“WHITE HORSE INN”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22822, 5 March 1936, Page 17

“WHITE HORSE INN”

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S PRODUCTION

“White Horse Inn,” J. C. Williamson, Ltd.’s, stupendous spectacular musical play, which is to be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre for a brief season, beginning on Saturday, March 14, is at present attracting record audiences in Christchurch, even those established there by “ Chu Chin Chow ” and “ Rose Marie ” being eclipsed by the London Coliseum Theatre production. The successes which have been won in the north arc unprecedented in the theatrical history of New Zealand. There were a few vacant seats on the opening night in Wellington, but the following day the plans were rushed, and it was a difficult matter, although the season was considerably extended, to obtain scats during the remainder of its run in that city. Never before has a play of any djccription been staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management for iive consecutive performances at New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North and Hastings, and despite its long seasons the local theatres proved far 100 small to accommodate the large numbers who endeavoured to obtain admission to witness the performances of “ White Horse Inn.” On the last night in each of these centres hundreds had to be turned away. The revolving stage, which has never previously . en seen in New Zealand, is a great attraction, but “White Horse Inn” itself is the most entertaining musical play, and the most expensive, the .T. C. Williamson, Ltd., management has ever sent to New Zealand. The revolving stage weighs no less than 10 tons, and two of these had to be built for the New Zealand tour, so that while one is being presented in a town the other one is sent on to the next. It takes three full days and nights to erect the revolving stage and to install the latest continental lighting effects. There are over 150 people concerned in the production of “White Horse Inn,” including a full operatic chorus and orchestra, and a brilliant and talented Australian ballet. The forward staff of mechanists and electricians, together with the revolving stage and other duplicated material, will arrive in Dunedin on Tuesday next, and a full lighting and scenic rehearsal will take place on the Thursday. A very large number of applications have been received, some of them from ns far as Gore and Roxburgh, for preferential bookings, and on the opening gala night His Majesty’s Theatre is likely to present a brilliant appearance. The ordinary box plans will be opened at the D.T.C. on Tuesday morning next at 0 o’clock. A queue will be formed from 8 a.in.