THE STAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 52

THE STAGE.

Contributions from the Profession chronicling their movements and doings are invited. All communications to be addressed "Pasquin," Otago Witness Office. PRINCESS THEATRE. Pullers' Vaudeville Co., nightly. '-'The drama's laws the drama's patrons give, And those who live to please must please to live."

THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES.

By t'ASUUIN. - Tuesday, August 19. Tho Haverly Revue Company, after a. lengthy sojourn in New Zealand, where it proved one of the greatest draws on the ■fuller Circuit, has returned to Australia. Borneo Gardiner, the sift'leur, has been engaged by the fullers, and is in Auckland. Miss Marie Ney, the clever Wellington giri who made a success here in "Seven D'ays' Leave" and "The Story of the Rosary," is at present touring with a "stock" company in Western Australia,. Peter Dawson has been engaged by J. C. Williamson (Ltd.), and will become a member of the firm's Grand Opera Company. Len James and Reina Selma. Sa Hera, and Nellie* Kolle have left for Australia after a long season in New Zealand on the Fuller circuit. Barry Lupino, the very versatile comedian who made a particular hit in Dunedin with the "Very Good Eddie" Company, is to play in vaudeville, and has signed on with the Fullers. Villers Arnold, Pearl Ladd, George Edwards, and Rosie Parkes have also been engaged by the same firm. Mr Frank Kenny is business manager for the Allan Wilkie Company (now in Auckland), and Mr Jacob O'Sullivan will act as advance manager. It is interesting to note that Mr Wilkie had at first intended to bring his players across in a sailing ship, but was deterred by the suggestion that boisterous weather might unduly prolong the passage. Hearing that the Port Napier was loading coal at Newcastle, he made arrangements at once, and, after no little difficulty, he succeeded in transporting his entire company to Newcastle, and thence to New Zealand. He states that there are at present three companies waiting to come over here —Miss Muriel Starr, "Goody Two Shoes" pantomime, and the dramatic company playing " The Better 'Ole." Amongst the productions running in London, when the last mail left were " The Maid of the Mountains," which had reached its one-thousandth performance; " Nothing But the Truth," "Kissing Time" (the Anglioised title of " The Girl Behind the Gun"), "The Boy" (which is now in its seoond year), "Yes, Uncle," and "Going Up" (which is nearing the end of its second year). All of these pieces are held by J. C. Williamson (Ltd.). and are now being played in Australia or are set down for production. In addition to the above, there was running in London a revival of that time-defying musical comedy, "The Belle of New York." Last Saturday night week at Her Majesty's, Melbourne, the musical farce, "Going Up," attained to its one hundredth conseoutive performance. First produced in Adelaide by George A. Highland and Harry B. Burcher, the piece had a sensational success in New Zealand, and since then has kept the New Comic Opera Company busy for the past three months in Melbourne. Floro~3ora" was the first musical play to achieve a 16 weeks' run at the Princess Theatre, and that remained the record until "Our Miss Gibbs" came along. "Going Up" threatens to beat the figures established by the last-named piece with the performance of which the name of Blanche Browne will always* be associated. John O'Hara, who is to play the title role in Winchell Smith's and Frank Bacon's comedy-drama, " Lightnin'," which J. C. Wnihmson (Ltd.) were to produce at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, on August 9, comes to Australia thoroughly well recommended. The actor, who is famous on the American stage for his character parts, was selected for J. C Williamson (Ltd.) bv tho authors of the play. Then George M; Cohan backed up tho opinion of the authors bv cabling direct to J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) strongly approving tho selection. It may be taken for granted, therefore, that John O'Hara will be the right man in tho part of Lightnin' Bill Jones. All the men employed in the front of the house, as attendants and the like, at the new Winter Garden Theatre, Drury lane, are 1914 volunteers who have been discharged on account of wounds. One of the "link-boys" —-tho men who open carriage doors —is Private George Wilson, V. 0., of the Highland Light Infantry, who captured a German machine gun single-handed, after shooting an officer and six men. Ho was discharged in the middle of 1916, severely wounded, and cannot do any strenuous work. A restaurant is to take the place of Torrv's. Theatre, London. "Sweet Lavender." which had a run of 684- performances, made a fortune for Edward Terry. A " Pantomime Rehearsal" was another great auocesa. Pinero's "Tho Times," and "The

Ohurehwarden" were also produced at Terry's, which has had a short career — al years. it is noteworthy tttat tiieaLres named after actors and actresses have liuctuating fortunes, with, perhaps, the exception 01 Wyndham's, in which, however, Ssr O.iarles Wynciham hardly ever acted. Sooii alter Toole called the Folly 'lheatre Tooie's he nad to go out on tour; Edward 'Xeny was frequently absent from Terry's. Tlii; Garrick :'s another which bears out the statement for it is said to have had mors than its fhare of ill-luck. The Globe was for a time called Hicks's; The Kingsway, Joddrell's; The Royalty did not bear the name of Kelly lor long, and The Strand was at one time known as Whitney's. Mr Edmund Gwenn;, whose wonderful make-ups and work as a character comedian will be well remembered by Dunodin playgoers, has a leading part in "Skittles," a new comedy which has been staged in London, at the New Palace Theatre. Mr Tom Walls, who scored such an emphatic success in Dunedin in the role of Peter Doody in "The Arcadians." has received favourable notice in the London press for his work in "Kissing Time," a new musical play staged at the Winter Garden Theatre. The leading parts are in the hands of those established favourites — Miss Phyllis Dare and Mr George Grossmith. A cable message from India states that peritonitis was the cause of the death of Mr Sydney James, of the Royal Strollers. Mr James was 40 years of age. Mr Bert Bailey, accompanied by his wife and daughter, left for England by the Orontes. His main aim is to secure new things for Australia, but Mr Bailey has a strong conviction "that great events connected with the war and the new meaning and interest given to the name Australia make the time opportune for a London production of such a play as Steele Rudd's "On Our Selection." The creation of an atmosphere may be the most difficult part <M the project. The actors and actresses, including many of the leading members of the profession, recently combined as the Actors' Federation of Australia, and made application to be registered as an organisation under the Commonwealth Arbitration Act. The application being opposed on behalf of the employers, the , matter came before the industrial registrar, Mr A. M. Stewart, for determination. Registration was granted. At the inquest on July 31 into the death of Henry Nicholas Sadher, 40, a theatrical manager, well known in Sydney and Meh bourne, evidence was given that he had thrown himself over the railway bridge at Leichhardt. A verdict was returned that Sadlier died from injuries wilfully-caused by himself. Sydney George Sadlier, an auctioneer, brother of the deceased, said that his ibrother had been greatly troubled over betting transactions. He had no money prior to his death. Witness identified the handwriting on a letter-card produced a 9 that of his brother. One card was addressed to Martin Brennan, Variety Office, Sydney, and was to the effect that he had decided to end his life. He had done, he said, absolutely all he could for the profession through Variety." He sent his kindest thoughts to Ben and John Fuller, adding, " They are kings," and also wrote a postscript, "Ain't a man stiff, Porkey?" A second card to Sid Sadlier, 25 Western road, Rozselle, reads: " I am terribly worried, and have decided to end all. Please forgive me. You can have my bird. Oheeroh, Sid." WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS. Br Petkb Paw. \ August 14. Dear "Pasquin,"—As the result of the entertainments given here by '"The Diggers' Pierrots" the sum of £409 3s has been handed to the Mayor. This is a very handsome return, and the clever band is to be congratulated on its efforts. The money has boen distributed between, the Mayor's Wounded Soldiers and Sailors' Fund, the Returned Soldiers' Association, tho Salvation Army, and the Free Kindergarten Association. The Dandies will conclude their season at the Concert Chamber on Tuesday, _ as the hall is required in connection with the visit of H.M.S. New Zealand., The Dandies will return later. Meanwhile they will play seasons at Palmerston North and Wanganui. Charles Berkeley states that it is expected that the Williamson pantomime "Goody Two Shoes" will- arrive in New Zealand in two or three weeks' time. Thomas W. Driver ("Professor Kudarz") takes exception to the paragraph published recently, that Le Roy, the famous illusionist, is dead, and that Bosco has lost his sight. Mr Driver says that Le Roy is still well and hearty, and that he received a letter from him a few mails back. Bosco (Dr Elliott) was also well, and the trio Le Roy, Talma, and Bosco were about to run a magic show at Coney Island, and then tour South America. W. A. ("Billy?) Low. who was seriously ill in Auckland a short time ago, has almost completely recovered. He is at present in Wellington in the interests of Education Films, which have been promoted to boost New Zealand's scientific wonders and industries. The first picture is to be shown here next week, and wiH subsequently be taken through tho Dominion. PRINCESS THEATRE. The cosy warmth and bright atmosphere of the Princess Theatre presented a striking contrast on Monday to the unpleasant conditions prevailing out of doors, and when it is mentioned that the attendance was a very numerous one some conception will be conveyed of the magnetic attractions of the entertainment. The first part consisted of a series of vaudeville items, each marked by soni" distinctive merit of its own, and each capable of providing an exceedingly enjoyable quarter of an hour ;—in fact, the interval arrived with surprising suddenness —an effect which invariably involves a hish tribute to any performance. A turn billed as "Bert's Dogs" was the only addition to last week's programme, and it was a decidedly interesting one. Bert has acquired an astonishing degree of control over his two canine colleagues, who obey his slightest command in a most obliging manner, nnd at the same time reveal a remarkable degree of intelligence. A pig of tender years also took part in the turn, causing a great deal of amusement. In musical vein there -were Raynor and Brennan and Brull and Hemsley, all of whom are well and favourably known. The whole of the second part is furnished by the Paul Stanhope Revue Company, -whose new revile, " Brio-a-Brao," goes with a merry swing, and runs its course to th© accompaniment of a constant

succession of outbursts of laughter. Mr Stanhope, who appears as Spike Murphy in a nautical role, provides the bulk of the humour, and docs it as effectively as in the previous revue numbers presented by his company. _ There is little subtlety about most of the comedy, and in ths majority of eases the point of a joke was so broad and so plain as to be quite unmistakable. Mr Ernest Pitcher and Mr Mark Erickson were both entrusted with heavy roles, which they handled with credit to themselves and with pleasure to all present. The vocal talent of the company was heard to advantage in a number of quite tuneful ditties, the chief honours being shared by Miss Ethel Bennetto and Miss Maude Miles. The Grafters' quartet contributed a number wliicl. calls for no special comment. The chorus of Ginger Girls at all times was bright and vivacious, and they lent extremely valuable assistance in covering up the deficiencies of a rather emaciated plot, their appearances invariably being heartily welcomed. " Bric-a-Brao" was most charmingly staged and costumed, and the electric li<rht effects throughout were very striking. To-night's bill will be strengthened by the inclusion of " the Gilberts, who are described as "the dwarf comedian and the lady who can't talk," and with this addition the programme should meet the most exacting requirements of vaudeville patrons.