VISIT OF MR J. CASSON

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26869, 23 October 1952, Page 3

VISIT OF MR J. CASSON

J. C. WILLIAMSON PRODUCER

Mr John Casson, permanent producer of the J. C. Williamson organisation, arrived in Christchurch yesterday. He is making his first visit to New Zealand to get an idea of local theatrical affairs and to open “Seagulls Over Sorrento” in Christchurch on Saturday. Mr Casson produced this comedy in Melbourne, where it played for nearly seven months. The opening of “Seagulls Over Sorrento” in Christchurch will be particularly notable because it will be the

first time a production has been brought to New Zealand after playing in only one city in Australia. “Seagulls Over Sorrento” is likely to play in Sydney later. Mr Casson spent six days in Wellington, and next week he will go to Dunedin. After visiting Auckland, he will return to Melbourne, where he is based.

When approaching Christchurch, he thought he was back in England, said Mr Casson in an interview yesterday, describing his impressions of the Canterbury landscape as he saw it from the air ‘a am ve'ry sorry that lam not spending a longer time in New Zealand, and I’m. equally sorry that my wife isn’t here tod,” he adaed. Mr Casson is the son of the. eminent English prodncer-actor. Sir Lewis Casson, and the famous actress, Dame Sybil Thorndike, who were in Christchurch in 1932. For four years Mr Casson was director of productions of the Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow, where the chairman was Mr James Brodie. He went to Australia-in July last year, and his wife, son, and two daughters followed in November. While in America on his way to Australia, Mr Casson saw 10 theatrical shows in nine days. Some of these productions have already come to New Zealand. Service in Navy Mr Casson was a naval officer for 20 years up to 1946. In 1932 he became an officer in the Fleet Air Arm, and in 1940 was commanding a squadron of dive, bombers based on the Ark Royal when he was shot down over Norway. He then spent five years as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 111. Mr Casson has produced 70 shows .in Glasgow and many more in Germany. In. Wellington. Mr Casson saw the repertory production of “Who is Sylvia,” and was impressed by the very high amateur standard. “It is certainly as good as the best amateur productions I have seen in Australia, and I have seen a lot,” he added. The producer was Mr Alfred Farrell, who worked with Mr Casson’s mother nearly 30 years ago. ’ x One of the difficulties confronting producers at present, which Mr Casson said it was hoped to overcome, was the “enormous” cost of transportation. It had cost £4OOO to fly the members of the Borovansky Ballet from Brisbane to Perth without any properties, he added.

It was in the hands of the public to get very good plays i'f th>y wanted them, said Mr Casson. “Seagulls Over Sorrento” was still being played in London after three years, and attracted practically full houses for its entire season in Melbourne.