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New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1583, 26 August 1920, Page 35

The first performance of “Irene,” the new musical comedy presented at the Criterion Theatre last night by Messrs. J. and N. Tait, opened with an unrehearsed effect (says the “Sydney Sun,” of August 8). Mr. Charles Westmacott came before the curtain, and offered to give the audieice its money back. Nobody took advantage of the offer. Speaking in ringing tones full of sorrow and disillusion rather than of anger, he declared that Mr. Baker, in spite of his declaration that he was not going to call out the chorus, had declared a strike. He had called a meeting of the male and female chorus of “Irene” that afternoon, and five of the girls had broken out of the room where they had been detained by force. However, in spite of these tricks, a chorus had been obtained. If the audience chose to stay the performance would go on—if not, the money would be returned. The announcement of the strike was received by the gallery wi,th groans and cheers. However, it was noticed that none of the sturdy sympathisers with the chorus asked for their money back. The play went forward —“a musical comedy with a plot,” and without a chorus, except for the five escapees and two volunteers. The opening chorus was cut out, and some of the other spngs, the ensemble being first hea'rd in “Castle of Dreams,” which is an adaptation of Chopin’s waltz, jammed brutally into four-time.

Sir Keith Smith will be over here shortly,with his brother’s (Sir Ross Smith) films of the great aviation-across-the-world stunt, and will lecture through the Dominion with the pictures. Film House will run them. * * The “Daily Mail,” Brisbane, where the Alice Sovereign Concert Company has just concluded a phenomenal season, wrote of Costello: “The wonderful reception given Paul Costello was the most enthusiastic outburst Brisbane concert lovers have extended to any artist for a long time. When he finished his opening item “Luceran de Stelle” (Tosca), a new star was added to the musical firmament of Australia. He has a wonderful voice with the breadth and power of Caruso.” This is consistent with the opinions expressed all over America of this wonderful artist. Costello as a boy had a glorious baritone voice, but his training in Italy and France brought out his tenor qualities. Mr. John Griffiths is directing the concerts.

Miss Ivy Shilling, the celebrated dancer, is on her way out to Australia.

Mr. A. Ben Fuller, eldest son of Mr. B. J. Fuller, of Fullers’ Vaudeville Enterprises, has been appointed the firm’s representative in San Francisco, and is now resident in that city.

Sir Harry Lauder, interviewed for the “Daily Mail,” ridiculed the report that he was retiring. “It’s all rot,” he remarked, “and must have emanated from the Bolsheviks, who never talk working, but only striking.”

One of the most laughable scenes in “Mother Hubbard” is the laundry, which is presided over by the said Mrs. Hubbard (Barry Lupino). Mother Hubbard’s communings with her faithful “Bully” (Mr. William Hassan), her trying work at the tub, her philanderings with her Absolum, and, finally, the fight which ensues when she catches her husband kissing a fair customer, are outrageously good pantomime. The end of the scene comes in a brief but intensely exciting Rugby interlude, with somebody’s laundry as the bah. After a smart dashing passing bout, Jack Cannot passes out to Barry Lupino, who slips through the ruck, and scores a beautiful try amidst great applause. As a topical skit upon the game of the hour, it is great.

It is appropriate that the J. C. Williamson Gilbert . and Sullivan Opera Company should have . been organised for a season in Australia at a time when the Gilbert and Sullivan revival is arousing tremendous enthusiasm in both England and America. The J. C. Williamson management has got together a strong cast of principals, and a magnificent chorus, recruited largely from the grand opera company recently under the firm’s management. The season commenced with “The Mikado” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, the cast including the following: Villiers Arnold as the Mikado, James Hay (his first appearance in Australia) as Nanki Poo, John Ralston as Pish-Tush, Albert Kavanagh as PoohBah, Eileen Castles as Yum Yum, Patti Russell as Peep-80, Ethel Morrison as Katisha, Thelma Carter as Pitti Sing, Charles R. Walenn as KoKo. The opera was produced by Minnie Everitt, with Dick Shortland as stage manager, and Gustave Slapoffski musical director.

Mr. E. J. Carroll, who is achieving wonderful things in the picture world,' has opened offices in London, with Mr. Frank Talbot in charge.

Julian Eltinge, the famous American female impersonator, passed through Sydney recently en route for America after a tour of the Orient.

Mr. J. C. Whitfihld, who was stage manager of “The Sleeping Beauty” pantomime, has taken over the stage direction of the Smart Set Pierrots.

Sit back and wait for Anita Stewart in “In Old Kentucky!” is the text of an Australian injunction. A highly successful stage play, they say that the screen version is a knock-out — the best Anita has ever done. And when you consider the “Midnight Romance,” that is saying something.

Mr. Bert Bailey cables to the Australian press that he has a.t last secured a lease of a London theatre for the production of a dramatisation of Steele Rudd’s famous Australian book, “On Our Selection.” The picture rights are held by Mr. E. J. Carroll, who is also in London arranging for the release of his picturisation, which has been made by Raymond Longford. Mr. Longford is chief director of the Carroll Studios. * * * *

Mr. Leo D. Chateau has brought with him from Australia Raymond

Longford’s picturisation of Steele Rudd’s “On Our Selection.” Mr. Harry Musgrove is in New York arranging representation for Australian productions of behalf of E. J. Carroll.