In the Theatres

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18536, 5 April 1930, Page 14 (Supplement)

In the Theatres

Hailed by critics all over the world as the most remarkable child genius of the violin who has ever appeared in public, Yehudi Menuhin will make a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand this year. This 12-year-old boy has taken the art centres of the world by storm and his first gramophone records, issued in New Zealand last year, were sufficient to create something like a sensation. His tour will be under the directions of Messrs J. and N. Tait, but no definite dates have yet been fixed. The visit will assuredly be one of major importance in the concert season.

At the conclusion of the season of “The New Moon” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, the J. C. Williamson management will stage a revival of the ever popular “Belle of New York.” The full cast has* not yet been definitely selected but the leading role will be played by Miss Marie Bremner and Mr Sydney Murchall, with Miss Amy Rochelle, a popular artist throughout Australia and New Zealand, in another prominent part.

“The Maid of the Mountains,” will probably be the first of the musical plays to be revived by the Williamson management in Melbourne, with Miss Gladys Moncrieff in the leading role. Mr Lance Fairfax will play the part originated here by Mr Robert Chisholm and the comedy will be in the capable hands of Mr Gus Bluett, and Mr Cecil Kelleway. Mr John Ralston will also be in the cast.

An excellent impression has been created by the famous English burlesque comedian, Mr Ernest Lotinga, who is now playing a season with his company in New Zealand. His first offering, “August 1914” proved very popular, and his other super comedy-burlesques were equally funny. Mr Lotinga has a distinctive comic style and his musical farces show that he has also the material to set them off to advantage. His second production is “House Full,” followed by “Khaki” and “The Police Force,” and the fun throughout each is unquestionably fast and furious. Lotinga is on of the funniest comedians ever seen in New Zealand.

Of Ernie Lotinga, the London Comedian now at Wellington, it has been said that he has been able to knock the thrill out of dramatic situations by the mere flicker of an eye, or the leering lift of an eyebrow. He is presenting four plays in New Zealand. “August 1914”, dealing with the lighter side cf war, is a riot of laughter from first act to final curtain, with substantial slices of drama, reduced to hilarity by the antics of the chief comedian. “Police Force” is a whimsical humorous burlesque, with Mr Lotinga in as many character disguises as there are scenes, brimful of ludicrous situations, and a masterpiece of mimicry “Khaki” is described as a delightful comedy that enjoyed a run of over twelve months in London, and is ranked as one of the best comedies in the company’s repertoire: it deals with the funny side of army life with Mr Lotinga’s genius to frisk it along; and “Full House” is a ten-scene hilarious comedy, with the humour of the London comedian painted in broad vivid colours. Mr Lotinga is supported by an exceptionally fine cast, chosen from London, and all-British.

Leon Gordon, the favourite author, actor and producer, now appearing under the noted J. C. Williamson regime, and whom we hope to see in New Zealand Murder on the Second Floor,” and other dramas recalls the fact that the longest part he ever played was Tanner in Bernard Shaw’s “Man and Superman.” Mr Gordon had only five days in which to learn his role. “It was a big task," said Mr Gordon “so a man had to be placed in a convenient place to prompt me whenever in doubt. He was hidden in the fireplace, so that whenever I had a long speech to deliver I walked over to the fireplace and leaned on the mantelpiece. In the second act however the big scene with the motor car the prompter lay along the runningboard behind the car, and hidden from the audience. The car was started suddenly however, and the prompter rolled off much to the delight of the audience."

As a distinct change from American stage stories, the all-British atmosphere of the comedies to be played by the Ernest Lotinga Comedy Comany must have their proper appreciation at the hands of New Zealanders. The season, limited as it is, will provide theatre-goers (and lovers of pure English), with four London successes—- “ August, 1914”; “Khaki”, “Full House”, and “Police Force”. Burlesque comedy is the strong line of Mr Lotinga, who is a London favourite with a long list of stage successes to his credit. He is no ordinary entertainer: he is a finished actor, a comedian with a rare wit, a master of disguise and mimicry, female impersonator, and withal a charming English gentleman. He has a very popular London actress in Miss Kathleen Barbor, as his leading lady, and with a big cast of English actors and actresses in support, the company is staging the exact productions that made such a hit in London and the provinces. Mr Lotinga has been meet-

ing with a warm welcome from North Island theatre-goers; he has been deeply impressed with the scenic beauties of the Dominion, and is intending to do what he can to popularise the charms of the country, on his return Home.

William Faversham, the famous English actor, who is now in Australia under engagement to J. C. Williamson Ltd., was born in London, but he has achieved his greatest successes in in America. He originated many famous characters, and was Romeo to the Juliet of the great Maud Adams. Faversham’s fame does not, by any means, rest entirely on classical roles, however, for he is known far and wide for his performances in “The Squaw Man,” which he has revived from time to time. “The Prince and the Pauper," “Under the Red Robe,” “The Hawk," “The Silver Cord,” etc., etc. Another drama which achieved great popoularity when he appeared in it was “Leah Kleschna.” Mr Faversham spends all his holidays at his English home "The Old Manor,” Chiddingfold, Surrey.

Sydney correspondent writes:—Leon Gordon is going to “stop over,” as the Americans say, in Sydney for a fortnight before going to New Zealand for ci farewell tour. In Sydney he will play but one piece, “Murder on the Second Floor,” but New Zealand should see his repertory. He is losing Mary McGregor as leading lady, she having been picked to play the role of a boy in “The Prince and the Pauper,” with William Faversham when he opens at the Theatre Royal later in March.