THE DUBARRY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20447, 27 October 1934, Page 28 (Supplement)

THE DUBARRY.

Sylvia Welling Adores Part. HER GREATEST LOVE. Sylvia- Welling—The Dubarry—the name brings the breath of romance, conjures up visions of gorgeous scenes, brilliant acting, and perfect singing. But what of the real woman who has been the sensation of London, Australia and New Zealand? In an interview this afternoon Miss Welling told a reporter something of her love for the part which has made her the idol of many thousands. And the reporter was able to understand w’hy the Dubarry had been the greatest success •of recent-years. Dressed in a costume of dark blue, with a chic little beret to match and a buttonhole of pansies, Miss Welling was in the truest sense a picture. While she was talking, shafts of sunlight touched her reddish golden hair, making it appear on fire. When she smiles there is a suggestion of dimples, which becomes a certainty in laughter. And all the time one can feel the personality which has carried her to stardom. * Miss Welling explained that she is delighted to be in Christchurch. During the whole of her tour through New Zealand this prospect has been ever before her, and now that the time has come she is sure that she is not going to be disappointed. Everywhere she has found audiences appreciative, and the reporter assured her that Christchurch would not prove an exception. So far there has been only one blot on New Zealand’s good record. The trains have proved rather dusty and not too comfortable. At times after playing her long and tiring part Miss Welling has been forced to leave at 4 o’clock in the morning for the next stop. Often there has been no time to go to bed before boarding the train. One Part After Another. For eighteen months Miss Welling has been playing one part after another without a holiday, and she has recently signed a new contract to stay another six -months in Australia and New Zealand. Riding is the favourite sport of this brilliant young actress, but when time permits golf also appeals. “ Anyone who has never been on horseback has missed one of the greatest thrills in life. To feel the power of the horse and the knowledge that one is master of it, that is marvellous.” Gardens and flowers make Miss Welling wild with delight. On the way up from Timaru Miss Welling had a bo-wl of flowers in her carriage. On arrival at her hotel in Christchurch, before doing anything she washed the dust from the flowers and saw that they had fresh water. She confessed that she likes the luxury and comfort of this modern age, but she also loves tradition and all that it means. There is nothing of the aggressive modern about her.

But Miss Sylvia Welling’s greatest love is her part as the Dubarry.

“ There is so much to it. Beauty, colour, glamour, clever dialogue and lovely music. Even now, after months of playing night after night, I often sit in the wings and think how brilliant is this lino l or that, and how great the finish and polish of the whole production. When it is over I think that I will feel that I have lost the most important thing* in my life.”