SURPRISE FOR SYDNEY.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1930, Page 22 (Supplement)

SURPRISE FOR SYDNEY.

PANTOMIME SEASON.

The surprise of the theatrical world in Sydney just now is the come-back of Ernest C. Rolls. He has taken the St. James’ Theatre for a Christmas pantomime, “Puss in Boots.” He-also announces that he has taken a lease of the Melbourne Princess, commencing next Easter, and that it is his intention to put on a musical comedy here after the pantomime. By . the time that is through in Sydney he may be ready for the Princess,"so he is looking ahead. Hisprincipal artist for the panto, will be his'wife, Jennie Benson, wjio has a good reputation as a ’ principal .boy -in England and who. has been a poptilar vaudeville artist 'both here and abroad. The rest of the cast are being kept dark, but small wonder, for Mr. Rolls can scarcely know himself yet. His decision was so sudden that no advance plans to secure the .sjervices of suitable people were possible. , The closure of tho St. James’ Theatre three' .weeks before Hugh, D. .'Mclntosh’s lease'had run out is right’into Ernest Rolls’ hands. This gives .him time for proper rehearsals in the theatre itself instead, of scratch ones in ..odd halls round the city. Furniture' aind “props” can how be built, in the theatre itself, and the whole thing is a much easier proposition for him that if. he had had to wait until December 13 to got in.