“The Rivals” Premiere at His Majesty’s

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 729, 31 July 1929, Page 4

“The Rivals” Premiere at His Majesty’s

Brilliant Costumes for Sheridan Comedy ALLAN WILKIE SEASON At the premiere of “The Rivals,” Sheridan’s comedy, which was presented by the Allan Wilkie Company at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, gasps of admiration and long-drawn, envious “00-ohs” were a tribute to the breath-tak-ing loveliness of the gown in which Miss Hunter-Watts makes her appearance. Miss "Watts, as Lydia Languish, the beautiful heiress who sighs lor romance, wears an exquisite frock of organdie of palest green and primrose. Fashioned somewhat on the lines of the 18th century contouche, the petticoat is of primrose satin with frilled organdie overdress of pale green. Bows of daffodil yellow taffeta adorn the front of the pointed, close-fitting corsage, and catch the ruched hem of the petticoat. Two very large, soft bows of the taffeta fall gracefully from | either side of the waistline over the billowing skirt. A QUAINT CARICATURE The famous Mrs. Malaprop, in which part Miss Lorna Forbes revels, is a quaint caricature in her vivid gown of many colours. Over the petticoat of marigold and black striped satin is worn a panniered overdress of petunia, black, orange and bright green. An orange bib. with green ruching, decorates the tight black bodice, and the orange sleeve frills are edged with the petunia. Two tall black feathers, which nod and bob as this vivacious lady talks are worn in her hair. Miss Howard, as Julia Melville, wears a quaint robe a la francais of lilac glace silk with corn-coloured taffeta frilling over a petticoat of marigold satin and beautiful old mechlin lace. Mr. Wilkie’s royal blue Garrick overcoat is immensely becoming. 1-Ie later wears a striking bronze-coloured tapestry eoat with breeches and vest of glowing bronze-coloured satin. As Captain Absolute, All*. Marsh wears a striking regimental uniform of the period, a cape of royal blue velvet, lined wifli white, being worn ever the scarlet and white suit with its striking blue and white striped vest. Other members of the company wear elaborately designed costumes carried out in rich materials.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

MRS. J. C. ALEXANDER HOSTESS COMPETITIONS AND DANCES A very gay evening was spent at Anaerson’s Cabaret, Island Bay, Birkdale, last evening, when Mrs. J. C. Alexander gave a birthday party to Mrs. D. W. Longley. nDHE evening was spent in games, competitions and dancing, the winners of the competitions being Mrs. Harvey, Miss D. Davis, Miss M. Chetwynd, and Messrs. R. Gilmour and Chetwynd. The duties of M.C. were successfully carried out by Mr. J. C. Alexander. The hostess, Mrs. J. C. Alexander, received her guests in a gown of sunset georgette with gold fringe and shawl to tone. The guest of honour, Mrs. D„ W. Longley, chose delphinium blue satin with shawl to match. Among those present were: Mrs. L. Moller, who wore autumn tinted velvet with old gold trimmings; Mrs. R. L. Walton, in a frock of egyptian net over pink crepe de chine; Mrs. J. Harvey, who chose orange crepe de chine trimmed with silver; Mrs. Lewis Reid, in a frock of apricot georgette, with diamente relief; Mrs. W. S. Garrett, wearing ciel b.ue chenille and georgette frock, with posy; Mrs. I. Edmanson, in a frock of black georgette with pink posy, shawl to tone. A BLUE GEORGETTE FROCK Mrs. MeKeogh, who wore a gown of blue georgette relieved with silver lace; Miss Margaret Chetwynd, in green crepe de chine and silver, with an uneven hemline; Miss J. Wright, who chose blue satin and georgette, with an uneven hem; Miss C. Wright, in a frock of black chiffon, with pastel trimmings and shawl to tone; Miss M. Carson, wearing red velvet frock with diamente trimmings; Miss D. Chetwynd, in lacquer red crepe de chine with an uneven hem of gold lace; Miss E. Ross, who chose lacquer red crepe de chine, with diamente buckle and shawl; Miss Kathleen Bentley, in blue embossed georgete. relieved with diamente. Miss M. Ross, who chose an aquamarine georgette and silver lace frock; Miss Winifred Chetwynd, wearing pink satin trimmed with silver lace and shawl to match; Miss Doris Davis, in a frock of mauve crepe de chine with an uneven hemline trimmed with sequins; Miss A. Moller. wearing blue ring velvet with tulle skirt and shawl; Miss B. Moller in a frock of vieux rose, with uneven hem and shawl to match.