J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17471, 3 June 1922, Page 10

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

"THE YEOMEN OP THE OtTABD." The J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company gave the final performance of "Menie England" to a full house at the Theatre Royal last night. This afternoon at the matinee, and also in the evening, that stately gTand comio opera "The Yeomen of the Guard" will be staged. "Tho Yeomen of the Guard" is one of the most popular of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and it is not surprising that the booking is heavy for the twj performances to-day. Tho fascinating story of Merryman; and his Maid is known to all theatregoers, and there was probably never a better number composed than the duet allotted the characters of Elsie Maynard (Miss Patti Russell) and Jack Point (Mr Charles H. Workman). Playgoers who remember the late Mr William Elton and the late Mr George Lauri 83 Jack Point are anxious to witness that sterling artist, Mr Charles Workman, in the part, as it is said that his characterisation has never been excelled. As E'sie Maynard, Miss Patti Russell has scored her best triumph; the music allotted this part admirably suits the range of her very excellent soprano voice, Mr Howett-Worster scored such a triumph in "Merrio England," that playgoers are anxious to see him in other parts, and as Sergeant Meryll he will be given opportunities for the further display of his talents and his rich baritone voice. Mr Charles Mcttam and Mr Jack Ralston will appear in the parts which they playH so successfully last year, and Miss Byrl Wa!kley will be seen as Phoebe Meryll. Mr Victor Prince ns Shadbolt is said to be at his best, and the other membera of the company are all congenially placed. Patrons of to-day's performances will note that the box plans will be at the Toy Cave Confectionery.

"Dorothy." Alfred Cellier's romantic comedy opera will be played for two nights only (Monday and Tuesday). The box plans for these two performances and also for all other productions will bo at The Bristol. New Heating System. Patrons of tho Theatre" Royal will appreciate the greatly improved eystcm of heating which has now been installed, and which was U6ed for the first time last evening. Ths management arranged with the Christchurch Gas Company to cone with the difficulty brought about by the cold weather experienced during tho last week. The staff and stock of tho company were made available, with the result that there is now adequate heating in the theatre, and the placp looks cosy and comfortable. The change was greatly appreciated by the public last night, and some of the benefit wa3 als> fait by tho performers. In making the alterations, tho J. C. Williamson firm was under the disadvantage that no adequate arrangements for heating had beeftx made when the theatre was built. The few gas points avai!?ble were vtilised. To install others and l put them through many feet of concrete would have- taken weeks, but the staff of the Gas Company grappled with the difficulty, and the result was that last evening .everybody appreciated what had been done. Though quite effective, the system is only temporary, and a proper system of steam heating will no doubt be included in the important alterations to the theatre which are contemplated in tho near future.