ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 152, 3 December 1914, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

JULIUS KNIGHT AS NOPOLEON IN "A ROYAL DIVORCE." To-night at 8 o'clock tin; very popular actor, Mr Julius Knight, supported by Miss Irene Browne, and a powerful company of over 70 artists, will make his appearance at the Theatre Royal in a magnificent production of the stupendous Nopoleonic military spectacular drama, ''A Royal Divorce," which will be' staged with scenery, dresses, and special lighting and mechanical effects. A big feature of the production will be the thrilling series of historical tableaux including the "Battle or Waterloo," "The charge of the British' cavalry," "The Rout of Napoleon's Troops," "The Retreat from Moscow," and the "Rock at St. Helena." Seats In central positions may bo selected at Collier's. Mr Knight is unquestionably the most popular actor the Australasian stage has known. He lias gained the supreme position he holds in the affections of playgoers by a series of brilliant and artistic characterizations, and it will be a hard • matter for the J. C. Williamson Co., Ltd., management to fill the breach in the theatrical world which will be created by his retirement. From his gallery of great achievements, his Napoleon in "A Koyal Divorce," will always be remembered as one of his best impersonations. Mr Knight lias made a special study of the character, and when he plays tfie part he is for the time being the living breathing Man of Destiny who made and unmade kings at will. The character of the unfortunate Empress Josephine, who, although divorced by Napoleon, remains staunch to liini to the very end, will be portrayed by Miss Irene Browne, whose representation of the part, it is said, outshines, from all points of view, all previous delineators of the role.--Mi.ss Lizette Parkes is, it is said, at her very best in the role of Stephanie, and others well east are Mr Leslie Victor, who will appear as Talleyrand, Mr Eardlev Turner as Grinmud, Herbert J. Bentley as General Augiyeau, Martin Lewis as Marshal Noy, Lawrence Hardinge as Lord Keith, James Hughes as Murat, I'rank Ilarvey as Marquis de Beaumont, 'Raymond Lawrence as Doctor Corvicart, Charles Morse as Orderly, Arthur Spence at Botswain, Reg. Conrad as Middy, also ' the Misses Emma Temple as Nurse, 1 Alma Phillips as Angelique, Bertha Bollinger as Blanche, Stella Kwifl , as Madame de Campan, and little Phillipa as the King of Rome. The production is staged under the direction of Mr Julius Knight, and Mr Thomas Foster is stage manager.