THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20762, 3 January 1931, Page 9 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS. His Majesty's: , To-night.—" Tho Belle of New York " (J. 'C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company.) )PLAYS AND PLAYERS. Tho rumoured entry of Sir Harry Lauder into tho sphero of talking pictures is now an accomplished fact. Ho has jsigncd a contract with a Gainsborough company in England to sing a dozen of his world-famed songs. Minnio Lovo, who will ho remembered by many friends in Australia and New Zealand for her performances in pantoxnimo sonio years ago, returned to .Australia last month, making her first appearance in Melbourno, where she was accorded an enthusiastic welcome. Sho i, ( taking a, holiday from her work in England. Gus Bluett, tho popular comedian, who wa3 seen in Auckland with tho " Girl Friend " company, is at present in hospital in Sydney. Tho trouble is attributed to nervous disorder brought on bv a recent injury to his shoulder. Ho v.'a a to have appeared in " Turned Up," tho Christmas attraction at His Majesty's Theatro, but expects to rejoin tho " Sons o' Guns " company in timo for tho Melbourne season. Preparations for tho forthcoming Gilbert and Sullivan season to be commenced at Easter by tho J. C. Williamson company aro further advanced by tho engagement of threo English artists who shortly leavo London for Australia, Tho operas to bo produced aro " Patience," " Tho Pirates of Penzance," " H.M.S. Pinafore," "Princess Ide. r " "Hie Mikado," V Tho Gondoliers," arid " Tho Yeomen of tho Guard." Interesting reports havo been received from several leading English papers on tho singing ot Mr. Walter I etinell, formerly of Hawera. The Times referred to him in a recent 'report as " a light baritone of great vocal g:fts and a very charming style." Following upon this comes tho announcement that he has been commanded to sing two songs at tho piano, in a concert programme to be given /before the King and Queen, in aid oi the Roval National Lifeboat Institute.