HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21599, 21 March 1932, Page 13

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS J. C. Williamson’s approaching season of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, which will bo commenced on Saturday next with a production of the delightful comic opera, “ The Gondoliers,” will doubtless revive memories of the days when the late Nellie Stewart, Florence Young, George Laud. Howard Vernon, Henry Bracy, Wallace Brown low, Violet Varley and Charles Kenninghnm were, the idols of the playgoing public. But even with these names as a comparison the critics of Sydney and Melbourne stated that never previously have the operas of the famous collaborators been sung and acted better than during the recent seasons in Australia. To the younger generation of theatregoer the Gilbert and Sullivan operas will doubtless prove a revelation, because they are, without any doubt, the best and most attractive that the English stage has ever known, The coming season will signalise the first appearance here of a number of notable English artists, including Mr Ivan Menzies, one of London’s most popular Gilbert and Sullivan comedians, Mr Gregory Stroud, a brilliant young baritone from the D’Oyly Carte Theatre, London, and Miss Evelyn Gardiner, who will make her debut in the role of the Duchess of Plaza Toro, in which this talented soprano achieved one of her greatest triumphs in England. Miss Marie Bremncr, who last appeared here in a loading role, achieved an outstanding success during the Sydney and Melbourne seasons of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and playgoers will be glad to welcome back to New Zealand Mr Leo Darnton, Mr John Ralston and Mr Bernard Manning, who have on previous occasions appeared here in the works of the famous collaborators. Miss Maisic Ramsay and Migs Mary Botham are two young Australian singers who* have made themselves immensely popular througn their brilliant work in the latest Australian representation of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. “ The Gondoliers ’’ will bo presented for two nights and two matinees, and it will be followed by “ The Mikado,” •“ lolanthe.” “ The Yeoman of the Guard,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “ H.M.S, Pinafore,” and “ Patience.'' Box office arrangements are announced in our advertising columns.