Greenroom Gossip

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1492, 28 November 1918, Page 27

Greenroom Gossip

Nat Goodwin, who is at present playing a San Francisco engagement in “Why Marry?” evidently knows why, inasmuch as he is going to do it again—his sixth essay into the turbulent sea of matrimony. At least that is what San Francisco wiseacres aver. A wire received from the Pacific Coast metropolis by the “Mirror,” at the .time of going to press, says there is no doubt about it, and mentions as the prospective bride Georginia Gardner. Miss Gardner is a member of the company supporting Mr. Goodwin in “Why Marry?” having been engaged as understudy. She was not seen in the New York production.—New York “Dramatic Mirror.” * * . * * Mr. George Tallis (J. C. Williamson, Ltd., director), who has just returned from America, states that most Australian actors in the States are in the film business, and Los Angeles (Screenland clearing house) is almost an Australian city. • • * » The Bishop of London, speaking at a meeting on behalf of the Theatre Girls’ Club, said that the theatre was an integral part of the life of a great city. It was a tremendous engine for good or evil in the life of the city, and he wanted to claim it for good. They had a public service to do in backing up the great actormanagers and all who wanted to give them a good stage. It was a mistake to regard the stage as a class apart. If it was true that the people got the Government they deserved, it was also true they got the stage they deserved. The stage was one of the most hard-working and toilsome professions—one which left one least time for oneself. But though the life was one of great temptations, a girl of good principles could always live up to them on the stage. * ♦ ♦ * I remember the time when women in orchestras were scarcely looked upon as a serious proposition, and were only considered “stop gaps” when the men went on strike, and when they were mostly condemned unheard; but la guerre a change tout cela (says an English writer). Today they are to be found in prominent places all over the country, and have proved their worth. Some 20 per cent, of the Queen’s Hall Orchestra are women, and the fears of some critics that the changes might involve a less finished performance have proved groundless. The first violinist, Lance-Corporal Arthur Beckwith, having been called away to military duties, a lady (Miss Dora Garland) has takeii his place.