WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 46

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Br Pethb Pan. - February 1. Dear "Pasquin," —John Hopkins has sailed across the sea in search of attractions for the Dominion during the winter months. He has in his eye several big artists, besides a costume comedy company, and <if his negotiations are successful playgoers and musical folk will have something good to look forward to. More "anon. Signor Malini, a conjurer with a press book full of laudatory notices, is at present in Wellington arranging a tour of the Dominion. His is a one-man show, and he relies solely upon a dexterous pair of hands in his performances, despising all mechanical apparatus. Malini opens his tour at the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall next Saturday. From here he goes to Auckland, and then works right through both islands. Jack Waller and his "Look Who's Hero" combination are due hero for a return season on the 19th, said season to extend over several weeks. Waller's Company did big business on the previous occasion, and created a moro than favourable impression. J. L. Cathro is attending to the advance work. Williamson's Musical Comedy Company has had a great season here, "You're in Love" and "Canary Cottage" drawing big houses. To-night "So Long, Letty" will bo revived, and after the show on Saturday night the company ■ will leave for Christohurch, opening there on the following Monday. Tho company is busily rehearsing a new musical comedy.. " The Only Girl," which in all probability will be staged in Christchurch. This will bo the first time in the history of J. C. Williamson that a new play has received its premier in New Zealand. Maud Fane, Dorothy Brunton's successor, had enthusiastic rcceptions : here during tho season. After some -weeks of all-vaudeville at His Majesty's the revue is again in possession, Paul Stanhope's Company having returned and been warmly welcomed. The bill just now is a strong one, the chief stars being Tod Mac Lean and Genevieve Ward in clever playlets, and Kelly and Drake in smart patter and smarter dancing. Barrio Marschol's pictured poem "Kidd, from ' Timaru" has packed Everybody's Theatre this week. Certainly its drawing power has proved equal to much of the "big foaturo" stuff screened at tho picture houses.