WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 72

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

fB, Petes Pam.s

. May 27. Dear Pasquin,”—As a change from sex drama society plays, and problem puzzles, it is a welcome innovation to have a play, and comedy at that, without the assistance of a whole cast of ladies. In “ Give and Take,” at the Grand Opera House, there is only one lady in the cast, and the purely masculine atmosphere becomes rather attractive when the novelty has worn off. Much had been heard of the American character comedian. Harry Green, before his arrival here, and he fully justifies all the advance publicity work in the role of John Bauer. It is an intensely human part, and its humour is wonderfully brought out by the clever young actor. Others in the play are Hal Percy, Edward de Tisne, Edwin Lester, George Hewlett (ot Nellie Bramley’s Company), Harry Broome, and Vera Spaull. There is only one scene, but it is replete with all the noises of factory surroundings. Alec. Wilson is managing.

Miss Beere’s dance recital was a triumph, and on the three presentations drew crowded houses. The juveniles .and the older pupils did exceptionally fine work, and the dancing of Miss Joan Beere and her partner, Mr Jack Morris, was as good as many professional teams that have come this way. The frocking was in exquisite taste, too.

After all “ Lilac Time ” is not coming over, but Marie Burke, of “ Wildflower. and “Cousin From Nowhere ” fame, wall be seen here shortly in “ Katja, the Dancer,” a comic opera type of musical comedy that has been having a phenomenal run in London. Mr Wally Monk, the, popular advance, is going to Auckland shortly to see to it that Katja gets suitable publicity. There is vaudeville at the Fuller House nightly, with the Nigger Minstrels still asking questions and answering them more or less musically The Jazz Band that was for so long associated with Lyu Smith is with the company, and the. combination is a happy one. George Ward’s revue occupies the last half of the programme. Opening next week is a bevy of charming Australian misses from the studio of Miss Frances Scully, of Sydney. They will be seen in the " Wedding of Baby Kerr,” a children’s pantomime, in association with the screening of the important British film, “The Only Way.” Wednesday next will be the premiere of this novel performance. The children take all the parts, and number 40; the pantomime was conceived by Stanley Wright, and was assembled and produced by Miss Scully, and made history at the Haymarket (Sydney) and Tivoli (Melbourne). Sir John Martin Harvey is the star of the 12-reel British masterpiece, “The Only Way,” a new version of the “ Tale of Two Cities.” which at the private screenings created a furore of expectation and realisation. The innovation is being much talked about.

The Kendall String Quartet is to pay a return visit here on Saturday, June 5. There was no doubt about. the success of their chamber music in Wellington, and ■the announcement of a return visit has been hailed with delight by all musiclovers. Students have special concessions.

The Commercial Travellers’ Choir is giving a concert in the Town Hall on Saturday night, with Mr H. Temple White as conductor of an attractive programme of part songs, gleet, etc. Miss Myra Sawyer, Mr Arthur Coe, Mr W. Binet Brown, Mr Desmond Lavin, and Mr Harold Whittle will give their musical talents in solo work in singing, violin playing, and pianoforte, and the Aeolian Quartet will also assist.

The Wellington Choral Union has secured Mr Arthur Jordan for its approaching performance of “ Carmen,” so that is a musical treat in store for Wellingtonians.

The misdirected energy of a young messenger upset the plans for a valedictory gathering among the staff of a Government Department at Greymouth recently (says the Greymouth Evening Star), and caused much amusement The boy was despatched to a leweller’s establishment, with instructions to secure on appro a “token of eeteem.” Instead of returning to those who were arranging the presentation ceremony, however, he delivered . the gift direct to the person for whom it was intended, and also presented her with the list sent around the office, on which the staff had inscribed their names 1 As the intended guest had received her present, if it only rmained for the staff to give her their best wishes in an informal way.