futurists,” and since that date the company has, with slight alterations and augmentation, suetessfully played hi no less than nineteen countries, covering over one hundred thousand miles in so doing. The show is cnchnncod by the inclusion of “The Cabaret Kittens

a sprightly ballet— and the futurists Jazz Orchestra, and vocally is represented by a soprano, contralto, operatic tenor, and a baritone. I hero are tom comedians of entirely diflerent .Opes and incomparable dancers. .In. this latter category will l>c discovered two old favourites 'in (Ins Dawson and Kily Dalgteisli, who were with Hie New Zealand Diggers Company. Interspersed |,d ween" some delightful song scenes, delightful solo numbers and coucertcds are some entirely new and up-to-date skits and burlesques, specially written by London’s leading revue writers. Gorgeous gowns and artistic scenery dress the show as it should he. There are no tedious “stage waits.” each item following its predecessor with lightninglike rapidity. .Messrs Desmond and Nortcote claim the show as an entirely new type of entertainment, and style it, “The Cabaret Show.” Popular prices will prevail, viz., (is. 4s, Us, and a complete change of programme will be offered 10-morrow (Thursday) evening. Patrons are strongly advised to reserve at Mclntosh’s.

GVERYBOOYS PJCTURES.

BETTY BALFOUR, FRIDAY

Wonderful Betty Balfour, “Squibs,” will he seen at the Princess Theatre <>n Friday nest in her latest and best picture "Squibs’ Honeymoon.” Betty confesses she is a wee bit tired of playing "Squibs,” which is not to be wondered at seeing that she has practically lived in the character for the past two years. But she has created during that period a lovable Cockney figure that has enthroned itself in. all hearts and become world-famous. The art ol Betty is a thing apart. One might believe that she really is an elf hut lor the fact that at times she can be the very spirit of tragedy. Perhaps what has made her more, popular Hum anything else, however, is tlnit most often she appears as the spirit of vivacity and vitality, yet never lacking in winsomeness ami whimiscality, and with queer ways which perhaps only appear so queer because the virtue of'unselfishness is so uncommon. Whatever it is, Betty is our pride and joy. She is British and her art is British. She is our Betty, “Britain’s Queen of Happiness.” The supporting subjects on Friday arc the second chaptei ol “The Grogan Trial,” Palhe Gazette and Comedy. Selections by Miss W il--lin ms orehesni.