Greenroom Gossip.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1025, 28 October 1909, Page 17

Greenroom Gossip.

By ‘

“Footlights.”

BENGOUGH ENTERTAINMENTS. Mr. Bengough, the Canadian humorist and caricaturist, concluded his New Zealand season in Auckland on Monday evening, when he delighted a large audience with his clever sketches and entertaining stories. AN ENTERTAINMENT IN HIMSELF. Referring to George Dean, vocal comedian and entertainer, now appearing at the National Amphitheatre, Sydney, the “ Newsletter” says he is the light singing comedian, par excellence, of the variety stage. He is never vulgar, is always in key, and is unerring in his choice of songs, which are interpreted with a voice of good range and quality, and to which are given an added significance by appropriate gestures and facial changes. THE JESTERS. Following on the success 6: the “ Scarlet Troubadours? corner a simi-

lar company under Mr. Edward Branscombe’s directiori, with the title of “ The Jesters.” They open their season at “ Arcadia,” St. Kilda Esplan- r ade, Melbourne, on Saturday, October 30. Amongst the artists are Miss Lily Fitzgerald, Miss : Violet Silvester, Mr. Percy Denton, and Mr. Howard Hall, all of whom are well known in connection with the 'J. C. Williamson enterprises.' •

SHAKESPERE MEMORIAL THEATRE. A cable from London states that an enthusiastic meeting, arranged by the Shakespere Memorial Committee, was held in the Mansion House on Saturday, when it was decided to appeal to the nation for half a million sterling for the purpose of founding a national theatre. Of the total, £lOO,OOO will be devoted to the purchase of a site, £150,000 to the erection of a building, and the remaining quarter of a million will remain as ah endowment. * 4c * 4c AS CLEAR AS DAYLIGHT. “ One of the simplest things to represent on the stage, one would think, is daylight,” says an Italian named > Fortuny, ip the “Theatre Zietung,” ' “arid still" its accomplishment has always baffled staged Our daylight ’ does ’ ’nof’ cbfnes"*ffbm one

r ,'■:} i '-i ; .. point, but from all directions, and this light, as from the sky, is what has not yet been produced. The difficulties, however, have been overcome, and on the stage of the new Royal Opera House at Berlin the stage daylight pf my invention will be' seen when the house is completed. The effect is produced by electric light, mirrors, prisms, and silk cloths of various colours, through which the light is made to stream ” 4C 4C 4c 4> A RUSH FOR PLACES. William Anderson’s recent . advertisement for applications for positions in his “ Babes in the Woods” pantomime chorus resulted in about 2500 letters being received, with photos enclosed. v 4C 4C 4C FROM THE RUNGS. Miss Lottie Sargent, of “ The King of Cadonia” Company (which opens here in December), began her stage career as a “blue devil” in Sir Henry Irving’s production of “Faust” at the London Lyceum Theatre. She was a little tot at the time, and her “salary.” was stated at 10s a week, but she actually got 15s, as she was given the additional work of leading on a bevy

of children in one of the scenes. Miss Ellen Terry thought she looked a delicate child, and used to dose her with cod-liver oil, and she grimaces still at the remembrance. All the same, she believes this homely tonic built up her splendid constitution, for to-day she is strong, and such is her.store of vitality that she has never known it give out. During the time she was one of Irving’s children, Miss Sargent attended school daily, her grandmother, with whom she was ’brought up, having firmly stipulated that h)er engagement at the theatre was not to interfere in any way with her education. 4c * * * '" CREATING A PICTURE I The series of abductions of the children of wealthy parents have aroused the American public to such a state of suspicion that some awkward results are being experienced by people whose relations with-, children are quite innocent of fraudulent intent. Date on April 28th a cinematograph firm; anxious to meet the topical interest of abductions by presenting a film of moving pictures on the music halls, elaborately arranged for an abduction scene to be carried out under their photographic instruments close to the,_ rail way in New Jersey. Everything was going well wfibif'bOme' rail-

way gangers came along the line on a trolly, and -seeing a girl being draggedfrom a carriage by three men they jumped to the conclusion that they happened on another sensational blackmailing enterprise. Leaping off their trolly, they rushed to the assistance of the supposed distressed damsel, armed with pickaxes, and laid about them with such goodwill that all the cinematograph operators concerned have had to go into hospital for repairs. KEPT IN THE DARK. “ Aladdin,” the pantomime for this Christmas, has been receiving attention off and on ever since “ jack and Jill” was completed. The big effects have all been decided upon, and the mechanical department of the J. C. Williamson workshops are now busy with them. It has been arranged, we are told, to keep everything secret and make the enjoyment of the first night performance all the more keen by the audience being entirely in the dark as to what will come next. ♦ * * * AN ECHO OF DRURY LANE. Mr. J. C. Williamson, during his visit Home, arranged with Mr. Arthur Collins, of Drury Lane Theatre, that as soon as they (Williamson Co.) have completed their present fixtures in the way of pantomime, they are to bring out one of his Drury Lane pantomimes. “ It is one of the most magnificent; productions of its kind in the world,” said Mr. Williamson, “ and we are bringing out all the scenery, costumes, and appointments complete from Drury Lane.” Whilst at Milan he listened to a large number ‘of voices, from which he selected and engaged several for an important musical venture which will shortly be made. This will incltfde the production in English of “ Madame Butterfly” and “La Boheme.” * * * - "*•/•'/ A SPORTING DRAMA. William Anderson’s latest dramatie purchase is a new and original sporting drama, entitled, “ The Chance of a Lifetime.” The play is by Nat Gould, the celebrated sporting writer, and another ex-Australian, Frank Gerald. Mr. Anderson was ■, verymuch struck with the play when Mr. Gould read it, and purchased it without waiting to see the first production in London. 4t * - • SECURED THE OPTION. In addition to securing Walter Howard’s famous romantic drama, “ The Prince and the Beggar Maid,” William Anderson has. (writes a Melbourne correspondent) arranged with the well-known author for an option on all his new plays. At the present time Walter Howard is the leading romantic-sensationed dramatist in England, and he has several companies touring the Old Country with his plays. -’'7 FEBSOHAL. Mr. G. H. Homan Barnes, who) for many, years was on the. managerial staff of Messrs. Clarke, Meynejl,’ arid Gunn, has joined Messrs. " J. arid ’N. - Tait, the well-known amusement caterers; ' *■ / THE WILLIAMSON COMPANIES. At latest advices the Royal Comic Opera Company was preparing ,tp present “ The Lady Dandies;” a .piece entirely new to Melbourne playgoers, at His Majesty’s. The revival of “The Merry Widow” is also taking place. The cast for the latter piece, which follows “ The Catch <?f the Season,” is an interesting one. This time Miss Florence Young will be the Marsovian heiress and Miss Fanny Dango will also appear as Fi-Fi, that part having been specially recast for her. Of course Mr. Andrew Higginson will take Danilo and Mr. Victor Gouriet will be Popoff- The production will also give Mr. Claude Bantock the opportunity to reappear after his four months’ absence in his old part of the Marquis de Cascada. The new comic opera company is engaged in a revival of “ The Belle of New York” at His Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, and “The Country Girl” is now in rehearsal under the direction of Mr. Henry Bracy, who was responsible for the original production. Miss Nellie Stewart has concluded a very successful season in Brisbane, and opens at the Melbourne Princess’ Theatre tomorrow (Friday) night. “ Sweet Kitty Bellairs” and “ Sweet Nell of Old Drury,” which are being revived, will be followed by Zaza.” The “Jack and Jill” Company, now in Perth, returns to Melbourne shortly to enter upon the rehearsal of the new pantomime “Aladdin.” • ■ * ♦ • DEATH OF MR. TOHXT GUNN. Mr. John Gunn, of Meynell and Gunn, theatrical managers, died suddenly at Sydney on Wednesday, from pneumonia. The late Mr. Gunn was a comparatively young man, being bn

the right side : of -40 at the time-ofhis death. jHe'was a son of Mr. Michael Gunn, o|:;sbie\ Theatre Royal, Dublin, one of known Irish and was also a nephew of Mr. George Edwardes, the well-known manager of the Lopdon/Gaiety Theatre. The late Mr. Gunh started his managerial career with a gaiety company,, which went to India, and was financed by the Rajah of Cooch Behar. At the conclusion of that tour Mr J Gunn, went to Australia, joining forces there : with Mr. Clyde Meynell, and founding the present ‘ firm with the production,. of “The Fatal Wedding.” nEB DANGO TAMHiY. Miss Letty Lind, the eldest sister of the clever family of which Miss Fanny Dango is one of the bright and shining lights, is gifted with the aft of concocting appropriate names for her younger sisters. It was she who gave Miss Fanny Dango her Stage name, or, rather, she adopted it in the home circle where Fanny was: always pirouetting about, and later on when the, vivacious little dancer went on the stage, she did so under the nick* name thus bestowed on her. Another sister (a comedienne like Miss Dango) trejoices in the name of Miss Lydia Flopp, Which was derived from the same source. At present Miss Fan Dahgo (as she is always known in England) is a very happy girl, because she has just received word that her sister (Miss Flopp) is coming out to Australia in response to numerous requests from Miss Dango to do so. ■EBE ANDERSON ENTERPRISES. Beaumont Smith, secretary to William, Anderson’s , Australian enter* prises, returned to Melbourne by the R.M.S. Osterley last week from Lon-j don.' _ He left Australia in April last, accompanying Mr. and Mrs; William Anderson on their English and European trip. Mr. Smith writes :—I left Mr- and Mrs. Anderson (Miss Eugenie Duggan) well and thoroughly enjoying themselves in London. They will be returning by the Orontes, which will , reach here in about five Weeks’ time. We have had a very busy time in Europe, scouring the place for dramatic artists, plays, pantomimes, musical comedy artists, novelties for .Christmas pantomimes, etc., etc., etc. ’ It has been a most satisfactory trip, as Mr. Anderson will tell you when he arrives. I have to . repeat the oft-told story about theatrical productions here being equal. in every way and often superior to those in England. No regular dramatic house in England produces drama as

Mr. Wm... Audersoxudoes in Australia. There were ; moments between bush mess when we .were" able-to run across th Paris for a few days, or to Good? wood for the races, or to Brighton to see a Bank holiday.. When I left liondbn Mrs. Anderson ■ was packing her box to run up to Ireland, returning via Scotland. Yes, as - Mr. and Mrs. Anderson both say, ‘ It’s been a beautiful trip, and Europe is a wonderful place, but Australia is good enough for us! ’ ” ■ These - are just' the sentiments one would expect Mr. Anderson to have —seeing he is a man who has encouraged Australian industry at every opportunity, fight through his career. • ♦ e • “ NOT YET OF AGE.” Miss Marjorie Murray, who landed in Australia last week to fulfil her engagement with J. C. Williamson, may certainly claim to have put in some highly commendable work during her comparatively short sojourn on the stage. She has not yet passed the milestone which is known as “ coming of age,*’ and yet she has had wide and versatile experience. Her father and mother are both in the theatrical profession, and at the age of nine Miss Murray began her career as Cissie Denver in “The Silver King” in a company which was headed by the late Austin Melford as Wilfred Denver. She played that part about a thousand times, and r thereafter was engaged for Stephanus in “The Sign of the Cross,” by William Greet. Then the next few years were devoted to an educational training/ which in turn were followed by a starring tour at the age of sixteen as Alice Faulkner in “ Sherlock Holmes” under the direction of Charles Frohman. Afterwards came engagements as the ingenue in “-Leah: Klbschna,” Dick in “The Two Little Vagabonds,”;and the orphan girl in “ Charley’s Aunt.” But perhaps the biggest of her London successes was as Pickles in “ The Agitator,” by Mrs. Oscar. Deringer, in which, as a high-spirited factory girl, she incites her companions to go on strike. For her rendering of this part she received a perfect shower of high encomiums from the press. A tour of Great Britain was arranged for her by Mr. Louis Calvert a couple of years' ago, and the result was a triumph as Sunday and later on as Kate Creegan in the new version of “ The Manxman,” which .’part she was playing when Mr. Williamson secured her for Australia. * * * ’• THE NEW PANTOMIME. The J. C. Williamson pantomime for next Christmas has (writes my

Melbourne'-’ correspondent) ’been reeling attention for the greater part ofJthis yihfT ths staff haye’feegii|i real’ earnest? ' The cast has already been roughly arranged, and wifi include several newcomers mingled with old and tried favourites. In Sydney Miss Emily Nathan is working away at the Wardrobe, and in Melbourne Mr. W. R. Coleman is giving his undivided attention to the scenery, which will be varied—in all, nearly twenty scenes have been arranged. There will be the princely palace occupying the whole of the stage, and there will be the less imposing “front cloth,” which, notwithstanding its apparent simplicity, requires much time and energy to be spent on it to get the desired effect. Then there are the frameworks to be built and the machinery to be adjusted to enable the scenes to be changed practically instantaneously, and all the hundred-and-one details -to be thought of and arranged that go to make’ up a really effective pantomime.

CIAVDE BANTOCK’S RETURN. An old comic opera favourite returned to Australia by the Ormuz last week in the person of Mr. Claude Bantock, who has been away on a four months’ holiday. His fellow artists in the company Were (Writes Mr. George Tallis) delighted to have him back once more in their midst, and accorded him a very warm welcome. Although he thinks there is no place like Australia, and is very glad to be back here again, he has enjoyed his trip immensely, and has much to tell of his experiences in the Old Country. Among the theatrical attractions he saw in London were “ The Merry Widow” and “ Our Miss Gibbs.” The former production he did not like-, in many respects as well as the Australian ; presentation of the famous Lehar opera, but he thinks very highly of “ Our Miss Gibbs,” and considers when it is produced oiit -here under the J. C. Williamson management, it will make a very decided hit. The Australian cricketers welcomed the popular actor with open arms, and not only did he witness several of the test matches, but he was an honoured visitor at Lords, and indeed, was the only outsider admitted to the room occupied by the Australian team when there. Another experience which Mr. Bantock is not likely soon to forget is that he was on the jury during the trial of Dhingra, the Indian student who shot Sir WiHi am Wyllie and paid the penalty of. his crime last month in London.

CHRISTGHURGH-NOTE«.-i! My ? v piWespdhdent •: writes \Fdster ' Fraser < - could hardly have felt flattered at-the way ; in which the public of this city patronised his brilliant lectures. He commenced one lecture with: Radies —and a few men.” It is indeed a reflection on the pebplA of Christchurch that they failed to extend to this distinguished traveller and explorer as much countenance as they are in the habit of according to a fourth-rate variety show. Mr. Fraser was the guest of the local Sjavage Club one evening, and made a really funny speech. He began by remarking that he didn’t know why they wanted to propose his health—unless it was an excuse for getting a drink after hours. That tickled the Savages. . . We are looking forward to the opening of the Julius Knight season on November, 1, when doubtless crowds of holidaymakers will fill the Theatre Royal to overflowing. This is said to be the most costly dramatic combination ever sent to Maoriland by Mr. Williamson. At the time of writing the company is doing splendid business at Dunedin. . . On the sth November Allan Hamilton’s company opens at His Majesty’s. . . The Pollard Co. will supply our Boxing Night attraction at the Royal. A 14 nights’ season. ... . It is not often that I trouble about amateur performances, but the repent production of “ The Rivals,” by. Papanui amateurs, was good enough to merit notice, even in the columns of “ The Sporting and Dramatic.” The crush was so great on the first night that a second performance was given a couple of weeks later, when another fashionable audience filled the house. Mr. Conway Watson was a capital Sir Anthony Absolute, while Mr. F. C. McClurg, a youiig actor of much promise, made “ a palpable hit” as the Captain. He was especially good in the wellknown scenes with old Absolute and with Mrs. Malaprop, which latter character was most capably taken by Miss Searell, whose “ Malapropisms” provoked the usual hearty laughter. Especial praise is due to Mrs. McClurg, whose Lydia Languish was really almost up to professional form. Mr. J. Mawson may be congratulated on his Bob Acres, and Mr. J. J. Adams commended for his Sir Lucius ©’Trigger. The scenery was effective, and the costumes (by Mrs. Douglas) really magnificent. Altogether a most enjoyable entertainment. We shall look forward to the next production of these clever amateurs.