HELPING ACTORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1010, 28 June 1930, Page 24

HELPING ACTORS

London Stage Stars in Big Matinee THE QUEEN ATTENDS Within a week of returning from her triumphs in the United States Evelyn Laye sang before the Queen at Lady Wyndham’s matinee for the Actors’ Benevolent Fund at the New Theatre. This was the only stage appearance Miss Laye is making during her short holiday in England, says a writer in the “Daily Mail.” Looking a picture in a white muslin frock with a blue sash and carrying a big straw hat, Miss Laye sang a song from “Princess Charming” and “Lover, Come Back to Me! ” from “The Blue Moon.” Her voice has taken on more volume since we last heard her. The Queen saw a. performance in which half the best known theatrical artists in London seemed to be taking part. Marie Tempest, Ellis Jeffreys, Peggy Wood, and George Metaxa (from “Bitter Sweet”), Edith Evans, Godfrey Tearle, Cicely Courtneidge and Jack Hulbert were only a few of those who appeared. And, best of all, it was good to hear the wonderful Dame Madge Kendal giving a delightfully worded speech of thanks addressed directly to the royal box, her voice as linn and clear as that of any actress 50 years younger. Dame May Whitty, who took over the organisation, of the performance after Lady Wyndham became ill, informed the Queen that the fund will benefit by £l,lOO from the matinee.