"WHITE HORSE INN."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 302, 21 December 1935, Page 12

"WHITE HORSE INN."

COMPANY ARRIVES ON MONDAY. Electricians will play a big part in "White Horse Inn, which will open at His Theatre on the Boxing Day matinee. An intricate system of lighting not before seen in New Zealand will be a feature of the production. Mr. Claude Kingston and Mr. Stanley Grant, who are jointly directing the tour of "White Horse Inn" in New Zealand for Messrs. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., indicated this morning that it is the most ambitious theatrical effort ever attempted by the firm, the show costing a fortune to produce and capacity houses throughout the run in the Dominion are needed to meet expenditure. The first revolving stage over used in New Zealand will be utilised in this musical triumph. By Monday morning next 140 principals, chorus, ballet and staff will have arrived and no less than five rehearsal locations have been selected in Auckland, the whole floor space of the stage being occupied in preparing the many mechanical effects. Other locations will be used for general ballet and ensemble rehearsals and property arrangements. Owing to the extensive alterations being made to the stage of His Majesty's the company will be unable to rehearse there.

Included in the arrivals by the Monowai on Monday will bo Roinola Hansen, whose success in "White Horse Inn" has been remarkable, together with Mr. Herbert Browne. The forthcoming visit to New Zealand is a honeymoon trip for Mr. Alfred Frith, the ■ famous comedian, for on the day before the company left Melbourne he married Mies Jean Battye, who is well known to Dominion theatregoers for her work in the last Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. Mrs. Frith will play the role of postmistress in "White Horse Inn." Miss Marie Conan, a celebrated eoubrette from London, will make her first appearance before New Zealand audiences in a role which is associated with Alban Mack, eccentric comedian. Mr. Colin Crane plays the role of the Emperor, and Don Nicol is a splendid waiter. Miriam Lester also has many opportunities, The production will be under the direction or Mr. Albert Locke, who was brought specially from London to produce it. Booking details are advertised.