LOWELL THOMAS.

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

LOWELL THOMAS.

With a story that has a tremendous appeal to New Zealanders, and with what are said to be the most fascinating coloured and motion pictures ever thrown on a screen, Mr. Lowell Thomas, a famous American journalist, world-traveller, explorer and raconteur, has come to New Zealand to tell us of our own exploits, as -he says, “through the nose of a Yankee.” He will appear here at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday next, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. For two years Mr. Thomas has been telling his story of the brilliant campaign of our boys in the Holy Land and the war in the “land of the Arabian Nights” to nearly two million people in America and Europe. His entertainment is described by the London press as the greatest triumph in the history of the combined speaking stage and motion picture screen. The London newspapers, in describing “With the Anzacs in Palestine and with Lawrence in Arabia,” under which title Mr. Lowell Thomas produces his narrative, say that it is neither a lecture nor a mere motion picture show, but is a unique combination of both.

Mr Harry P. Mullet, who occupies an ' important managerial position in Australia with Ben and John Fuller,has been on a' short holiday visit to’ New Zealand. He says the firm are sending over one of their stock dramatic” companies at Christmas time to King’s Theatre, Newton. This company have been playing at the Palace/ Sydney, for about two years, and they are only now going out to make room for one of the Futller ! pantomimes which will be ready for - production then. “They are all surefire pieces we are sending over,” said Mr. Muller, “and as the company have a' record of 100 plays in 100 nights to their name, it is easy to see we have plenty to choose from. The dressing, staging and mounting will be exactly the same as the Sydney productions, and nd expense will : be spared to mark the occasion in Auckland.” Miss Agnes Dobson and Mr. Austin Milroy play the leads.

DANCE RECITAL. The dance recital to be given by Miss Aileen Beresford and her pupils at King’s Theatre on October 23 and 25, promises to be exceptionally interesting. This well-known instructress has mapped out an elaborate programme, and amongst the items are an “up-to-date Jazz Scena,” with Miss Beresford and Mr. Waiter Beresford as soloists; “a picturesque Indian Ballet,” “Woodlands’ Idyll,” and “Swan Ballet.” A special feature will be a juveni e ballet danced by a bevy of tiny tots ranging from 2% to 10 years. The dressing and scenic effects will have particular attention, and the orchestra will be directed by Miss May Beresford.

Mr. Ben J. Fuller said when he left London in July a theatrical slump was beginning. During the war the public took anything—any- sc|rt of play got over. It was a diversion, and no one was hypercritical, but afterwards came the reaction. The old playgoers came to their senses and were .beginning to support oiily the plays that appealed to them.

Interwoven wish the story of the Anzacs in Palestine, which Lowell Thomas is to give in' His Majesty’s Theatre next Tuesday night, is that of the young Englishman, Thomas Lawrence, an archaeologist. Speaking Arabic like a native, he went into the Arabian peninsula and secretly organised 200,000 Bedouin Arabs, ostensibly part of the Turkish Army, but really in order to lead them out as a compact force for the Allies.

To follow “The Bing Boys on Broadway” the J. C. Williamson firm will present "The Passing Show of 1920,” a wonderful revue achievement. In “The Passing Show” is the amazing “Peacock Girl.” Report says she is the most exquisite poem in femininity ever staged, yet she is quite unknown to fame. Her name is Eileen Ogden, and when she comes on the audience stands up and roars. Her dress takes one’s breath away. Just a mere mention may be made of the fact that there are 240 yards of material in the peacock’s tail- The cost of the dress was £250.

Miss Amy Evans and Mr. Fraser Grange concluded their delightful song season at the Town Hall on Saturday night. Encore after encore was demanded, the artists, with their gracious and evef-ready response, completing the Tasting appeal made by their vocal art. So great was the impression they made during their New Zealand tour that they have been offered engagements to sing at the approaching festivals of leading musical societies in the Dominion. This will take them well up to December.

Mr. George Matheson is in Auckland making arrangements for Mr Lowell Thomas. * » ♦ ♦ Miss Fanny Wiseman, now in her 75th year, is playing one of the witches in Allan Wilkie’s production in Melbourne of “Macbeth.”