GREENROOM GOSSIP

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1599, 16 December 1920, Page 30

GREENROOM GOSSIP

The Littlejohns, who have come to Melbourne to present their twentyfive thousand dollar act in the J. and N. Tait and Bailey and Grant pantomime “Sinbad the Sailor,” make a dazzling display, which is said to excel anything of the kind ever seen in Australia. In the course of their act they display twenty-five thousand of the original jewels from the famous Tower of Jewels exhibited at the Panama Exposition in San Francisco. Their equilibrist performance is said to be marvellous.

The approach of the J. C. Williamson pantomime “Humpty Dumpty” is heralded by tremendous activity at Her Majesty’s, Melbourne. All departments are now hard at work, and in every part of the theatre sectional rehearsals are being carried on, whilst the various workshops and manufacturing departments are going full speed ahead. “Humpty Dumpty” will be one of the most elaborate pantomimes the firm has evei’ produced, not only scenically—there will be twenty-three scenes in the two acts — but also by reason of the fact that no fewer than 360 people will take part in it. The pantomime will be produced by Charles A. Wenman. Minnie Everett is inventing and arranging the ballets, marches, groupings, etc'., and the music is being composed and arranged by Victor Champion. Frank Dix, who wrote the “book” so successfully for the “Sleeping Beauty” last year, is again responsible for the libretto.

Several artists under engagement for the J. and N. Tait and Bailey and Grant pantomime “Sinbad the Sailor,” to be staged at the King’s Theatre, have arrived in Melbourne. These include Arthur Denton, a wellknown English comedian, who will play Dame.; the Littlejohns, equilibrists, whose turn was one of the features at the leading London and New York vaudeville theatres; and Edgley and Dawe, English pantomime specialty artists and dancers. The cast of “Sinbad” will include, in addition: Jennie Hartley, who will be principal boy; Jack Cannot, who will play Sinbad; William Hassan, the animal impersonator; Elinor Crane, a well-known English pantomime and musical comedy artist; Colin Crane, Ethel Walker, Bert Nicholson, Elsie Parkes (premier danseuse),- Kelso Henderson (principal dancer), and others. Wilmer Bentley, who staged “Irene” for J. and N. Tait, will be the producer.

“Irene,” the J. and N. Tait musical production, has characteristics not generally found in a musical play. For example, it has a well-developed story, the interest of which is maintained till the end. So pronounced is this that if the music were taken out of the play “Irene” could hold its own and retain the interest of the audience. There are few musical comedies of which this might be said.

Mr. Edwin Brett, who has arrived in Melbourne, is now making his third visit to that city. He first came to Australia to play the role of Mr. Hook in “Miss Hook of Holland,” staged by Clarke and Meynell. Later he returned as Dame in the J. C. Williamson pantomime --‘‘The Forty Thieves.” His present visit is due to his engagement by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., to play the King in the “Humpty Dumpty” pantomime.'* ■ *

Jennie Hartley, who is to play principal boy in “Sinbad the Sailor” at Theatre, Melbourne, had the unique experience of never having to start at the bottom of the theatrical ladder and climb to the accompaniment of disappointment and unrealised ambition to the top. This has been .the usual experience of stage aspirants. Miss Hartley, however, one day decided to go upon the stage. A well-known London producer was induced to give her a trial. He was highly pleased, and immediately offered Miss Hartley an engagement. She accepted, received a good salary to start with, and has never since been out of an engagement. Moreover, she is booked for the next four years ahead.