PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18809, 3 December 1932, Page 17 (Supplement)

PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

Coming Events. December B—The Messiah,” by the Hamilton Philharmonic Choir. December 12— Recital by pupils of Myra Booth Studio. I Make a Strong Protest. On several occasions I have had cause to complain of the free use made of this page by certain other newspapers in New Zealand, without acknowledgment of any kind. The limit was reached last Saturday, when the theatrical news of one paper oonslsted of about four columns lifted bodily (the same headings even) from my page of the previous week. I suppose this may be taken as a oompliment, but it Is decidedly irritating i Clem Dawe at Brisbane. In the company supporting Clem Dawe, the popular comedian, at the Brisbane Wintergarden, are some stars of a former generation, including Peggy Pryde, Maud Fanning, Doody and Wright, Ward Lear and Waily Ricardo. Aleo Regan Rejoins Clem Dawe. The lure of the footlights has S roved too strong for popular Alec egan, and he is giving up the managership of the Regent Theatre, Dunedin, to rejoin Clem Dawe and the Midnight Frolics, of which company he was formerly a member for three years. There are few more likeable players, on or off stage, than Alec Regan, and he will carry with him the good wishes of a very wide circle of friends. The wife of Mr Regan recently gave birth to a daughter. After playing for four months in South Australia the Midnight Frolics will stage a season of one month in Melbourne, and will then tour New Zealand. Maurlos Moscovltoh In Hollywood. Maurice Moscovitch, who was so popular here a few years ago, has bought a beautiful home in Hollywood, where he lias settled. Mr Moscovitch has had many offers to take up screen work, hut he says he will wait “until the stage rights Itself." Rovlval of "Our Miss Gibbs.” An old favourite musical comedy, ‘Our Miss Gibbs," is to be revived in Melbourne. Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard, who were in New Zealand a few months ago, will have the romantic leads. Gus Bluett will have the chief comedy role. Cngllsh Companies for Australia. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., announced last week that Clarkson Rose, with 12 English revue artists, would begin a season in Sydney or Melbourne at Easter, and an English dramatio company, headed by Nicholas Hannen and Athene Seyler, with a repertoire of good modern plays, would reach Australia in March. Artists for “ Waltzes from Vienna ’’ will reach Melbourne on December 4 on the way to Sydney. Henry Wenman, the Sydney stage and screen comedian, who recently arrived on a visit, has been engaged for one of the chief comedy roles. English principal ? for " Treasure Island " will arrive in Melbourne on December 11, and the piece will be produced there on December 24. Shows In Sydney. " Autumn Crocus " is having a very successful season in Sydney. The company which was recently in New Zealand with “ The Barretts of Wimpole Street" will open at Sydney to-night in “ Dr. Pygmalion," a comedy In which Margaret Rawlings again plays an Invalid. "Chocolate Soldier," with Gladys MoncrlefT, has opened very auspiciously. '* Whose Child ” In Sydney. “Whose Child?" by Milllcent Preston Stanley, an Australian play by an Australian authoress, based on the celebrated Emilie Polini case, has been staged in Sydney. The cast includes Nancye Stewart, Mavne Lynton, Molly Raynor, John Warwick, Leonard Stephens, Bert Barton, Herbert Leigh, Ellis Price, Leal Douglas, Benlta Appleton. Preston Stanley, Metta Bennett White, Marie Dalton, Rita Humphreys, Vera St. John, Ghas. Wheeler. Victor, Fitzherbert, Therse Desmond, Jack Phillips. Sybil Thorndike In Melbourne. Dame Sybil Thorndike and her London company opened a short return season at Melbourne on Saturday with Ibsen’s "Ghosts." To-night “The Silver Cord," a comedy, will be staged. Theatrical Club Opened In Sydney. The new theatrical club in Sydney was officially opened by Sir Benjamin Fuller. To eet an example to his fellow managers he announced that he would pay the first month’s rent. The actors cried “ Encore ! " The club Is situated at 29 Park Street, above the strip of pavement known as Poverty Point, from which It will take its name. It has been founded by Lew Dunn and George Drew, well-known identities in vaudeville, with the object of gotting out-of-work actors off the street and providing them with a place where they can meet socially and also be engaged by managers. George Sorlie, theatrical manager, paid the second month’s rent. About--800 artists were present. Basil Rathbone's Return to London. Basil Rathbono, the actor whom Hollywood considers has "Hie perfect English voice and manners," is returning to the London stage after an absence of nearly 111 years. He is to play Hie leading role in a new comedy, ••To-night or Never.’ adapted from the Hungarian of hill Hatvany, which is to he produced at a West End theatre. Another important part is likely to pc taken by Peggy Wood, Hie American actress who starred in London in “Ritter Sweet" and “ The Cat and the Fiddle!" Mr. Rathbone’s last appearance in A London play was in 192:1. lie then went, to New York and was greatly in demand for "typical Englishman " roles on Broadway, and later in Hollywood.