THE STAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19443, 31 October 1925, Page 22 (Supplement)

THE STAGE

New Production for J. C. W. Amongst the recent atractions which the J. C. Williamson management has acquired arc the Viennese musical comedy, “Uschi,” land Eden Phillpot’s comedy, “The Farmer’s Wife.” This comedy has now been running at the Court Theatre, London, for the past. 18 months. It is a Devonshire rustic comedy, and the scenes aro laid at Applegarth Farm, the owner of which, Samuel Sweetland, is in search of a second wife. Coincidentally with this story there runs the romance of Sweetland’s two daughters, Sibley tend Petronell, and meanwhile life is brightened by tho comments of Churdles Ash, the hired man—comments running through the play in richest Devon accent. This fine comedy part is played in the English production by Mr Cederic Hardwicke. Mr Melville Cooper as Sweetland and Miss Phyllis Shand and Miss Eileen Beldon as his two daughters, are also prominent in la comedy which is written of as highly diverting. Xi ❖ * Guy Bates Post’s Tour. It now looks as if it will be Christmas time before Guy Bates Post and his company will arrive in New Zealand. The Sydney season is such an exceptional success that the management feels reluctant to bring it to la close. “The Nigger” is drawing packed houses. The company is also busy rehearsing a new play entitled “The Bad Man,” which is to be produced during the present Sydney season. So Mr Post will have four plays in his repertoire for the coming Dominion tour —“The Green Goddess,” “The Masquerader,” “The Nigger,” and “The Bad Man.” * ♦ “A Royal Divorce.” In “A Royial Divorce” at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, Mr Frank Harvey plays Napoleon—a role he fills for the first time. “I have always wanted to play Napoleon,” said Mr Harvey, “but have never had the opportunity till now. lam a very keen student of Napoleon, and have a fine collection of books which deal with every phase of his life and career. A day or two ago I had a very amusing letter from a playgoer. He asked: ‘I can’t see how you can play Napoleon. For one thing, you are too thin. Another thing, you are too tall. Whiat do you intend to do about it. for you cannot get fat and become shorter at your will?’ ” Mr Harvey didn’t ■worry, however, for make-up is a wondrous art in affecting stage transformations. * * * *

Clara Butt-Kennerley Rumford Tour. Chatting regarding the Australian tour, Mr Kennerley Rumford, the famous baritone, said that this was the fourth visit to Australia of Dame Clara Butt and himself. “I am afraid this will be the last,” said Nir Rumford. “This trip we anticipate will take about nine months altogether. After touring the Commonwealth and New Zealand we shall probably visit Sin gopore, Hongkong, Japan and India. Marie Burke’s Next Role. “Madame Pompadour” is likely to be the attraction at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, at Christmas, with Marie Burke (“Wildflower”) in the title role. This will bo the most ambitious singing role which has fallen to her lot since she arrived in Australia. Evelyn Laye played the p&rt in London. ❖ * * * Australian Singer in America. Miss Florence Austral will make her ‘New York debut as soloist with the New York Symphony Orchestra on Sunday afternoon, January 3, at the Mecca Auditorium. She will appear as soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra at. Cleveland on December 26 and 28, and will give a recital at Syracuse in December. * * * « The Denis Kehoe Irish, players are aow in Christchurch.