AN OLD THEATRE PASSES

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20898, 4 July 1933, Page 15

AN OLD THEATRE PASSES

HER MAJESTY'S, SYDNEY. INTERESTING SOUVENIR. Brief sketches of the lives of some of the famous performers of the Australian stage and historic photographs are contained in a souvenir of the old Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, which was a favourite rendezvous of theatregoers for 46 years, and which is now in the hands of the wreckers. The old building was redolent with memories of the celebrated James Cassius Williamson, who was an actor of sterling merit in his native United States before he became a manager in Australia. He made his greatest impression with Maggie Moore and,, "Deacon Skinner" in "Struck Oil," and was able, with his talented wile, to capture audiences with sheer quality of acting. Many years later he established well-equipped theatres in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as in Sydney. Fortunes Imperilled. It was in Melbourne, which was shaken to its foundations by the collapse of the land boom, succeeded by the collapse of all but two of the trading banks, that Williamson's fortunes were imperilled, states the souvenir. The triumvirate of Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove had been dissolved; the public had no money for theatregoing, and many were on the bread line. In those circumstances J. C. Williamson pinned his faith on a pantomime. Christmas was approaching and he announced the production of "Djin Djin" (written by Bert Royle). The piece met with instant success. Williamson finally turned his business into a limited company, and George Tallis (afterwards Sir George) relieved the veteran of the responsibilities of active management. Williamson died in Paris in 1913. His first wife, Maggie Moore, was a brilliant comedy actress, and her rare appearances were received with delight. She died In San Francisco. Williamson's second wife was Mary Weir, a dancer of much distinction. The First Production. An actor whose work was long associated with Her Majesty's Theatre was George Rignold. In 1837 the theatre was completed and opened under his management with a fine production of Shakespeare's "King Henry the Fifth." Another notable figure who added fame to the old theatre, as well as to herself, was Dame Nellie Melba, and such artists as Pavlova, H. B. Irving, Galli-Curci, Sarah Bernhardt, John McCormack, Lccn Carron, Signor Hazon, Leslie Board, Frederick J. Slackman, George Parker, John Ralston, Andrew MacCunn, Wilson Barrett, Irene Vanbrugh, Dion Bouclcault, Oscar Asche, Nellie Stewart, Julius Knight, and Gustave Slapoffski have left their mark in the old theatrical hall of memories. One of the most interesting of the many photographs in the souvenir is of a memorable gathering of George Rignold, J. C. Williamson. Harry Rickards, and Bland Holt, and there are reproductions of programmes of eventful occasions from the very early days to the last night of the last production on June 10 of this year. A page is given up to the autographs of favourite artists, and the wnble is excellently produced.