AN INTERESTING LIFE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 32, 8 February 1932, Page 13

AN INTERESTING LIFE

MISS EVELYN GARDINER

Miss Evelyn Gardiner, whose bright and charming personality aeoms to have carried her happily through life so far, has seen a great deal that is interesting and has done'much that is the same. She held good positions in London, and also understudied various well-known1 people, and only joined the company at present appearing.in Wellington when Miss Gill was recalled to London by Mr. ■D'Oyloy Carte. She describes.the Australian tour as a;.very delightful, one, and is full of adiniratioa for the fine country and people. ■ Miss Gardiner is a keen observer, and while admiring present fashions to a great extent finds herself much amused at some of the vagaries. When she left London long skirts w.cro worn almost' entirely, and when she' arrived in Australia she had to curtail: hers somewhat. An amusing f aehion mentioned was that of coloured toe.nails, these,being shown off by open sandals of an elaborate kind, and. worn; with an evening frock. They were quite usual when beach sandals are worn, but the lady who arranged her toe-nails for the evening costume went "one better" than the beach girls! Miss Gardiner is appreciative of the pyjama fashion for evening frocks, and says, if beautifully cut, they are extremely olegant and graceful, as well as being most comfortable. Each leg in the skirt part is four or five yards round, and the effect is simply that of closely moulded hips and a flared skirt. The bodice part is of ordinary evening cut, sleeveless, of course. One she had herself was of apple-green angel-skin satin, and was a favourite gown. When asked about Noel Coward, the young author, poet, and play-writer, Miss Gardiner said that ho is a very charming'person, as well aa a man who does everything well. He Has established $ record in all kinds of f^ork in the theatrical worldj acting in his own pieces and. singing bis own songs. Miss Gardiner had seen his play "Bittersweet" just before she left London, and was much interested in "Cavalcade," which was just in preparation. Another most .interesting play was '' White Horse Inn, "a spectacular play brought by Sir Oswald Stpll from Germany,: Miss Gardiner, spoke with almost rovorence of the genius of Miss Sybil Thorndiko, and thinks New Zealand greatly favoured in the prospect of seeing and hearing her. "St. Joan" was mentioned a? one of her outstanding plays. Her daughter, Katherino, at the early ago of 17, is making a name for herself in fiJro. acting. Miss Gardiner had some most interesting film experience in England and Prance with Mr. Matheson Lang, Seymour Hicks, and Yvonne Arnaud. She is hopeful that British films aro going to do oxceedingly well; they .aro overcoming the atmosphere difficulties, and the voices and accents aro so good. Coming to Australia and Now Zealand, Miss Gardiner mentioned that a very interesting meeting took place at Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney, when three "fairy queens" from "lolanthe" all met and exchanged experiences. The late Mrs. Brough was onq, she having been one of the first wlien the operas came out, Miss Ethel Morrison was .another, and Miss Gardiner the third. She had many kind things to say about Mrs. Brough, who was much loved and appreciated in New Zealand. Miss Gardiner in deeply appreciative of New Zealand audieuces; their readiness to "pick up points," their cordiality, and warmth are very delightful to the visitor. Her earnest wish is to spend a very'lqng time in the Southorn Hemisphere, for Aus. tralia and New Zealand havo both inspired her with a real affection.