"ABSOLUTELY BOOMING”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 179, 1 August 1932, Page 11

"ABSOLUTELY BOOMING”

THE LONDON STAGE. NOTED STABS’ BETURN. WELLINGTON, July 26. Two popular Australian stage personalities who have won fame for themselves in London, Miss Madge Elliott and Mr. Cyril Ritchard, arrived in Wellington to-day by the Maunganui at the head of the “Blue Roses” Com pany. When interviewed by The Post to-day, Mr. Ritchard made some interesting observations about the stage abroad. “ One hears a lot of complaints about the death of the theatre,” he said, “ but it is only the picture magnates who talk like that. Never has more money been spent on productions in London, and never have there been more shows than there are at the present time; and except for the usual first summer failures through lack of attendances, things are absolutely booming.” Ono of the most recent innovations in London was the continuous vaudeville, which started at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and ran right through until 1 o’clock the next morning without an interval. It was an excellent attraction for people who were in town for just an hour or so. At one

theatre alone the booked seats for the first *<eek amounted to £3OOO.

Another important feature of the London stage was the German influence, which was being felt to a great extent. The Germans were an amazing people with very artistic ideas, and they applied those artistic ideas to the practical in the theatre, especially in the production of opera. Lately there had been a marked return to the Viennese operetta, and German producers had been brought across to Lon don. One thing that was not so good for the English actors was that German actors were usually capable linguists and after a few weeks’ study of their parts could perform to the satisfaction of London audiences. That, however, applied only to straight parts, and not to humour. American jazz was being put a bit in the background at piosent. It was very pleasing to be r.blc to record that romance was coming back to the theatre again. hi nee ho was here last in “ The Cabaret Girl,” Mr. Ritchnrd has travelled far and seen much of the stage in America and London. He first went to America (while Miss Elliott returned to Australia), and within a fortnight secured a contract iu New York with Florenz Ziegfeld, the famous producer, whose death was announced yesterday. Mr. Bit chard was engaged for a revue on the new Amsterdam Theatre roof. His contract was later transferred tn Charles Dillingham, also a well know

producer, and lie played with Miss Elsie Janis. il Incidentally,” said Mr. Kit

e chard, “ Miss Janis made a great name - for herself during the war. She has t retired from the stage while quite g young, and has gone to Hollywood, d where she has taken up scenario writ e ing and directing.” At the end of a 1925 Mr. Ritchard wont to London, e where he secured a contracl, taking o Jack Buchanan’s part in ‘‘Chariot’s •- Revue.” It was the first time, he said i j with a smile, he had had the pleasure d 'of seeing his name in electric lights. '■ |He later played in revue with Miss | Elliott, who had come to London in the f i meantime, the pair dancing in the ;• “Midnight Follies,” which ran for , a year. This was in addition to th'dr >, ordinary worn. The 4< Follies” were s ! later sent to Monte Carlo, after whicn t i Miss Elliott and he were offered a eon o !tract in the West End to join Laddie - 'Cliff and Leslie Henson in “ Lady Luck.” That was the first time, apart - from the “ Follies.” that they had J danced together while in London. Mr. - j Ritchard said that they had originally o 1 intended to return to London about d 'September, but had altered their art ■ rnngements, and wore now due to be h i back in London again in February •, ! next.