AROUND THE WORLD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 57

AROUND THE WORLD.

Yoirng's Chambers, 256 Pitt street, Sydney, May 21, 1902.

Dcai Pasquin, — As promised, here it is. You will see by t.he above I am in the City of Plague and costly living, acting at present at Sydney representative of our film, who are at present in Ta>miania, playing at the Temperance Hall, Hobart, third week, Empire (late Bijou) Theatre, Launceston, eighth week, and I know you will be pleased to know bis. is good — not startlingly good, but good e::ough for ns to witness the variety struggle in Xew Zealand with benign equanimity. When you have seer, the World's Kuiertainers and Rickards's show you will have seen some of the best the world can produce in the variety line, and you will "know all about it." and you will be inclined to tnrn youi nose up »t the ordinary common or garden "snap " Anyhow, I suppose that the survival of the "financialist" manager theory will prevail when it's all over, for the public will get the benefit of the present great rivalry between the vaudeville managers, for I hardly think a flying trip through New Zealand will make much difference to the ledger .balance on either side. I s^e by the last issua of the New Zealand "Actors' Bible" (Otago Witness) that the Alliambxa has reverted to dra-nia again. Well, a rest from variety will do nc harm, and variety will be all the fresher, eren if the jokes are no newer, when it is on tap again. Bluett joins us *gam next week. Ht has developed into a sterling performer— always was good, but is now more finished, and compares favourably with most of Pvickarde's imported this side up with "care" comedians Stevens is still with us. Watkins joined M-usgrove-s cttmic Opera Company in Melbourne. Nellie Stewart was in our aliow one night in Launctslon, and offered him an engagement, which he accepted. He has got a chance now, and a good one, and we all wish him luck. Bill Sylvain still sticks to us. Our companies will comprise the following people nex* week — Charles Failing, Ceorgie Devoe, Ida Roslyn, Beattie Smith, M'Kisson and Kearns, Lena C»rmichae!, Lilly Dunbar, Will Stevens, Fred Bluett, Tom Edwaros, Daisy Chaid, George VViliianifion, Rnby Clifford, Heltie Warden, Amy Blackie, Ted Herberte, Elsie Lenard, Walter Fuller. Keilderpon, John Fullei, =en , Will Sylvain. John Fuller, ]tin., Lydia Walters, Alberto, aud DoUy Lamont. So you will see we have several that were favourites with us in New Zealand, j Have the Dunedin public changed? or what

at the Alhambra with variety. It was one of our best towns, as I need not tell you. There are quite a lot of performers "out" just now, and I think the tendency will be for Poverty Pointers to increase, as with the importation of so "many English and American vaudeville artists and Mr Rickards doing away with the minstrel first parts, there will necessarily be a lesser demand for Australian artists. Howard Chambers said good-bye to Australia last week, and is now en route to America. A good fellow, and will be bound to do all right in Yankeeland. The Leslie Bros, are doing -well there.

Jim Brown is conducting for Rickards at Brisbane Theatre RoyaL B»other Walter, who returned from England a few weeks back, is looking and feeling splendid, and thoroughly enjoyed his trip Home. He had 12 months away. He has many interesting yarns to tell of his experiences there, but he thiuks there is "still a little talent left in the old country; it is not all out here." At the same time he thinks there is plenty of room for New Zealand and Australian talent at Home if they would try to originate. Mere mediocrity, or even cleverness combined with slavish copying of other people's business, stands no show there.

Always glad to hear from old friends. Kind regards. — Yours truly,

Ben FttlleEj Sen. P.S. — You will observe the "senior" tacked on to my name. Obliged to do it. My son is getting on; will be five months old shortly. — B. F.

May 23, 1902. Have just received a cable saying Watkins rejoins 31st inst- So we will (have the old "contingent" round us once more.