SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1516, 15 May 1919, Page 32

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, May 12. The season of the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company closed last Thursday evening in a regular blaze of triumph. The revivals of “Katinka” and “The Pink Lady” were simply rushed, and a whole lot of people who had not the foresight to book their seats were left lamenting. It must be remembered that a theatre is not a circus tent, and that it cannot be expanded to suit the requirements of the dilatory ones. People who want to see an entertainment ought to “get busy, hop in and book their seats.” No use waiting until the eleventh hour, because they might miss the show. The booking for the last ten nights of the Wellington season was terrific, and Mr. John Farrell, though suffering from a severe cold, was nothing, but one mass of smiles. Auckland playgoers ought to like the four pieces in the repertoire. All are Al. Mr. Walter Monk, who is well known both as touring and business manager, is shortly starting out on a tour of the Dominion with a James W. Farnham film feature entitled “Race Suicide,”’ in which the leading parts are taken by Ormi Hawley and Earl Metcalfe. The picture daringly and amazingly deals with a great social problem and a great

social vice. This sensational six-reel screen epic depicts the struggle of mother love throughout the ages, culminating in a present-day story of a woman who postponed the natural result of marriage until it was too late. I had the privilege of witnessing a private screening of the film, and must say it is simply great, and should prove a sure box office winner.

It is probable that Mr. John Farrell, the genial and energetic business manager of the J. C. Williamson enterprises will make his home permanently in Wellington. But one never knows the changes in the wheels of the theatrical world. One thing, “Johnnie” and Mrs. Farrell like New Zealand, and New Zealand likes them.

Among the artists included in the Royal Comic Opera Company, at present touring the Dominion, there is none better known to old and young playgoers than Mr. John Forde, or “Johnnie,” as he is best known by his associates. It is many years since he first appeared in New Zealand as Captain Corcoran in “H.M.S. Pinafore,” with the company headed by Alice and Horace ’ Lingard. Since then he has toured New Zealand with many companies, having been associated with a number of the Williamson, Garner and Musgrove productions. He also toured with the Brough and Flemming Company, playing principal parts in “Beauty and the Barge” and “Dr. Wake’s Patient.” Mr. Forde is still going strong and scores big by his finished work in the four pieces produced by the comics.

Last Monday afternoon the members of the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company went out by motor cars to Trentham Camp and entertained the patients in the Y.M.C.A. Hut. During the afternoon the secretary of the Y.M.C.A. (Mr. Elliott) entertained the visitors to afternoon tea. Truly the Royal Comics are a benevolent family. They are always ready to assist any charitable object.