BEHIND THE FOOTLIGHTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12423, 17 April 1926, Page 13

BEHIND THE FOOTLIGHTS

“PRIMROSE” ON'MONDAY .

It is said that the humour of "Frimrose,** that freshest and most fragrant of modern musical comedies (to be produced at the Opera House on Monday), is one of the strongest points of tue charming entertainment. The book, by * George Grossmith, is full of the most entertaining wit—which often broadens into uproarious fun. First in this respect comes inimitable George Gee, as Toby Meopham (pronounced Moppam), whose ancestors came over with the Conqueror—"the famous 'O'Ceda' M°P“ pams. .Mr Gee simply revels in the part and exudes refreshing humour at' every pore. Margery Hicklm is also delightful as .loan Falls, and admirably holds up her London reputation. "Pinkie Peach'* professional name Madame Franzeline—is one of the bright spots, X>ovothy Lena—a firm favourite—gets every artistic ounce out of the part. Of course Hugh Steyne is funny as Freddie Falls—and Jack Cannot characteristically good as the bellicose Michael. Anything more genuinely humorous than the singing of "Mary Queen of Scots** by George Gee and Hugh Steyne it would be difficult to. imagine. Taken by and large the comedy in "Primrose** is well looked after. . * * * e Miss Diana Wilson, who was in New Zealand with "Lightnin"' later with Lawrence Grossmith, is taking a leading part in the musical comedy, "Kid Boots," just presented in London. • • "Much Ado About Nothing" was revived in London recently. Mr Henry Atnley played Benedick, while Miss Madge Titheradge gained new triumphs as Beatrice. •-• • * It is said that George Gee has the part of his life in "Toby Meopham" in "Primrose"—a particularly bright, dancing and singing role, which shows this nrince of eccentric comedians at his mercurial best. "Toby Meopham"—pronounced "Moppam"—jjpeording to Mr Gee in the play, comes of an exceptionally ancient family—that came oyer with William the Conqueror. The "O'Ceda” Moppams. • * • * WILLIAMSON VAUDEVILLE The tenth of the international vaudeville stare from J. C. Williamson's theatres, Sydney and Melbourne (under the direction of Mr Bob Shephard) opens its New Zealand . season at v Auckland on Wednesday, and the Wellington season is now being arranged. The combination is headed by the American aquatic star, Niobe, who gives a sensational performance in a huge glass tank of water in full view of the-audience. Niobe performs some incredible feats while under water. .Rupert Hazell, a clever London comedian and song-writer, and his dainty partner, Elsie May ? present *‘a budget of nonsense and harmony." The world-famous cockatoo act, as presented by Madame Harniston, is . a unique feature. s Walter Nilsson, v described as one of the foremost comedians in the world to-day, appears in a wonderful unicycle act; Dainty Dorothy Browne, is a musical, jazz queen; the Flemings appear in a classical GraecoRoman act; Mdlle. Odette Delage ia .a vivacious French apache violinists who electrified Australia; and tnere are The Welsh Rarebit and bis dainty partner; Jones and Raine, fresh from English and African triumphs; and Francois, the globe-trotter, complete a versatile and clever company. • • • * GILBERT AND SULLIVAN Discussing the forthcoming J. C. Williamson season of Gilbert and Sullivan opera, which is to commence with "The Gondoliers" at His Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, to-night, a writer in a London paper recalled, various interesting incidents, connected with the careers of the famous librettist and composer. Sir Arthur Sullivan (he says) was a real music magician. No two natures could have been more different. /Gilbert, the comedian, the superb purveyor of jibe end joke, and quip and crank for lowly folk and men of rank, was most earnestly serious in all his doings. Sir Arthur was jocularity personified. "I remember well his monocle, his short stick and

his peculiar bending gait as he held his unoccupied hand to his back. Everyone that knew Sir Arthur will remember the striking expression of astonishment which accompanied the dropping nf that eyeglass." • • • • / The'principals of the J. C. Williameon'Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company .include Charles Walenn^Lance Fairfax, Sydney Granville, James Hay,''Winifred * Williamson, Strella Wilson, Betty Blackburn, Mabel Gibson. Minnie Everett will produce the operas during this season, as oh previous occasions, for the firm. The scenery ha? been painted by «W. R. Coleman and W. Coleman, junr. I The musical director will he, Harry Jacobs. The entirely new costumes Rave beon specially made by B. J. Siminons, London. New Zealand theatregoers are looking forward to the visit with pleasant anticipation.

According to Strella Wilson, who will play leading soprano roles in the Gilbert and Sullivaq opera season at Melbourne His Majesty's. Australia is far more partial fi> Gilbert and Sullivan opera than America. "Audiences in the * United States," said Miss Wilson, "regard the operas as being too English in sentiment and character. Moreover, they are produced with no regard at all to Savoy traditions, and at times they are mutilated grotesquely." On one occasion Miss Wilson saw a performance of "The Gondoliers" that must have made both Gilbert and Sullivan writhe in their graves. In the first- ,vn*r where , the' two gondoliers struggle for the rwown, the actors taking the roles fought - all over the stage. Finally the *.crown broke apart, and one «aid: "Now wo both have half-a-crown." One of the critics wrote in his notice of the performance, that this was the funniest in the piece! • * • • (Saturday), April 17th, the *V V.. Williamson production of "Lilac at Melbourne Theatre Royal will reach its fifteenth week. The popularity of this production has been indicated by crowded audiences at every performance, and there is still no signs'of it diminishing. An English visitor who witnessed the performance expressed the opinion that it was infinitely superior to the London production it every way.

FROLICS AT FULLERS’ What a remarkable record the Phil Smith Musical Comedy Company is putting.up at His Majesty's! The genial Phil, Nat Hanley, and; the other favourites have held, the boards for many weeks, and they are, like a brand many are acquainted with, "still The show is, indeed, a bright one—full of snappy dialogue, patchy music, good songs, and superb dancing, in which latter the handsome, well-shaped girls of the ballet play a conspicuous part. The principals are always letter-perfect, and the musical olla podrido is of the best. There were many to greet those two talented and popular artists, Joe Brennan and Ida Neuton. As a. "dame" Brennan stands Recond to none on the Australian and New Zealand stage, and

his winsome and sprightly partner ably seconds his efforts. Their turn* is aptly described as "a rare feast of laughter," and those who cannot partake of their fill must have something wrong with their anatomy. The Carthy brothers, Lesley Elliott (the girl at the piano, who is rapidly coming to the fore)) and thb Rev. Frank Gorman, the singing parson, complete a vaudeville section that has much to commend it.

Monday night will see some more novelties. The firm of Fuller has some vaudeville surprises up its 6leeve, and patrons may expect many real highgrad artists, in the near future. For to-day's matinee a programme of special attraction to tho younger section will be submitted. #■• • * NOTED DANCER FOR HIS MAJESTY'S Sir Benjamin Fuller will , present to his Wellington patrons on Monday Miss Frances Newton, who won the recent Interstate competition for "Danceland's prettiest girl." , With her partner, Sydney Franks (who was also her partner throughout the trials for the competition), she will be seen in a series of society and eccentric dances, featuring the latest Charleston, society waltz, whirlwind one-step, Apache, and , other dances. 'This act will! feature a dance seen for the first*-timd» an impersonation of waltzing on imaginary skates, and thfe "Dance of Intoxication." Frances Newton is a dainty brunette, and wears fascinating frocks. As winner of Melbourne's prettiest danceland girl, she carried off the palm from 200 Victorian competitors, Judging being by public vote. The winner of Sydney's final contest was declared victor by the famous artist, George Lambert.

Miss Newton then won the final Interstate by public vote, beating Sydney's prettiest danceland girl. Sydney Franks is a noted exponent of society dances in the old and new world, and little Frances Newton first made her appearance in the ballet of a FullerWard production. # • # • Mr Edward Bran&combe, whose name recalls the visit of the Westminster Glee Singers, the Dandies, and other musical 1 organisations, has recently returned to j Sydney from London, and. has opened, a studio. • • •* • Mr S. Mathews, of Waipiro Bay, disposed of his picture interests to'Mr MacFarlane. '

"WHITE; CARGO” FOR NEW ZEALAND The sensation of Sydney is the JVC; Williamson production of Leon Gordon's play, "White Cargo," with the author prominent in the cast. Since the opening night it has been played to capacity audiences, and a strong discussion had been waging in the newspapers regarding certain phases of the play. It is 'described as "a play of white men in the dripping heat of n West African set-tlement-victims to the miasma haunting the day, the obison infecting tho night.'* The play has been running in London for many months, Afid it is being produced throughout the United States by no fewer than ten companies. "White Cargo" is booked for an early tour of New Zealand. • a • « In London. “Katja" has passed its first year, and is still going strong. The J. C. Williamson, Ltd., production of this vivacious musical comedy has passed its 130th night in Sydney, and has not diminished in popularity. Marie Burke has equalled tho success she achieved in "Wi’.dflower," and the cast altogether is excellent. New Zealand w;ll see "Katfo" in the near future*