In the Theatres

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18512, 8 March 1930, Page 14 (Supplement)

In the Theatres

The “Black White” company are shortly to make their appearance in Timaru and surrounding districts in their new musical comedy, “Say Boy.” These Timaru amateurs will be remembered by their last revue, “Oh Percy:’’which was verv well received. strong cast has been assembled for their latest effort, and an original story and bright dancing and musical numbers promise plentj- of scope for good mtertainment. Ernest Lotinga. the famous London •'omedian who is presenting four of bis most popular burlesques, “August ’914.” “The Police For e ” “Khaki” and ‘House Full,” scor~d an instantaneous -.uccess at Auckland, and both he and the splendid company supporting him must be gratified at the cordiality of the welcome extended to them on the opening night, and at subsequent perormances. There is no sublety about the humour dispensed by this original and extremely versatile comedian: be reminds one of the whirlwind comedians who were once the rage in London, but whose Diaces have been most difficult to adequately fill. Lotinga is not the only fun-maker in the company; Jack Frost and Fred Luck make excellent foils for his clever doling, and the scenes in which they appear are ludicrously funny. The company is a highly-capable one. and in the four super comedy-burlesques a class of entertainment that will make a strong appeal to New Zealand theatre-goers. One of London's most versatile actresses is included in Ernest Lotinga’s splendid English company appearing in the screamingly funny comedy burlesque “August 1914,” (which shows ~ome of the lighter sides of the Great War period*, “Khaki," “The Police Force." and “House Full.” This is Miss Kathleen Barbor. the leading lady, who has been associated with many London stage successes. In the London production of “A Royal Divorce,” (which Jul<is Knight played in NewZealand). "Smith" (Somerset Maughan’s brilliant play), “Leah Kleshna,” “Outcast,” and other notable productions, Miss Barbour was allotted leading roles, and in each she scored outstanding successes. As indicating her wonderful versatility, this talented lady is said to be seen at her best in her new love, comedy-burlesque. This is Miss Barbor’s first appearance in New Zealand.

The latest dramatic production of that sterling actor and producer, Leon Gordon, is the powerful drama “The Poppy God,” a sensational play by Leon Gordon and Le Roy Clemens from the stories of Thomas Grant Springer. The prologue is enacted in the state-room of the steamer “Empress of China” en route from Hong Kong to San Francisco, while the action of the play proper takes place in: Actl, the house of Wo Ling Wo, across the bay from San Francisco; Act 11. ‘Joe’s Saloon on the Barbary Coast,”

San Francisco; and Act 111, Suie Ming's room, San Francisco’s Chinatown. As Stanley Bennett, an Englishman who undergoes some extraordinary experiences in the “mystery world” of the East in ’Frisco, offends against the moral code of the Oriental, and meets with a punishment more terrible than any court could inflict, Leon Gordon is most impressive. His wife, Nancy Gordon, as the beautiful Suie Ming, “the Lotus Bud," also presents another fine character study, while the cast of characters is a particularly strong one. This talented young Australian actress has achieved remarkable success in every important role allotted to her. New Zealanders remember with pleasure the finished art of Eric Edg- ; ley, Clem Dawe. and Dick White, the talented comedians who some time back toured the Dominion with the “Midnight Frolics” Company—Clem as principal eorftedian. Eric as first assistant, dancer and stage manager; with Dick as general supervisor and business manager. A trio of real workers, they gave the public of their very best, and the result was manifested in crowded and delighted audiences, who witnessed one of the most varied and

I delightful enterainments ever presentied to New Zealand audiences. After a * lengthy tour of Great Britain and the United States in search of fresh novelties they are presenting their first musical comedy “Love Lies,” which has packed the Gaiety Theatre, London. for many months. In this Clem Dawe will appear in the role filled by Stanley Lupino in the London production. which he witnessed during his visit to England. In this we should see Mr Dawe at his best, and with Messrs White and Edgley responsible for the presentation, including the training of the ballet and dancers, something out of the ordinary may with every confidence be looked forward to. What a reception they will get in New Zealand! News has been received of the great success of the American production of “Jew Suss.” which is being presented by J. C. Williamson. Ltd., in conjunction with the New York management of Charles B. Dillingham. The first performance was given as a preliminary production at Newark. New Jersey, prior to the New York premiere, which was a great success. Maurice Moscovitch in the title role has won an ab- ! solute triumph. The cast, which com- ' prises English artists, includes the • young Australian, Byrl Walkley. Despite the most tempting offers which come from all parts of the world, the parents of Yehudi Menuhin, the remarkable boy violinist, absolutely refuse to allow him to accept engagements for a period of over two months every year. This has been done under not only medical advice, but on the strong recommendation of some of the greatest musicians in the world to-day. This prohibition on the part of the wonder lad’s parents is particularly fortunate for Australia and New Zealand music-lovers, for his appearances in this part of the world are due as much to the fact that he will escape the importunities of many thousands u the world’s great centres, and thus wnile playing ieisured seasons in the Antipodes, escape from this disturbing element. Menuhin’s parents are deeply religious, and look upon their wonder-child as “Something precious which has been given to us to cherish and not to spoil.” For his twelfth birthday an American millionaire gave the boy a £12.000 Stradivarius and his parents recently declined an offer of £IOOO to allow Menuhin to play outside the period allotted to him for professional engagements.

Now that New Zealand audiences have had the pleasure of witnessing the comedy of Mr Ernest Lotinga. the famous London artist, they are gladly acclaiming the fact that the eulogistic references to his undoubted capabilities as a comedy-burlesque actor were in no way exaggerated. At Auckland recently, Ernest Lotinga and company opened to a crowded and enthusiastic audience in the first of his super dramatic comedies. “August 1914,” and one of the most remarkable sucesses ever achieved in New Zealand went to the credit of his very versatile combination. Mr Ernest Lotinga, in his original characterisation of Jimmie Josser, carries the heaviest burden, but he received remarkably efficient support from a very fine company, which includes Misses Kathleen Barbor (a very fine actress), Daisy Bindley. Rie Costa, and Ida May, and Messrs Howard Wilkinson, Max Avieson. Arnold Bell. Arthur Ellis, Laurence J. Laurence. Jack Frcst and Fred Luck, the two last-mentioned joining whole-heartedly with Mr Lotinga in his extremely funny scenes. After “August 1914,” "House Full,” "Khaki,” and “The Police Force” (three other Lotinga successes in London) are set down for production. The natural increase of the British population has fallen from 11.6 per 1000. in 1901. and 9.7 per IOOOin 1911 to 5 per 1000 last year. The most fatal diseases are those of the heart and circulation, respiratory diseases cancer, nervous disorders, and all forms of tuberculosis.