A FEAST OF ATTRACTIONS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1591, 21 October 1920, Page 37

A FEAST OF ATTRACTIONS.

CONTINUOUS FLOW FOR NEW ZEALAND. Mr. John Farrell has returned from a short trip to Sydney and Melbourne, arriving in Auckland with the J. C. Williamson Revue Company, of which he is business manager. “Things are booming in the theatrical world over there,” he said in the course of a chat. “And the public, it is worth noting, pay much more for their amusements than they do in New Zealand. On Saturday nights to reserve a seat it costs Ids. 10d., and on ordinary nights it’s’over Ss.” Some very fine attractions are being presented. In Melbourne I saw the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company in “The Gondoliers.” They are doing record business, and deservedly so, for their representations are regarded as being the best yet given in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. “Three Wise Fools,” at King’s Theatre, was proving as big a success as “Lightnin’.” Mr. John D. O’Hara (Lightnin’ Bill) is looking forward to a trip to New Zealand next year with “Three Wise Fools,” and probably another play, as well as a revival of “Lightnin’.” At the Theatre Royal was Marie Tempest in “The Marriage of Kitty.” Messrs. Tallis, Meynell, and Wenman (of the directorate) are all concentrating on their next pantomime, “Humpty Dumpty,” which they anticipate will eclipse any of the previous productions in gorgeousness and novelty. Mr. Meynell intends paying a visit to New Zealand shortly, as it is the intention of the firm to keep the theatres in Auckland, Wellington, and Christ-

church going continuously with- attractions, and he wants to make arrangements accordingly. New Zealanders, from all indications, Are in for a rare feast of theatrical fare from .now on.”

While in Sydney Mr. Farrell was present 1 at Her Majesty’s Theatre when Miss Dorothy r ßruntpn mdde her first appearance in “Yek, Uncle” after her return from London. “It was a great night,” said “As soon as she appeared ofi the stage the crowds cheered and cooeed, and there was wild applause, from the whole house for over five minutes. Miss Brunton took the part of the widow (Gracie Lavers’; former role), and it was generally conceded that her experience in the great metropolis has helped to give a delightful finish to her performance. At the conclusion she was inundated with flowers. Never, has there been such a floral display on the stage. It was literally covered with them. of every description were handed up, from lampshades/ to kewpies. It was a sight to be remembered.”- Miss Brunton will appear in a series of revivals until “Baby Bunting” is ready for production. This is the piece in which she made her greatest London success. She will visit New Zealand some time next year. “Irene” was another outstanding Sydney attraction. “A most delightful musical play” is Mr. Farrell’s opinion. “Totally different to any other piece of its kind. Quaint,

clever, and pretty, with specially imported leads for its interpretation. It is now in its ninth week at the Criterion, and to get a seat you need to visit the box office a week ahead. It will be seen here next year.” “The Christmas attractions for New Zealand will be the Royal Comic Opera Company with ‘Kissing Time,’ ‘The Boy,’ and ‘Theodore and Co.’ probably opening in Auckland; and ‘The Man From Toronto,’ arrangements for which are being made with Hugh D. Mclntosh to send it over. This has achieved a great success in Australia. It will most likely start off from Wellington. There will probably be another attraction, but it has not . yet been decided.” WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. “Mr. E. J. Tait, managing director in Sydney, looks happy in his old quarters .again. He is specially interested in New Zealand, and looks forward to a run through at an early date. His last visit was on holiday, but next time it will be purely business. The Tait’s next pantomime will be ‘Sinbad, the Sailor,’ and all concerned are directing their efforts to make it a production of cardinal excellence. Both ‘Humpty-Dumpty’ and ‘Sinbad’ will be sent over here in due course. Mr. C. B. Westmacott, of the directorate, sends his greetings to old New Zealand friends.

“People who see these productions,” said Mr. Farrell, “hardly realise the wonderful organising work necessary at the head office for the arranging of tours all over Australia and New Zealand. And it’s not surprising the directors are going from early morn till late at night. Just take the attractions at the present time. In

New Zealand there are the Revue Company (‘The Bing Boys on Broadway’ and ‘The Passing Show’), ‘Tiger Rose,’ ‘Tilly of Bloomsbury,’ Carter the Great, Lowell Thomas, the Australian Smart Set Diggers, and Adelaide Van Staveren (singer). In Australia, ‘lrene,’ Marie Tempest, the Royal Comics, ‘Lightnin’ ’ Company, the New Musical Comedy Company (‘Yes, Uncle’), ‘Luck of the Navy,’ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, and another company of Aussie Diggers. With all these operating simultaneously and with large interests in the moving picture industry,, apd other projects on hand for the expansion of business, it can be readily conjectured that the mammoth organisation of J .C. Williamson, Ltd., and J. and N. Tait can hold its own in the world for colossal enterprise.” It is three years since Mr. Farrell was in Sydney, managerial engagements with J. C. Williamson attractions keeping him continually employed on this side, and the wonderful strides the city had made in that' time amazed him beyond measure. He considers the cost of living is not as high in Sydney as in New Zealand. He was over there in time for the races, and says the deadheat between Kennaquhair and Poitrel was something to remember!