THE MONTAGUE SHOW

Grey River Argus, 29 November 1937, Page 3

THE MONTAGUE SHOW

OPENS AT REGENT THEATRE TO-NIGHT. In, the course of an interview last evening, Mr Garnett. H. Carroll (the representative of Sir Benjamin Fuller with the Montague Show, the London Revue Company), which will this evening begin a season of three nights at the Regent Theatre, Greymouth, had some interesting comment to make, not only on the company, but on the show business and its definite revival.

The company has had a most successful tour through the Dominion, stated Mr Carroll. It would play six nights on the West Coast, three at Greymouth, three at Westport.—and then three nights at Nelson and two at Blenheim, before returning to Sydney, where it. will open at the Mayfair Theatre on December 27th, and will comprise Sir Benjamin Fuller’s attraction for the 150th anniversary celebrations. The Montague Show was one of three that Sir Benjamin Fuller booked whilst on a world tour in 1935, the other two being the Marcus Show, which recently toured New Zealand and is now playing at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, and the Royal Grand Opera Coy, which was brought to Melbourne for the Centenary Celebrations. Sir Benjamin Fuller first saw the Montague Show in London, stated Mr Carroll, and he arranged with Bertram Montague to tour and play in all the Fuller theatres throughout New Zealand and Australia, but owing to the success of the two previous shows, it was not until me latter part of 1937 that they were able to complete the engagements, which meant that all the elaborate wardrobe and drapings had to be duplicated. George Doonan, the principal comedian was the orinigal comedian in the London productions. One of the outstanding acts with the show is the famous Darmora Troupe of Hungarian dancers. They comprise twelve Hungarian girls headed by Madame Darmora, who trained them in Budapest, and has played with them in the principal theatres of tne world, and also in pictures where they were features in the Can Can dance, with Jack Hilton’s Band. The troupe will perform this dance to-night. The entire personnel arrive at Greymouth this afternoon, stated Mr Carroll. Asked what was the possibility of Sir Benjamin bringing other productions to the West Coast, Mr Carroll said that a lot would depend on the support given to the Montague Show. “My reason for saying this is that in his new policy for legitimate shows, Sir Benjamin is only engaging and producing outstanding productions,” said Mr Carroll. “We learnt this from the talkies, as the public of to-day go to the pictures only to the ace attractions. By this I mean the majority of the public, and this is the policy the world over.” Therefore, it was the intention of the Fuller Management to Oring out from time to time outstanding flesh and blood entertainments, whether drama, comedy revue, variety or opera. In other words, like all business, it was only proposed to offer to the public what they wanted. At the present time, variety was the vogue in London and America, and even in Australia. Lack of musical comedy writers and authors had allowed that branch of entertainment to lag behind, but now that the Hollywood picture producers had adopted their policy of trying out the musicals as stage productions, a swing-back to better class musical comedies was predicted in the near future.”

Mr Carroll, who is an Australian, previously brought to New Zealand one of Sir Benjamin Fuller’s biggest successes, the musical comedy, “Rio Rita,” in which Gladys Moncrieff starred. This production had the distinction of playing the principal cities in Australia and New Zealand for two and a-half years. He remarked that “Rio Rita” had played from Wellington to Invercargill and back to Auckland, and lost only one night each way, due to the ferry trip. To-night, the Montague Show will open its season with “This Year of Carnival” a delightful production and Wednesday Sight, “Let’s Go Places,” is the title of a totally different programme.

A special train will leave Hokitika to-morrow night at 6.45, Kumara Junction 7.15. Plans are available at Robert Francis, Revell Street, Hokitika.

talisator dividend for a double. It was approximately five thousand pounds. It is reported that tnere is only one winning ticket. Racing Notes Reefton T.C. Acceptances: Owners and trainers are reminded that acceptances for the Reefton Trotting Club's meeting on December 11, close to-morrow , (Tuesday) at 9 p.m. with the secretary (Mr C. J. Willis).