THEATRE PLANS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20329, 12 June 1934, Page 5

THEATRE PLANS.

Activity in Sydney and

Melbourne,

EFFTEE STAGE ENTERPRISE

(Special to the - Star.”)

SYDNEY. June 3.

Sir Ben Fuller’s grand opera and theatre-building plans, in Sydney and Melbourne; the building of picture theatres by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, in Sydney and Brisbane; and the rebuilding of His Majesty’s, Melbourne, by J. C. Williamson, are now followed by a very interesting announcement by Mr F. W. Thring, head of the Melbourne Efftee Studios.

Mr Thring said that the engagement of the French actress Alice Delysia for an Australian tour was part of a definite policy Avhich aimed at giving Australian audiences good musical productions, and had, as one of its objects, the de\*elopment of local talent by enabling Australians to see for themselves, at first hand, the methods and Avork of artists of reputation from abroad. He felt that only by seeing noted performers could the coming generation of Australian stage and screen artists obtain the necessary experience to enable them to give full expression to their own artistic inspiration.

Mr Thring- emphasised that he was by no means departing from his Australian policy in importing stars from abroad. He had noAv under consideration a number of musical plays by Australian Avriters and composers, and one of them would be selected as the Centenary attraction at the Princess Theatre. The play selected would be rehearsed in Sydney by the company headed by Gladys Moncrieff during the run of “ Collits’ Inn,” which Efftee will make into a musical film, and “ The Belo\'ed Vagabond." Mr Thring added that the subsequent schedule of film production at the Efftee studio Avould depend upon what legislative steps were taken to ensure regular release of Australian films on satisfactory terms in the Home market.

Screen Tests. One of the difficulties encountered by Australian producers- is the lack of good individual types who can walk, speak and photograph properly. Mr Ken Hall, producer of “ The Silence of Dean Maitland,” informed the organising secretary of the City of Sydney Eisteddfod the other day that he could place ten or eleven people straight away if he could secure the right type. The Eisteddfod responded by arranging a screen personality contest. Country tests are being held, and arrangements will be made for the winner in each town to come to Sydney to compete in the final contest in the Eisteddfod. This arrangement may later be extended to other States.

Some time in July, according to present arrangements, J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will open their new His Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, rebuilt at a cost of over £65,000. The opening night will be marked by a gala performance of “ White Horse Inn,” the biggest production ever staged in Australia. There will be no pillars to obscure the view, and every seat will have a clear view of the stage from any part of the auditorium. Large and beautifully furnished foyers will add a social touch that theatregoers will appreciate.