GOSSIP.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7865, 29 July 1911, Page 18

GOSSIP.

Miss Ethel Irving is, In everyday lifo, Mrs Gilbert Portcous, her husband being general manager of the company with which she is accomi>anied from England, and a prominent figure in the London theatrical world. Miss Winifred O'Connor, who fills the part of Sombra in “ Tho Arcadians," has been suffering from laryngitis She left tho company in Christchurch, and returns to Melbourne, where she commences rehearsing in “ The Chocolate Soldier." Miss Florence Quinn will take the part of Sombra during tho remainder of tho New Zealand tour. Somewhat of a departure is being made by Clarko and Meynell, who have arranged to send out to Australia a company playing the Itanad Brothers’ old piece “The Swiss Express," and the Kamo piece “'His Majesty’s Guests/’ The company will open in Melbourne on November 3. Florence Imeson, who is a leading lady of tho “Gay Gordons" company, which is to appear'here shortly, has played the leading parts in a host of musical comedies well-known in Now Zealand. In London and South Africa she made a big hit with Hayden Coffin in “ The Geisha," playing the role of Molly Seymour, and Lydia in “ Dorothy." In ,{ Veronique" she appeared in the title role, and in tho “Gay Gordons" she will bo seen. in. tho part taken in England by Ellaline Terris. Miss Imcson made one of her most notable successes in South Africa, as Eileen Cavanagh, in “The Arcadians," in which Gertrude Gilliam was seen in the Australian duction, and another notable .achievement was her Sonia in “ The Merry Widow." All expenses in connection with the Command performance of “Money", at Drury Lane, which realised .£10,140 in gross receipts, having been met, a balance of .£2,000 net profit remained. Mr Arthur Collins and the other directors of tho Drary Lane company have now obtained the King's approval to the disposition of this money, and it has been divided between. the Actors' Benevolent Fund, the Actors 1 Orphanage Fund, and the Royal General Theatrical Fund, each fund receiving £666 1S& 4d