OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 103, 3 May 1937, Page 11

OBITUARY

MR. C. M. BERKELEY

Mr. Charles M. Berkeley, who.for a number,of,years was one of the most lovabie personalities in the theatrical world, has died in Auckland at the age of 78 years.

When in his teens,Mi\ Berkeley was a partner in the . theatrical company known as Foley and Berkeley,. which performed in the old Athenaeum Theatre, Wellington.,,. He acted in a number of that company's productions and also in Shakespearean plays with Harkiris, the American tragedian. He. subsequently appeared, in the original production in Australia of "The Mysteryi of a Hansom Cab" with George: Donell. He also had an important role in the second revival in Sydney of "Struck Oil." Besides drama he had a long experience in niusical comedy, and was the principal, comedian in the first J. C. Williamson production in New Zealand of "The Gaiety Girl." He was ] then ' a great favourite with audiences.' ■ ."'■'•■'

'Mr.' Berkeley was a personal friend of the late Mr. J. C. Williamson, and on several'occasions played in the same company with him. ■ Besides acting in these productions, he did yeoman service as stage manager, company manager, and latterly, as advance representative. 1n'1926 he retired from the firm after 41 years' service and took up residence in Auckland..