ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ANNETTE KELLERMAN COMPANY. SUCCESSFUL OPENING NIGHT. It is not every night that New Plymouth theatre-goers have the opportunity of seeing in the flesh one wno has been made familiar to them on the silver screen; yet this pleasure was afforded them at the Empire Theatre last night, when Miss Annette Kellerman, the “star” of “The Daughter i.f the Gods,” “Neptune’s Daughter,” and other remarkable aquatic pictures, appeared at the head of her own company of Tivoli Follies. The entertainment was of a high class, and many novel turns were introduced, of which the large audience was quick to show its appreciation. Miss Kellerman herself appeared .»n many scenes, carrying out an ambitions task with distinct credit. “My Lady Versatile” she has been aptly termed, and, by the many and varied roles she successfully assumed, she certainly has a just claim to the title. She was introduced to the audience in a graceful dance scene, and later, by contrast, appeared in a veritable whirl of gaiety and splendour in a ballet dance. Miss Kellerman next appeared on the tightrope, on which she performed wish delightful charm and ease, one of her numbers including a fox-trot in midair. Partnered by Mr. T. Donnelly, she was seen in yet another delightful dance scene. Then came the star turn for which the audience had been waiting, when Miss Kellerman, in mermaid attire, plunged into the crystal tank and, with effortless grace, disported

herself beneath the water apd performed numerous elegant evolutions there. This, a scene from “The Daughter of the Gods,” was followed by an equally picturesque one from “Neptune’s Daughter.” Then was seen Annette Kellerman in her element, and it is

safe to say that never before have New Plymouth people witnessed sucii a splendid, remarkable and graceful aquatic exhibition. Her feats in the water are nothing short of marvellous, and on rising to the surface in' the final scene, Miss Kellerman was greeted with appreciative applause.

Miss Kellerman was ably assisted by other artists, including Miss Florence Penny, a pleasing contralto singer, who was heard in “The Dream of Delight,” with “Annie Laurie” as an encore,

“Come, I Love You Only,” and others, in all of which she found popular favor. Another talented singer was Mr. E. Jones, who was heard to a«vantage in several songs, of which, perhaps. “The Rosary” and “The Sands of the Desert” were most appreciated. The. company includes Martini, who gave some clever feats of balancing and tumbling, besides appearing in numerous uproarious scenes which Avon many a hearty laugh. Rosie, a small dog, was introduced into one of the turns, and proved that in feats of balancing be was not behind his master. Mr. T. Donnelly gave several eccentric and ludicrous step-dances, his burlesques and original turn of humor quickly establishing him in the audience’s good favdur. Messrs. Martini and Donnelly were the central figures in an amusing motor car scene. Mr. Stuart Barnes was a popular entertainer, humorous stories, assisted by facial contortions and gesticulations, earning him repeated applause, his dissertation! on “Being Single l ” being especially appreciated. The stage performers were assisted by a good orchestra, whose musical

items' contributed in no small measure to the success of the company. The staging was very tastefully arranged, whilst the dresses worn by Miss Kellerman in her numerous acts were on a lavish scale.

The company appear at the Empire Theatre again to-night and to-morrow night, the season having been extended for an additional performance.