“THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 525, 30 November 1928, Page 14

“THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS”

HIS MAJESTY’S, WEDNESDAY The next J. C. Williamson attraction at His Majesty’s Theatre is the return visit of the “Midnight Frolics.” An extended season opens on Wednesday next, and there will be matinees every Saturday and on holidays. The company is already well and favourably known in the Dominion, and since their last visit here has played lengthy seasons in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The critic of the “Courier,” Brisbane, says: “House records were broken at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night. Hundreds of people j were turned away, and the reception given the Midnight Frolics was tumultuous. When Clem Dawe, always a firm favourite with Brisbane theatregoers, appeared for the first time, it was some minutes before he could I make himself heard above the din of the hand-clapping. With his inevitable whistle and his remarkably mobile features, he soon had the crowd rocking with laughter. The scenes and stage fittings for the show were on a sumptuous scale.” The company on this visit is presenting entirely new programmes, dressing and staging. The comedians of the show are, of course .headed by Clem Dawe, who is without doubt one of the funniest of jesters that we have at the present day on the stage. He is ably assisted in all his turns by Eric Edgeley, with whom he has been associated fcr many years. Other funmakers in the show are Les and Dorothy White. The speciality dancing of the show is given by Phyllis Amery. Gregory Ivanoff, violinist, is already a firm favourite here. Lillian, Crisp, appearing for the first time with the company, recently played prominent parts with the “Gilbert and Sullivan” Company. Oscar Beck and William Perryman are concert singers of note with the show. A big feature of the attraction is the Frolic’s Jazz Band of 12 performers. The box plans open on Monday morning at Lewis Eady, Ltd. LYRIC “PLAYING STRAIGHT” A stroll on the campus, mad pi'anks, moonlight romance, comedy stunts, a thrilling football game in which the hero dashes in at the last minute, and a friendship which cannot be duplicated—that is the recipe of “Playing Straight,” the fine story of American college life to be shown at the Lyric Theatre this evening. The cast is headed by Bobby Agnew and Pauline Garon, as two gay young students. Plenty of comedy is provided by the redoubtable Ben Turpin. The second big attraction this evening will be “Her Cardboard Lover,” the latest success by Marion •T.«. t/ov.cs Davies. This picture has as a background the life of exclusive Monte Carlo, and has been produced on a most lavish style. “A NAUTICAL KNOT” TAKAPUNA OPERATIC SOCIETY STAGING A crowded attendance last evening at the Picturedrome, Milford, watched the staging by the Takapuna Amateur Operatic Society of the operetta, “A Nautical Knot.”

The performance was opened by the Mayor of Takapuna, Mr; J. W. Williamson, who is a patron of the society. Proceeds from the production are for the relief fund. There was a considerable amount of riotous fun in the entertainment. The curtain rose on Barnstapoole Quay, and thereafter, a tale of sailormen and matrimonial complications were unfolded. After many amusing happenings the plot finishes to the satisfaction of everyone. Mrs. Williamson-Smith played’ the part of Julia, Mrs. E. W. Taylor Nance, and Mr. H. J. Taylor Bill Salt. A feature of the production was an Egyption ballet arranged by Miss Dorothy Steele and including the Misses J. Deighton, M. Brookbank, W. Crosher, W. Kindred and E. Mills. Masters A. Mills and J. Richardson were the incense-bearers in the chief scene, “In a Monastery Garden.” In a Spanish ballet, arranged by Madame Valeska, the solo dancer was Miss Betty Kerr, nd the supports were the Misses S. Greenwood, M. Copsey, J. Ferguson, M. McNaughton and H. Collins. Miss Dorothy Roberts gave a hornpipe solo. The producer was Mrs. M. V. Kindred. and the orchestra was conducted by Mr. J. F. Phillips.