THE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2950, 9 December 1916, Page 13

THE THEATRE

'[By SvLvius.] "Sentimental Bloke" Coming. On Monday evening last Mr. Clement; May announced that he had been debarred from reciting moro than one of the' poems from "The Sentimental Bioko" by tho receipt of a lawyer's letter. Tho recital rights of 0. J. Dennis's captivating larrikin versos are held by Mr. Lawronco Campbell, who is to commenco a tour of New Zealand at tho Concert Chamber on January 9 next, under tho management of J. and N. 'rait. Mr. John Tait, who is' at present in Wellington, had tho pleasuro of *• hearing Mr. Campbell recite the verses, and testfies. to the strong, grip they get on audiences. Mr. Campbell takes some two hours to recite the series, and never once does the interest wane, thanks to the clever blend of i -romedy, emotionalism, and pathos, which gives the reciter the fullest soope | for fine shading in a character destined to become immortal in Australia. Barry; Lupino Returning. , Great gratification will be expressed at the news that Barry Lupino, best of comedians, dancers, and pantomime artists, is returning under engagement to Australasia.*, His services have been secured for the part of Eddie in "Good Boy, Eddie," tho musical'comedy success which has been secured by Messrs. J. and N. Tait through the agency of Mr. E. J: Tait, who is still in America. The part is right into Mr. Lupino's hands, as Eddie must be a small, active person with a comic twist. _ Another engagement made by the Taits is that of Sir. Andrew -Higginson, who was the best of all lovers in "The Merry Widow" about six years ago, when under the Williamson management. Mr. John Tait states that tho new company will open in Sydney towards the ond of February. New Principal Boy. The new principal boy in "The House That Jack Built," this year's Williamson pantomime, is Hilda Guiver. For several years she lias been under engagement to Robert Courtneidge, being released by that manager each Christmas for pantomime. Miss Guiver played the Persian Girl, Whoso only word in English was "carpets" in "Oh, Oh, Delphine." "I would like to play it in Australia,' slio says.. However Fate and figure have marked her down for principal hoy roles. She was principal boy successively at Edinburgh. Manchester, and Leeds, all coveted engagements. Last year she played Princo Charming in "Cinderella" for J. C. Williamson in South Africa, following up with musical comedy leads. Miss Minnie Lovo did tho same thing,before arriving here. "I played ten parts in twelve months," Miss Guiver stated, recalling South Africa. "At the end of that time the management arranged a sea voyage for mo, only anticipating tho doctor's orders by a few clays, I am certain." Tragic Episode of Life. Writing to the J. C. Williamson Ltd., management in Sydney, Mr. Geo. Black, the chief secretary, in licensing "Damaged Goods" for production, said: "I trust that this tragic episode of lifo as it is and as it ought not to be, will be received by the community with that respect and attention which so grave a subject demands, and that it will lot in the light to minds now darkened and uninstruoted concerning one of tho gravest dangers to modern civilisation." Notes. Dorothy Purdell, a charming young English Musical Comedy actress, is to join tho J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company. Eileen Kavanagh, in tho "Arcadians," was 0110 of her roles with Robert. Courtneidge, with whom for tho last four years she has been under contract. Miss Purdell has also played principal girl in several pantomimes. Tho theatrical game is notoriously a gamble. Rarely has this been better illustrated than two years ago when Avery Hopwood completed two farco comedies. Ho submitted them both to a New York manager. One was entitled "Fair and Warmer," the other "Sadio Lovo." Tho manager had first pick. He took "Sadio Love." Another

manager had tlie right of tlio rejected play. This "Fair and Wanner" fell into Ills hands. It was an .enormous success. "Sadie Love" was a diro failure.

Mr. Georgo Willoughby, formerly a partner of Mr. Hugh J. Ward, and, at another time, with Mr. George Marlow, is again in harness. Ho is organising a company that is to tour Now Zealand with' "What Happened to Jones" and "Why Smith Loft Homo," commencing in Auckland 011 January 13.