STAGE JOTTINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 23, 28 January 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

STAGE JOTTINGS.

According to Sydney critics, Elsie Parkes has never appeared to better advantage than in "Archie" at St. Jameß* Theatre, Sydney. This pretty blonde first attracted attention in Sydney theatrical circles by her excellent dancing. Like dozens of other Australian young girls, Miss Parkes commenced her carreer in the chorus— and is proud of it. Like her sister, Lizette, who was prominently associated' with the stage before her marriage, Elsie is an unassuming young lady, unspoilt by the success that has come to her so early in life. Her legion of friends will be glad to know that since the opening of "Archie" another song and dance has been introduced by Miss Parkes, which is one of the hits of the show*

"Archie," at the St. James* Theatre, Sydney, is the best show the Fuller management have presented—so say the Sydney critics. The company is better balanced, and some of the artists have improved very much since "Nanette" dayß. Miss Elsie Parkes has added vivacity to her natural charm, and is also dancing very nicely. She and Charlton Morton play very well together. A big feature of the production are the 4ttractive ballets, for which Mr. Royston McDonnell is due for congratulation. The parasol number is a particularly, effective and beautiful item, the exits, first a 8 a pyramid and then as a car being very happily conceived and delightfully executed. "Put on the Kitz," "I know all about Girls" and "My Idea of Heaven" are also triumphs for the chorus.

Before leaving Sydney for Honolnln, Dame Nellie Melba, who passed through Auckland on the Niagara a fortnight ago, attended a performance of "The Girl Friend" at Hfe Majesty's Theatre, Sydney. After the performance she went round to Annie Croft's dressingroom to compliment the star, and handled her a beautiful bouquet. Melba was in raptures about Miss Croft's work, and the London star admits it was the realisation of all her girlhood dreams when Melba stood-in her dressing-room and greeted her so charmingly.. Melba told the management that she considered Miss Croft a sweet singer with a charming voice—and it would be a wise thing to keep her in Australia for good.

It was reported by cable from London abont four weeks back that Sir Harry Lauder had been granted the freedom of his native city, Edinburgh, amid remarkable scenes of enthusiasm. Dressed in kilts he defied a cific edict, and sang the ditty, "Take us back to Scotland when the bluebells are blooming in June." The casket with which he was presented recorded recognition of his services for the Allies during the war, for charity, and his labours to cement ties of kinship with the Dominions. Sir Harry Lauder declared that he felt prouder than when His Majesty the King said "Sir Harry." Arrangements are being made by Sir Harry to return to the stage, although when Lady Lander died at the end of July Sir Harry Lauder is reported to have announced that he would not do bo again. (

Eileen Sparks, who plavs the important part of Cora Ann Milton in "The Ringer," ia a Newcastle girl. Phillip Lytton gave Miss Sparks her first opportunity; she worked hard in stock companies. Then she canght the eye of the firm, signed a contract and played a season. The J.C.W. engagements have never ceased since, and now it would seem that Eileen Sparks must be very satisfied, for she says she has never had a part she likes better than Cora Ann Milton in "The Ringer." Miss Sparks Bays she likes playing Cora Ann Milton because she is the one character in the Edgar Wallace play of whose identity the audience is reasonably sure. As such she is something apart. Interest pivots on Cora Ann's actions.

Probate has been granted of the will of the late Mrs. Emile Ellis (Miss Emilie Polim), who died some months ago. estate of the net value of t5070. Testatrix, who appointed the Perpetual Trustee Co., Ltd., her executprs and trustees, made specific bequests to her mother, sister, and other relatives m England, and £50 to Mrs. Grace Cannon, o* Sophia Street, Bondi. She left the residue of estate to her daughter, Mane Ellis, conditionally on the child being in the custody of her sister, Mrs. Mane Nares, and the tatter's husband, who reside in England. If the child were not given into their custodv £1000 was to be set aside for her, and the interest allowed to accumulate'until she attained the age of 24 yews.