THE STROLLERS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1452, 21 February 1918, Page 33

THE STROLLERS.

Mr. Colville is also putting in preliminary work for that remarkably gifted coterie “The Strollers.” They were expected to open in New Zealand at Easter, but owing to difficulties arising over suitable dates it has been decided to postpone the opening until early in May. “The Strollers” are now playing their 53rd week in Sydney over a period of two years, and Mr. Sydney James has made a great success with his potted pantomime “Aladdin,” in which he plays Widow Twankey, a role he took in London a few years ago. “The

Strollers” are sure of a hearty welcome throughout the Dominion, as they were -immense favourites on their, previous tour, and although the personnel of the company is practically the same, the programme will be composed of entirely new numbers.

The J. C. Williamson pantomime “Dick Whittington” opens in Auckland on June 17, the season extending to the 29th. * * » TMr. W. F. Russell is at present in Auckland in his capacity as business manager for the Marie Tempest Company. * * * Miss Marie Tempest terminates her New Zealand tour at Her Majesty’s on Tuesday, and proceeds to Sydney, where she is due to open a return season early in March. * * * Mr. W. G. Bauer, secretary and organiser for a movement to make provision for sick and needy ex-pa-tients of the hospital, and for families and dependants of patients in straitened circumstances., has already received many offers, of assistance and there is every prospect of a generous response from the public on collection day, March 1. Those desirous of helping should communicate with Mr. Bauer at the office of the Association, His Majesty’s Arcade.

Paul Stanhope’s Revue Company open at the Opera House on Monday tor a short season. * * * Miss Nellie Fallon, principal girl in the Fuller pantomime “Robinson Crusoe,” is a New Zealander, says a Sydney paper. Her real name is Nelly Sheddon, and she comes from windy Wellington. When seven she went with the Pollard Opera Company to America, and also toured China and Japan. Returning to Australia, she went into vaudeville with a partner under the name of the Marlow Sisters. After making another trip to America, she returned to introduce a specialty act into “Aladdin,” the first panto, played at the present Opera House. The following year she introduced a bathing specialty in “The Babes in the Wood,” then joined the Bert Le Blanc Travesty Stars, with whom she remained until “Robinson Crusoe’ came along.

“Seven Days’ Leave,” “The Story of the Rosary,” and “For the King,” will probably be the plays in Mr. Allan Wilkie’s repertoire during his New Zealand tour.

Miss Ada Reeve intends paying a return visit to New Zealand at Easter, opening in Christchurch.

Mr. Victor Beck drops a line from Christchurch to say that the English .Perrots are due in the Dominion again next May. A letter he received from “Teddy” Elliott of “Smart Set” memories is to the effect that this clever artist contemplates a trip to New Zealand when the war is over. Will Percy is doing well in England, but as his engagement holds good for another 18 months he won’t be over this way for another couple of years or so. • • » w “Seven Days’ Leave,” the war play with which Allan Wilkie has made a lot of money for the Fullers in Australia, is in the eleventh month of its run in London, and the weekly receipts still average about £3,000. “It is,” says a London paper, “a sight to witness the crowds storming through the doors, and a thrilling and amusing sensation to hear the roaring cheers when the heroine defeats the Huns.”