STAGELAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1789, 7 November 1919, Page 2

STAGELAND.

(By Dionysus.) BOOKINGS. Theatre Royal. Nov. B—Pantomime, "Goody Two-Shoes." Nov. 20—Emelie Polini. King's Theatre. Royal Togos-Alsacc Company. Opera House. Fuller's Vaudeville. In "Goody TwTshoes" J. C. Williamson, Ltd., claim to have easily surpassed anything hitherto attempted. Particularly, it is said, has it excelled any previous achievement for its beauty and infinite variety. There are some notable specialties included, and novelty and freshness characterise the whole production. In the cast many newcomers are included. These comprise Dorothy Hastings, principal boy, Madeline Harrison, principal girl, Maud Gray and Toby Claude, one of America's foremost eccentric comediennes. Arthur Stigant as dame is a household word. A really wonderful performance is said to be given by Frjed Walton as the Toy Soldier. There are 19 scenes in the two acts, which the management claim to be crowded with features sufficient for the making of two ordinary pantomimes.

An extension of his contract with the Fullers has been signed by Walter George. This means that Christchurch will probably have another opportunity of meeting the Sunshine Players in the near future.

The Fuller Dramatic Players, at the Grand Opera House, Sydney —the home of melodrama in Australia —can hardly be charged with lack of realism after an incident which has just occurred there. Leslie Adrien, as the heroine of "When London Sleeps," was, towards the close of the play, chained to the Indian idol by the' villain preparatory to being burned, according to the playwright's instructions, until such time as the hero might rescue her. Unhappily for Miss Adrien, her dress actually caught fire, and Ronald Conway had the difficult task of rescuing a blazing heroine. A fireman in the wings found his presence timely.

Two new acts which will make their appearance at the Opera House next week are Bryant and Bryant, who present clever juggling specialities with electrical effects, and Keldine and Klenio, described as '' cycling marvels.''

A bright vaudeville show which! should prove in especial favour duririg Carnival Week will open this evening in the King's Theatre. The Eoyal Togos-Alsace Company comprise artists who arc mostly well known here. Thrills in plenty are provided by Uno and George Togo, the spectacular '' slide for i life" being something which should be seen. Dance originalities are promised by La Belle Undine, an excellent soprano is Lalla Knight-, and Wendy Dale and Alphonse are a bright and entertaining couple. Other artists are of good standing. Special stage settings and lighting, and a rearrangement of the interior of the theatre are announced.

Victor Fitzhcrbert, of the Emelie Polini Company, is a son of the late Henry E. Fitzherbert, formerly member for the Hutt, says the "Dominion," and a grandson of the late Sir William Fitzherbert, who was at one time Treasurer for the Wellington Provincial Government. * * • It is now announced that the Williamson Grand Opera Company will open here about Christmas time. For' once Australian critics appear to have agreed, their remarks anent the singing of the prima donna Amy Castles being generally distinguished by enthusiastic praise. * » • The will of Oscar Hammerstein, the impresario, left everything to his widow. The value of the estate was little more than £IOOO, but he had given a substantial sum to his wife in his lifetime. A few years ago Mr Hammerstein's wealth was estimated at £1,000,000, but unsuccessful operatic ventures in London, Philadelphia, and New York consumed a large part of this amount.

The Te Koa Returned Soldier Entertainers are coming this way" shortly. Organised originally in France by Owen Pritchard, they have been on tour in New Zealand since July. All the men are "dinkum diggers," and the only artist of the other sex is Winifred Birch, comedienne and whistler. "Jack" , Macdouald is managing.

Marie Temfoest ended her Johannesburg season (the fourth since 1918) on

August 11. After farewell seasons in Durban and Cape Town, the famous comedienne was to embark (under the direction of African Theatre, Ltd.) upon a long tour of India and the Far East, playing Calcutta, Rangoon, Singapore, Hong-Kong, Shanghai, Tien-tsin, Peking, Manila, Kobe, Tokio and Yokohama. From Japan she will embark for New York.

Violet Ludford, at one time on the literary staff of The Sun has written a song "Hope's Echo," the music of which was composed by Mr.F. Wolfgang of Wellington. It is excellently spoken of.

The accident to Carl Formes during the duelling scene in "Faust" at Sydn'ey His Majesty's proves that all the danger spots are not in the movies (writes a Sydney "Bulletin" correspondent). Allan Wilkio had a bad accident while duelling in "The Story of the Rosary." In "Seven Days' Leave" a stage hand broke his arm while working a submarine effect. Soubrette Fanny Erris broke her leg on the stage. Olga Agnew, at Sydney Royal, two months ago, was stabbed in the face by a bit of tin armour, and the hurt is not yet quite healed. Even the audience have to take their chances. When the Gonsalez- Company were in the midst of the "Anvil Chorus" in Brisbane a chip of steel flew into the stalls and blinded the eye of a patron.

The action of "The Great Day," a new Drury Lane melodrama, passes at the time of the Armistice and of the signing of Peace, and there are spectacular scenes in Paris as well as in England.