SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1518, 29 May 1919, Page 32

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

Wellington theatregoers have had in their time many “snide” shows thrown at them, but the limit was reached on Saturday evening, the 17th, when “Low Kun” and his company appeared at the Grand Opera House for a season of one night. It was stated that the season would extend over six nights, but the show was so rotten that it only extended over half a night. For bold effrontery it absolutely took the “cake.” The theatre was packed to the doors, and a few minutes after the start of the performance the audience took charge and gave the “performers” a lively time, being very angry, and shouted out aloud many remarks indicating dissatisfaction. The curtain dropped at a quarter to ten when the infuriated audience rushed out of the theatre and packed in close to the stage doors, shouting out: “We want Low Kun,” “Lynch him,” and “Give us our money back.” Several of the crowd picked up stones and hurled them through the windows. It is just about time that the Government stepped in and stopped these itinerant shows travelling the country. There is plenty of honest work for them in the Dominion, and if it is not suitable, the Government can find them employment —if only making bricks. It seems now quite probable that the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company will not play a farewell season in Wellington. The reason is that the authorities in ‘the Commonwealth are allowing the theatres to be re-opened, and the company is wanted back in Australia. It seems a shame, because the tour has so far proved a great financial success, and the combination could easily have played a return tour of the Dominion and coined money. The Sunday night concerts that are given by the various bands are well patronised and give one the impression that the citizens of “Windy Wellington” are on the improve as regards musical matters. It is a good sign, because music and flowers are the two principal items in this dreary world of wear and tear.