IRVING'S AUSTRALIAN TOUR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 990, 3 December 1910, Page 10

IRVING'S AUSTRALIAN TOUR.

. Mr. Hi B. Irving, when visiting Australia. next year, will bring a fairly comprehensive repertory, which will begin with "Hamlet," and comprise also . "The Bells," "The Lyons Mail," "Louis XI," "Charles I," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," and "Clementina'," Mr. George Pleydell's new play, a stage version of Mr. A. E. W. Mason's novel of that name. Speaking to a representative of tho London "Daily Telegraph," Mr. . Irving said he was/looking forward to hi 3 Australian tour with tho keenest pleasure. "My, wife/I'm happy to say, goes with me, and some, at least, of the members oi tho company," he added. "Over yonder, as it happens, thero. is no difficulty nowadays in filling up any gaps in a cast with competent artists. Australians are, in point of fact, enthusiastic playroers; tho , theatre has become a notable factor in their daily ! lives. We 'begin■> operations in Melbourne or Sydney—Mr.- Williamson baa , not yet nuite decided which it shall bo—in June. . Mr. Williamson, who has been kindness- and, in' the matter of ' terms, generosity itself, lias; booked up '■ for 26 wc«ks. •, Tho exact details of tho itinerary I do not yet know, but obviously there will only bo time for vista to tho principal towns." _ "I remember your father, Sir Henry, saying how he would have liked to niako a trip of tho kind." ' 'It was one of his favourite ideas, hut tho opportunity came to him rather late in life. ' England, ho felt, had a stronger claim upon his services, and the time'requisite for a voyago to the Antipodes and back seemed to him too serious a sacrifice at this age. ■ Ho had the highest respect for Mr. William-, son, and would certainly lfave enjoyed appearing under his banner. But at the moment I speak of theatrical enterprise in Australia was far. from being so extohsively developed as.it is now.". "Wo may., expect, to see you back, then, about beginning of ,1912 ?" "There or thereabouts;". ' Mr. Irving , stated :th'at lie hoped on his; return to London to welcome tho: public to a theatro.ol' his own; :. '