English Comediennes To Tour NZ.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31088, 17 June 1966, Page 2

English Comediennes To Tour NZ.

“The Press" Special Service WELLINGTON, June 16. Two of England’s comediennes, Irene Handl and Joyce Grenfell, will visit New Zealand in July and August this year.

J. C. Williamson Theatres Ltd., has announced that Irene Handl will start a nineweek tour in Auckland on July 9. Joyce Grenfell will return

to New Zealand almost exactly three years after her first visit, on August 3, for a brief three-centre tour. Miss Handl will start in the London comedy-thriller, “Busybody,” in which she recently ended a successful West End season.

Unique in that she did not make her stage debut until she was about 40, Irene Handl has appeared in some 48 British films. She has recorded comedy sketches with Peter Sellers and is well-known for her appearances in the television series, “The Rag Trade.” She will make her first visit to New Zealand in the role of Mrs Piper, the lovable Cockney charwoman-turned-sleuth in Jack Popplewell’s play. With Miss Handl in the company will be Malcolm Phillips, Gerda Nicolson, Ken Fraser, Penelope Shelton, Rodger McDougall, Blair Edgar, and Diana Wilson. The play was directed by Raymond Westwell, several of whose productions have previously been seen in New Zealand. After a three-week season in Auckland “Busybody” will tour Rotorua. Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. Joyce Grenfell will bring with her an entirely new programme entitled “Another Evening With Joyce Grenfell,” including songs and comedy. She will open in Christchurch on August 3. William Blezard will again accompany Miss Grenfell as her pianist and as solo artist