"SONS O' GUNS."

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20316, 15 August 1931, Page 4

"SONS O' GUNS."

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMPANY. In J. C. Williamson's big spectacular musical play, ' '.SonB o' Guns," which is to be staged hore at the Theatre Royal for a season of seven nights, beginning on Saturday night nost,tho leading comedy rolca will be prosentod by those brilliantly clever and very popular artists Messrs Gus Bluett, Leo Franklin, and Alfred Frith. The throe of them at various times have visited Now Zoaland as the star artist in important productions staged by J. 0. Williamson, Ltd. Gub Bluett made his initial success in New Zealand with Maire Burko in "Wildflower," nud more recently his humour was the outstanding factor which mode "Tbo Girl Friend" one of tho most successful musical plays ever presented in the dominion. In tho latter production Leo I'ranklin'B comedy work and his brilliant eccentric danciiig stamped him as one of the best artists tho Williamson, Ltd., management ever imported from London. Both he and Gus Bluott were irresistibly funny in "Hit tho Deck," and it is now said that' they havo both achieved tlieir outstanding triumphs in "Sons o 1 Guns." Alfred Frith'B name was a household word a few years ago throughout Australia and New Zealand. This reputation ho won In "Going Dp," "The Cabaret Girl," and "A Night Out." Sinco last visited the Dominion, Mr Frith ha 3 appeared successfully in London and New yjrk, and ho has established himself with Colonial playgoers by. his very humorous drollery as the major in "Sons o' Guns." Miss Bertha Hiccardo, who has scored _ a wonderful triumph in the loading feminina role in "Sons o' Guns," has tilled the position formerly occupied in J. C. Williamson's musical comedy company by Maud Fane and Miss Agnes Doyle, who plays _ the rolo of Bernice in "Sons o' Guns, 1 ' iB tho latest "find" by the J. C. Williamson management. Critics in Sydney "and Melbourne write most enthusiastically regarding her artistry as a comedienne. The cast, which is particularly long, includes Goorgo Jennings, Arthur Cornell, Hedge Carey, Vivian Edwards, Bert Barton, Carloton Stuart, John Harper, Thorold Io Brun, Fred Banner, Jack Campbell, Ivan Marshall, and other notable artists, including the brilliant specialty dancers, Mona Zeppol and Eric Bush, whose dancing was a feature of "The House That Jack Built." "Sons o' Guns" is said to bo tlia most expensive and most spectacular production over sent on tour by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management, and amongst its many features are tho brilliant ballets and tho clever and original dances. There aro ovor 100 people concerned in tho production, which was staged by Frederick Blackman. The balletß and ensembles wore arranged by Maurice Diamond, who is to tour Now Zealand with th<? company. A full operatic chorus and orchestra is under the baton ot Mr William liodmond. „ ~, , „ Afternoon performances of sons o Uuns will be staged on Wednesday and Saturday, August' 20th and 29th. The box plans will be opened at The Bristol Piano Co, on Thursday morning next at nine o'clock. A queue will bo formed from 8 a.m.