Across the Footlights

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14364, 15 May 1920, Page 3

Across the Footlights

PLAYS AND PICTURES. (By Fra Dlavolo). THEATRE' ROYAL. Nijrhtly—Pictures. June 1 and 2—" The Better 'Ole." June G and 7—English Pierrots. KINO'S THEATRE. Nightly—Pictures. "The Better "Ole."— After a highly successful lour of the South Island, the English Musical Comedy Company, playing "The Better 'Ole," will appear in Hamilton on June Jst. The comedy, which was played fdi' l.woyears in London, had its origin in Bairnsfather's comical cartoons. "Fragments from France," and the three chief figures in the play are those redoubtahle warriors Old Bill, Alf, and 'Erb. who are shown in the trenches, in billets behind the line, and in Blighty, each scene being enlivened with Bairnsfather humour,"which never fails to raise uproarious laughter. The company includes Messrs Lionel Walsh Harry Young, Hubert Lee, Wilton Power, Ralph Holland, Misses June Addell, Lena Henry, Louis Pascoe, and others. The comedy is also alive with songs, dances, and funny "stunts" dear to the heart of the "Digger" and his people.

Gilbert and Sullivan Revival— In June next there is to be a revival of Gilbert and Sullivan operas under the Williamson auspices. The Grand Opera Company is to he disbanded at the close of the Brisbane season of three weeks, but in all probability some of the grand opera artists will be rex tained for the lighter operatic works. Both in England and America lust, year it was clearly shown that the time was fully ripe for Gilbert and Sullivan revivals, which, particularly in London and (lie provinces, drew large support. This season of English opera will fit in well with the visit, of the Prince of Wales to Australia in June. In view of the imposing naval display which is proposed, ,a performance of "H.M.S. Pinafore" would lie exceedingly appropriate.

Helen Keller to Tour the World — Helen Keller, the blind, deaf and formerly dumb woman who opened in the Xevv York Palace recently and immediately made good, may tour the world. It is reported to The Billboard that, such a plan is now being considered by her agent, Harry Weber, as she has expressed a desire |o make Ihe lour. Her ability to speak fluently five languages will, she believes, make such a plan practical. The story of Helen Keller's life reads like a fairy tale. Born deaf, dumb and blind she overcame her disabilities, and is'to-day one of the great writers and lecturers of the world, possessed, it is said, of a charming personnlily and with a very optimistic outlook on life. Enol'sh Pierrots—

Those talented people, the English Pierrots, will commence an Auckland season to-night, and will come to Hamilton early next month. A feature of Ihcir entertainments is the Ladies' Orchestra, whose selections are creating enthusiasm everywhere. It will he remembered that when the Enelish Pierrots last appeared in Hamillon their season was so successful thai il ha I In lip extended, and probably the snriv happy state of affairs will exist this year.

Melbn's Mysterious JHness— Dame Nellie Melba st.\!os thai she lias been mysteriously 'II for si'ver'l weeks and has been confined to her bod for a month. Leading European doctors, inrludin? an X-ray specialist at Paris, failed to diagnose Ihe ailment. Afterwards she herself discovered a tiny decay in a tooth, the I'xlrart'on of which ended the trouble suddenlv. name Melha did not disclose her illne.as in order not to alarm her relatives and friends. Jottings— It was gratifying In see r-urh a satisfactory attendance, despite the unpropitious weather, at the practice of the Hamilton Operatic Society on Tuesday night. Everything points In a successful presentation of the popular "(Mir Miss Gihhs." Next week the practice will lie heal on Thursday oveninar. Miss Madolino Kniglit, the Auckland contralto, for so longu popular member of the Dandies, has left for Sydney In join the llnxham Serenaders. "(iineer .Mick,"'Dennis' sequel to" The Sent, menial' Bloke." will lie screened in Hamilton shortly. This lllm was described by the New Zealand censor as "the finest picture he had ever seen"— surely high praise. When the lust mail left Miss May Beatly. the ex-Pollardian, was appearing as Dame Agatha Boot at the London Comedy Theatre in "Wild Geese," a new musical comedy. The Kiwis, those clever soldier entertainers, have been appearing at an Auckland picture theatre during the week.

A message from Los Angeles states that Douglas Fairbanks suffered severe injuries through being trapped under an avalanche of earth while making a film.

The Dandies of 1920 will open a season in Hie Wellington Town Mali to-night. Mr John Hopkins announces that he intends to present opportunities for the appearance of Xew Zealand talent. Messrs J. and X. Tail will shortly optimise a musical comedy company for the production of "Irene.' 1 and oilier successful musical offerings. Haulaway: "I'm soing to leave the stage." Friend: "You'll be misse.i ( you i!n (ilil man." Haulaway: "That's just |he reason why I'm retiring. I'm tired of being hit." Mr Frank Amoore, the Australian (■•nor, is now singing with success in the Manawatu district. He comes north later. Messrs J. and N. Tait's dramatic company presented their second offering in Dunedin this week, following "Daddies" with "The Little Damozcl." The leading man of this combination (Mr Herbert Ranson), by the way. was in Hamilton with Mr Cyril Maude in "Grumpy."