SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1384, 2 November 1916, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, October 30. It is quite possible that the Royal Comedy and Dramatic Company will commence operations at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, about the middle of November. This is Wellington’s stock company, which is intended to play in the big theatre when it is not engaged by touring companies. I understand a very solid allround combination of artists has been engaged, who will play a series of dramas and comedies from the long repertoire of plays the Australasian rights of which are held by J. C. Williamson, Limited. This company will fill a long-felt want, and as popular prices are to be charged the venture ought to be a decided success. After a highly successful tour of the Dominion the Horace Goldin company returned to Sydney bj 7 the Manuka last week.

Wellington’s popular vaudeville theatre (His Majesty’s) has been well patronised during the past week by

Mr. W. F. Russell, who managed the New Zealand tour of the Allan Wilkie Shakespearian Company arrived from the South last Friday. He will act as treasurer for the New Zealand tour of the “It Pays to Adv er tise” company. Mr. Russell, who is one of the most courteous managers that has visited New Zealand for some time, informed me that the South Island tour of Mr. Wilkie’s company exceeded all expectations, so much so that the Dunedin season had to be extended, and that Mr. Wilkie is looking forward to his next tour, which will be early next year.