STRAND COMEDY COMPANY

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue XXVII, 30 November 1905, Page 2

STRAND COMEDY COMPANY

The J.P. This evening, with the advent of the famous Strand Theatre Comedy at the Drill Hall, there will be ushered in what may be regarded as one of the greatest seasons of laughter ever known in Feilding. Everything points to an exceptionally brilliant opening for this great farcial success, which bas attained such unquestioned popularity in all tbe cities where it has been played throughout Australia. Coming as it does with such high credentials, something excellent in the comedy farces may be anticipated. Possessing all the attributes for evoking uproarous laughter, " The J P." is said to be simply redolent with absurd and ludicrous situations and delicious bnmour. Chief of the van of comedy - makers are the eminent English comedian from the Gaiety Theatre, London, Mr J. J. Dallas, and the famous Gaiety favourate, Miss Florence Lloyd. The appearance of these stars is in itself of sufficient importance to ensure a crowded audience this evening. Mr Dallas will appear as Caesar Montague, " The J.P." a portrayal which is said by one critic to be a comedy embodiment of the richest and most ludicrous kind ; and as for Flo Neville, Miss Florence Lloyd will be seen in ber original part, a part which she first made famous during the nix hundred night's run of " The J P," in London. An exceptionally brilliant support is accorded these stars, as a glance at a few of tbe names will convince. Miss Maud Chetwynd is already a great favour ite in Dunedin. Playgoers still maintain a world of happy memor ies of this vivacious comedienne's captivating roles in " A Country Girl." etc., with Mr J. C. William- , pon's Royal Comic Opera Company. In Mr Aubrey Mallalieu, who ako makes his first appearance in tho colony, the Company is said to possess a comedian of more than ordinary ability, whose English ie putation has been worthily upheld in Australia. Miss Florence Redfern, another English newcomer, will appear in the part which she made so successful in the English production, that of Susette, the French Maid. Of the other principal-?, Mr Gregan MacMahon is too well and favour ably known to need comment, which remark may also apply to Messrs Tom Cannam and Johnston Weir. Other important characters will be filled by Misses Madge Herrick, Norab Delaney, Elsie Austin, etc., The costly scenery, representing tbe foyer of tbe Elysium Hotel, Bou logne, has been ensconced in tbe theatre. Preparations are being actively advanced for tbe opening The play will be staged under tbe direction of the original produced in England, Mr Henry J. Wilde, whilst a full and efficient orchestra, under the baton of Mr Hal Henning ham, will give account of the musical programme. The Company arrives by express early to-day.