J.C.W. HAVE LONG LIST OF BIG SHOWS FOR 1926.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17835, 1 May 1926, Page 6

J.C.W. HAVE LONG LIST OF BIG SHOWS FOR 1926.

Mr Bert Royle, New Zealand director for J. C. Williamson, Ltd., arrived in Christchurch last evening after a visit to the Dunedin Exhibition, and in the coxirse of a brief chat he stated that the firm were bringing over some very- fine shows to New Zealand during the next few months.

“Primrose,” opens at the Theatre Roy-al to-night. This will be followed at the end of next week by the “Aladdin” pantomime. The next show will be “Give and/ Take” which Mr Royle says is a screamingly funny comedy. He saw it in Sydney and can vouch for its humour. It is a Jewish piece. The Christchurch season will open on June 2 and close on June S. “I suppose y-ou have read in the papers what a furore Pavlova has been in Melbourne and Sydney,” said Mr Royle. “She should not require a great deal of advertising or introduction. Her Christchurch season will extend from June. 21 to June 26.” This world famous dancer is sure to be a big draw here. Following Pavlova will be Del Monte, the famous operatic soprano, who ought to be in Christchurch about July 15. Then comes “Lilac Time,” which will run here from July- 22 to Julv 29. About September Christchurch people are to have the pleasure of listening to Chaliapine, claimed to be the greatest baritone of the present day. In fact he is popularly known as the “Baritone Caruso.” “We also expect Percy- Grainger during the year,” said Mr Royle. “He is one of the world’s most prominent pianists. Special interest attaches to his visit on account of the fact that he was originally an Australian, although he has been away from that country- for several years. It is possible

that during his tour he may give concerts in ’conjunction with choral societies. At these concerts he will no doubt include some of his own compositions. He has composed a number of very fine chorus pieces.” Speaking in connection with the firm’s policy in regard to new theatres, Mr Royle said they were going to erect new houses, suitable for both pictures and vaudeville in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The one in Christchurch, however, will not be commenced till after the other two are completed. The one in Auckland is in Queen Street on a very fine site. It was hard to say what it was going to cost. The Wellington theatre will I,e on the site of the old Opera House, and it will cost between £40,000 and £45,000.

Mr Royle was very favourably .impressed with all he saw at the Exhibition. He describes the Argy-11 and Sutherland Bund as “great.” The orchestra, too, he said, had done good work.