NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21041, 17 February 1940, Page 13 (Supplement)

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA

“LOVE OX THE DOLE” HAMILTON GIRL IMPRESSED Betty Welch, formerly of Hamilton, writes from Sydney:— “Last night I saw the premiere at the Minerva Theatre of ‘Love on the Dole.’ The acting was of a very high standard, and as you know this play requires strong dramatic ability from everyone in the cast. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I revel in anything emotional and tragic, but I think, on the whole, it is not a suitable play for just at this time. People wish to go to the theatre to forget their worries, not to have their emotions torn to shreds by the tragic realism of a play like this. “I could hardly believe that Pat MacDonald was the same girl who was in ‘Gaslight’ and ‘Quiet Wedding,’ such sincerity and depth did she give her part. The next production will be the comedy, ‘Tony Draws a Horse.’ “I nearly died in the recent heatwave, and would have given anything for a good New Zealand flood!” A Letter From Melbourne Max Reddy, who was in New Zealand with the last Stanley McKay

company, and who, besides being a very likeable light comedian, was responsible for the excellent productions of that show, writes from Melbourne:—

“After a very successful tour through Queensland and Tasmania, during which the company broke records, we (Max and his wife, Stella Lamond) left the McKay company, and are now in the pantomime “Cinderella” at the Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne, in support of Will Mahoney.

“Charles Norman is at the Princess Theatre playing “Charley’s Aunt” and the show is doing fine business. “His Majesty’s have their pantomime “Aladdin” still running twice a day and business is good. “Melbourne had seven pantomimes this year, and five are still running. The one at the King’s Theatre closes this week, Nellie Kolle played principal boy in that. “George Wallace follows us in here with a new lot of acts. The Cleveres are back from England, and open also in the next show. “Alf Brooks took a show to Adelaide, a tent show, and to date business has been good. They feature one Tivoli act each fortnight, and that has boosted the business. Lea Sonia, a female impersonator, is there now, and what an act! Stanley McKay is laying off till June, and then goes on the northern tour again. “Stella joins me in sending greetings to friends in New Zealand.” News of Favourites of Other Years To various correspondents I am indebted for a batch of “Where Are Theys?” Here goes:— Maude Fane, a tremendous favourite here in “You’re in Love” and other big musicals, is now doing her duty for England on a chicken farm. She visited Australia a few years ago. Genial Marie Eaton, of the strong soprano voice, bobbed up recently in Adelaide, doing charity work. Comedian Alfred Frith, married, is busy with radio work in Melbourne. He denies reports of his death. Rita Nugent, dancer-singer, well remembered here, is now a musical comedy big shot. She records under the name of “Janet Lind.”