“CHARLEY’S AUNT.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 February 1940, Page 2

“CHARLEY’S AUNT.”

OPERA HOUSE, WEDNESDAY. The Celebrity Comedy Company will present at the Opera House next 'Wednesday and Thursday two of the funniest plays seen in Palmerston for many a year. On Wednesday night the company will present the show that lias rocked the rcA of New Zealand with laughter, “Charley’s Aunt,” from Brazil, “where the nuts come from,” and on Thursday night tho sensational Broadway success “Up in Mabel’s Boom.” This brilliant company is headed by the well-known and popular light comedian, Don Nicol, who needs no introduction to Palmerston audiences, having been leading comedian with most of tho recent J. C. Williamson successes including “White Horse Inn” and the Balalaika Company. Don Nicol’s work as The Aunt in "Charley’s Aunt” is a masterpiece of comedy art. The leading lady is Miss Shirley Ann Richards, the beautiful Australian film star, who will he remembered as having played the lead in such well-known pictures as “Dad and Dave Come to Town,” “Tall Timbers,” “Lovers and Lugged.” Miss Richards is making her first appearance in New Zealand. Phil Smith, another fine performer, was principal comedian with the Royal Comic Opera Company, playing with Gladys Moncrioff in “Maid of the Mountains” and ‘The Arcadians.” Charlie Albert was last in New Zealand with tho White Ilorso Inn Company and was also with The Pollard Opera Company. Alachca. Siddons, Mary Dunea/i and Leal Douglas are three versatile artists who toured with Irene Purcell in The Women Company. John Fleeting was the lead with George Wallace in “Gone To The Dogs.” Norman Barrington is a distinguished London actor. Maisie Wallace, Lane Patterson and Oda Larsen complete this brilliant comedy company. Seats may bo reserved at Collinson and Cunningbaino’a.