JENNY’S TROUBLES

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12181, 4 July 1925, Page 13

JENNY’S TROUBLES

TRAVELS WITH A DONKEY THEATRICAL - EXPERIENCES DESCRIBED BY MR J. FARRELL; Interesting theatrical experiences, a description of the history And present operations of the firm pf J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and some laughable tales of theatrical life wore recounted by Mr John Farrell (who, with Mr Lance Fairfax, of the Wildfloiver Company, were the guests ,of the club) in ah address to the Napier Rotary Club. After making general reference Mr Farrell said that J. C.. Williamson, Ltd , one of the biggest organisations of its kind, was initiated about 40 years, ago, by Mr J. Williamson, who came- out from America with, his wife.!.to produce "Struck Oil,” Mrs Williamson was appearing even now, in Melbourne. Mr Williamson saw tho possibilities of a theatrical institution in Australia, and ho joined in with Arthur . Garner and George Musgrove, producing 1 Gilbert and Sullivan’s, and other comic operas. Later Arthur Garner dropped out, and" Musgrove and Williamson carriel on. They bought out Sarah. Bernhardt, and'introduced "Pagliacci,” "Rusticana,” and other grand operas in Victoria. They staged, incidentally, costly ballets, which were before their time. The concern was just about at its wit’s end to carry on. MusgroV© went to. America, purchased the rights of "The Belle of New vYork,” and made a fortune out of it, but Williamson was noteassociated with it. Subsequently they decided-to try Australianmade pantomime, and they produced "Djin Djiri” (written by Bert Boyle and J. C. Williamson) which was later presented in New Zealand by Tom Pollard. It was a success that practically marked the turning point. * EXTENDING OPERATIONS There were difficulties . afterwards, generally. attributable to the, uncertainties of popular taste in Melbourne. An opposition concern, Maynell and Clarke, were serious competitors, so Williamsons finally bought them out. *lt was Mr (now Sir Georjre) Tallis, ' his associate,, who assisted him greatly to extend his operations. J:. C. Williamson and the Messrs Tait eventually amalgamated, and this organisation had made J.’ C. Williamson, one of the most powerful theatrical organisations in the world. The firm now operated in England, America, Australia and New Zealand. It was running, a play called "Lightning” with success in London, and now proposed a venture in London in grand opera on an elaborate scale, with the gifted To.ti dal Monte as leading 6oprano. In Australia and-New Zealand the firm catered almost exclusively for colonial talent. In the company now at Napier practically every Individual, with the exception of Marie Burke, who is re-

garded as one of the best imported artists Australia and New Zealand had known* was a colonial. GOOD PRODUCTIONS The success of recent efforts in Australasia had encouraged the concern to bring put good productions.. A fine clflvss of drama was now being sent out. Moscovitch, a gifted actor, was now touring with Shakespearean and other dramas. Guy Bates Host, another successful performer, was shortly due, while Boucicault had gone to England with instructions to return with Barrio plays. Touring costs were heavy, and some shows, Mi"h ns Chin Chow”

profit, but the firm had to send its per. formers away from Australia at times to make room for others, and hence the appearance of some big productions in New Zealand. The players regarded a New Zealand tour as a holiday. But it did not agree with all of them. One member of this company wanted to break her contract. She did not like the accommodation. That member was Jenny, the donkey. (Laughter.) The camel, in "Chu Chin Chow,” was similarly dissatisfied with New Zealand. It suffered from every kind of ailment under the sun, even down to indigestion. (Laughter.) With acclamation Mr FnrrMl was t’ - ' -1 for hi* inWesting sidelight