SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1364, 15 June 1916, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, June 12. Versatility is undoubtedly the strong point of “The Pink Dandies,” who are at present playing a lucrative season in the concert chamber of the Town Hall. The Edward Branscombe management made no mistake when they decided that “The Pinks” were to be the attraction tor the winter months in New Zealand. The members of the combination have the advantage of a long association together, and this fact is largely responsible for the ease and smoothness which characterises their solo and concerted work, both in comedy and musical numbers. It would be hard to pick out a performer in “The Pinks” for stellar praise, they are such an evenly balanced lot, and the entertainment they give is one that appeals to all classes of the community, without the least taint of vulgarity being produced. The Wellington season will extend over three weeks, and it is sate to say, judging from the houses and the applause on the opening nights, that the season will prove to be an all too short one.

The biggest theatrical event of every year is just what the J. C. Williamson management have aimed at in connection with their annual pantomime, and this season’s extravaganza of “Mother Goose,” it is said, will easily eclipse all previous productions. The Deminion tour of “Mother Goose” opens at the Grand Opera House on Tuesday evening, the 20th inst., and will be staged, in the same manner as that dore in Melbourne and Sydney. From present information the cast will be absolutely the same, with one exception, and that is that Mr. Arthur Stigant will play the Dame in place of Mr. Harry Farrow, who is required for another of the firm’s attractions. Mi.

Stigant will be remembered as the Dame in last year’s pantomime, “Cinderella.” This year’s pantomime is said to contain many features of exceptional interest, quite outrivalling all previous achievements, owing to the fact that two of the directors (Messrs. Clyde Meynell in England and Mr. Hugh Ward in America) were both out to engage the cream of the novelties and attractions that would be appreciated by the theatregoers of Australia and New Zealand. The result was that an unusual contingent of talented artists have been got together for this year’s “annual.” Miss Lillian de Venny is the principal boy, and is possessed of a delightful appearance and a fine singing voice; Miss Maude Fane, the principal girl, is well-known to New Zealand playgoers; Mr. Victor Kelly is recognised as one of the greatest of present-day pantomimists in London and America, being a very fine eccentric comedian and acrobatic dancer. Ross and Falls are a couple of remarkable comedy acrobats, and their specialty is said to be one of the outstanding features of the pantomime. Albert Feline is one of the greatest animal impersonators ever seen in London for a decade. The cast also includes Arthur Reynolds (a comedian from the principal London theatres), Miss Gladys Moncrieff (the gifted operatic

vocalist), Charles Howard (the wellknown bass singer), Miss Queenie Paul (a talented young Australian comedienne), Mr. Billie Le Brun, Rupert Darrell, Miss Dorothy Firmin, and Miss Maggie Dickenson (the clever danger and comedienne). The humorous element of “Mother Goose” is spoken of as an outstanding feature of the extravaganza, the “book” being chock full of comedy and providing the comedians with abundant scope for unlimited fun and merriment. The ballets, costuming and lighting, and also the spectacular effects, offer a brilliant phase to the production, and as there are plenty of “catchy” songs and tuneful numbers, backed up with a host of astounding novelties and scenic revelations, it is not co be wondered at that in Australia the pantomime has been readily acclaimed “the best ever.” The company is due to arrive from Sydney by the Manuka next Monday. The usual matinee performances will be given during the Wellington season.

This week’s programme at His Majesty’s Theatre includes several high-class “turns.” Doranto is a clever musician who extracts sweet music from a number of weird-look-ing instruments. Miss Nan Taylor, late of the “Bunty Pulls the Strings” Company, is the possessor of a fine voice, and sings several Scotch ballads in a charming manner. The McLeans are greatly improved dancers since they last visited the Dominion. There are a host of other good acts in the bill, and the entertainment from first to last is a real bright one. Paul Dufault gave the first of a series of four concerts in the Grand

Opera House on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance, who thoroughly appreciated the singing of the well-known tenor.

Mr. Charles M. Berkley arrived from Sydney by the Moeraki last week to complete final arrangements for the Dominion tour of the “Mother Goose” pantomime. Mr. John Farrell will act as business manager.

The Wellington Professional Orchestra gave the third concert of the present season in His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday evening. As is usual at these concerts, the theatre was packed to the doors by a most appreciative audience. The programme was well up to the high standard usually submitted by this clever band of musicians.

Mr. Tom Pollard has been engaged to stage manage and produce “San Toy,” which the Amateui Operatic Society is to stage at the Grand Opera House on August 10th for a nine nights’ season.