CHARLEY'S AUNT CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1934, Page 5

CHARLEY'S AUNT CLUB

Early iv the year of 1914 a company of Wellington amateurs was formed by Mr. Normau Aitken for the purpose of producing the three-act comedy -"Charley's Aunt.'' The play was produced in the Grand Opera House, Wellington, for four nights, and was played to record houses, the takings exceeding £800. So successful was the season that a tour of New Zealand was. decided on, and the company set out upon an 18 weeks' tour of New Zealand to produce "Charley's Aunt" and the "Private Secretary," under the direction of Mr. Norman Aitken and Mr. Bentley Kussell. Although the company were no longer amateurs (each of the 13 members was engaged on salary, totalling £84 per week), they were still referred to by their professional brothers as amateurs. The tour was a huge success and eclipsed every show touring at that time. On the return of the company to Wellington the "Charley's Aunt Social Club" was formed. This club, for,ladies and gentlemen, aims for the development of musical talent, dramatic art, and the promotion of good fellowship and rational amusement. Meetings are held In the winter months, once a fortnight, when excellent programmes are provided by tlie members. Many of the members of the company have achieved success in different parts of the world, e.g., Miss Marie Ney, on the English stage, Miss Ethel Lissae, now Miss Ethel Key, on the-stage in America, Dr. Norman Hales, in America, the late Mr. Bentley Russell (Alan Wilkie Co.), and Mr. W. W. Crawford, on the Australian stage. Mr. Norman Aitken resigned from the secretaryship five years ago, and Mr. Montague E Nolan has taken charge of the club. The club is celebrating its 21st anniversary on October 2i with a banquet, and Mr. Nolan requests past members to get in touch with him if they wish to be present at the'function.