WELCOME VISIT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20625, 28 May 1935, Page 10

WELCOME VISIT.

Nellie Bramley’s Return to Christchurch. RECORDS ESTABLISHED. The news that Miss Nellie Bramlev is back again will be welcomed in Christchurch. This talented actress, whose last appearance here provided such delightful entertainment. made friends with all who were fortunate enough to see her performances, not only by her outstanding ability on the stage, but also by a more permanent medium, her cheerful and likeable personality. In the seven years since Miss Bramlev brought a company to Christchurch last, she has had a striking run of success in Australia, playing bright but by no means superficial comedy to packed audiences in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. She is proud of the three records she put up in those cities—two years at Brisbane, 67 weeks at Melbourne, and exactly a year at Perth. Some indication of the extent of the repertoire is given by the fact that in Brisbane a new show was given each week, without one being repeated. “ There are plenty of really good plays available now,” said Miss Bramley in an interview this morning. “ For a while there was a scarcity, as so many of the playwrights transferred their attention to scenario writing for the talkies; but now the stage is coming back into its own, and many of the modern comedies are of excellent quality, The public wants something more than the mere froth that found favour during the war years. We find that favour goes to the show with bright humour, witty dialogue, and some ‘meat’ in it as well.” Miss Bramley has a special interest in Christchurch, and was pleased to commence her New Zealand season in this city. On her last visit she raised no less than £3OO toward the Bridge of Remembrance Fund by a special performance. A Strong Company. A strong company accompanies her. The leading man is Mr John Cameron, while Miss Noel Boyd and Miss Nan Taylor are well and favourably known to theatregoers here. Romance is not absent from the company, as Mr and Mrs W. Ewart are honeymooning, having been married by special license just before the boat left Australia. Mr E. Elliott Lloyd is acting in a managerial capacity. Mr Moncrief McCallum is the only New Zealander of the company. With the exception of Mr Cameron, who took the juvenile lead in “ Grandad Rudd,” none of the company have acted for the films. Miss Bramley’s opening Christchurch show is Avory Hopwood’s “ Beware of Widows,” and interest will be aroused immediately when it is known that the author also wrote “ Fair and V/aimer,” played by Miss Bramley on her last visit, a comedy which will live in memory for a long time. After “ Beware of Widows,” Miss Bramley will present a sequence of bright comedies, including “ Philandering Husbands ” and “ Scandalmongers,” plavs which have been hailed with acclamation in England, America and Australia. The season opens on Saturday at the St James Theatre.