NEW SYDNEY THEATRES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20786, 22 April 1939, Page 17 (Supplement)

NEW SYDNEY THEATRES

“FLESH AND BLOOD” SHOWS | BIG ATTRACTIONS COMING } As the result of an agreement signed iby Australian and New Zealand ! Theatres. Ltd., and Minerva Centres, Ltd.. Sydney now has a second "flesh-and-blood" Theatre and a third is likely to be erected in the near future. The loase of the Minerva by the "Firm" is for seven years and the lessors are to receive a rental and a share of the profits. If any particular show fails to draw I a profitable house, under this arrangethe piece be taken off and replaced by another. The public will, thercforo, have the say as to how long a I show will last. Salaries and actors and all engaged in production will be paid by Australian and New Zealand Theatres Ltd.. | but Minerva Centres will control the |

front of the house and its staff. Lower Admission Prices The new theatre has the most modern equipment in Australia and seats 1000.. But admission prices are to be , 6s 6d, 5s Gd and 3s 6d downstairs, : and 6s 6d, -'is 6d and 2s 64 upstairs. I It will thus be possible to see the 1 biggest shows at these comparatively low charges. At present seals at the Royal cost 8s 7d, 5s id. and 3s 3d. ! At present. May 1 1 is the most likely ; opening date, and "Idiot’s Delight." "Black Limelight.” "Yes, My Darling | Daughter," and ‘Robert’s Wife," most j probable first attractions. I “Idiot’s Delight" has .just finished a I successful run in Melbourne and , “Black Limelight" opened recently. | Henry Mollison and Lina Basquette : 1 are the stars of these pieces, in the latter of which Lina Basquette plays the dual roles of wife and mistress to : her real husband, Henry Mollison. Owen Napes Coming I Negotiations are in progress with Owen Nares, the famous English actor, to come out by ’plane to play the part he created in St. John Irvine’s "Robert’s Wife." in which he is now appearing with Edith Evans at the Globe, London. I The intention is to keep him in Australia for 12 months, j With him in this and other plays would be the great American aclress. Pauline Lord, who will arrive in Sydney next month. I Co-operation between the two companies will be very close, and some important consequences will follow. The “Firm” badly needs a third theatre In Sydney, and it can now be taken for granted that this will be erected almost at once. Also Sydney will see the premiers of big imported shows instead of waiting until they have had an airing in Melbourne.