Untitled

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1475, 1 August 1918, Page 35

Mr. Sydney James, of Royal Strollers’ memories, on his return to Sydney from Auckland, was taken ill with an acute rheumatic attack, which will probably necessitate medical attention for some time.

New Zealand is being well catered for in the way of good shows at present. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., have “The Bing Eoys Are Here” (due in Wellington to-day) and “Dick Whittington” pantomime, just finishing up in the south; the Allen Doone company are in Auckland; “Peg o’ My Heart” (J. and N. Tait), in Dunedin; the English Pierrots (Will and Rob Thomas), in Auckland; Cappelli, the distinguished Italian tenor (John Hopkins direction), in Wellington; the Scarlet Troubadours, doing the smalls; the Fisk Jubilee Singers are at Wanganui, and Jack Waller’s “Look Who’s Here” company are tripping about in the south. Fuller’s we have ever with us in the four centres.

The Fuller firm have three musical revue companies in New Zealand at present—Tom Haverley’s Irish players in Auckland, Walter George’s musical comedy company in Dunedin, and Harry Farrow’s potted pantomime company in Wellington

Miss Elsa Langley and Miss Billie Wilson, of the English Pierrots, are meeting with a cordial welcome from their many friends in Auckland, both on and off the stage, the art of both being deservedly recognised. Their favourite recreation is a visit to the salt water tepid baths, swimming being a hobby with them. e * * * Mr. Frank Kenny, who was in New Zealand last at the helm of the Allan Wilkie Company, has again been secured by Mr. Allen Doone to fulfil his old position as business manager.

“Molly Bawn” has just had its seventh revival in Sydney under Allen Doone.

Mr. Scott Colville, at present touring manager for the Cappelli tour, was among those called up for military service in the last ballot.'

The feminine side of the English Pierrots is made superlatively attractive by the addition of Miss Elsie Rosslyn (soprano) and Miss Rima Young (pianist), both having to take a large share of applause fo*' their’ clever work.

Miss Nellie Kolle, an old favourite’ on the Fuller circuit, is at present making good in Dunedin with her chorus songs. One of her numbers is “The Tramway Copper Trail,” composed by Mr. R. A. Horne, of Christchurch.

Mr. Edward Branscombe, who’ organised the original Scarlet TroUba> dours and the Dandies has announced his intention of settling in Christchurch, and will devote his attention to the art of voice production and singing.

Genial Tom Buckley is once more on the warpath in the Doone Company. He is about the oldest actor on the stage to-day, and still can- hold his own.

The Haverley Revue Company finish up their ten weeks’ season in Auckland on Saturday, August 10, and open in Wellington on the following Monday. W! * * *

A number of big Fuller acts passed through Auckland on their way under engagement to the South African Trusts. These included the Tossing Testros, the Ernestos, Billy Lee and Bonita, the Howard Sisters, Taylor and McQuoin, and Arthur Croxon. # * * *

“Lucky O’Shea” is a romance of the war story of the old Napoleonic days. Allen Doone takes the part of a brave Irish lieutenant, and in the course of his thrilling adventures sings “The Night Birds’ Cooing” and other new songs.

There was an unusual muster of theatrical managers in Auckland one day recently, either just coming in or going out with their respective shows. There were Messrs. John Farrell and Robert Williamson (J. C. Williamson), Sydney James (Royal Strollers), Leo D. Chateau (E. J. Carroll), Frank Levy (Allen Doone), Scott Colville, John Hopkins (Cappelli), Victor Beck and Rob Thomas (English Pierrots), George Stephenson (Auckland Opera House), Marshall Palmer (Fisk. Jubilee Singers), W. A. Low and J. MacMahon, of picture interests.

The stage management of the Allen Doone company, as usual, will be in the capable hands of Mr. Frank Cullenane, who has been associated with the Irish actor since the latter’s first arrival in Australia.