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Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 276, 11 February 1928, Page 22

Robert Geddes, the young Aucklander, who is winning fame in London, was one of the guests at an “At Home” given recently by Anne Williams, the celebrated teacher of singing. Percy Hutchinson and Company, now in South Africa, will begin an Australian tour on March 6 at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne. Their repertoire will include “The Joker,” “Cock o’ the Roost” and “Mr. What’s His Name,” the Seymour Hicks play. The death is announced in America of Rubi Trelease, wife of Dr. Norman Hales, formerly of Wellington, and at one time a talented amateur actor, now on the American stage. Miss Trelease visited New Zealand as a member of the Joseph Coyne Comedy Company in February, 1922.

Josephine Head, Albert Hugo and Romana, who came direct from the famous Folies Bergeres. Paris, are coming to New Zealand with the specially-selected company to appear in “Tip-Toes” and “Queen High” on February 15. For some years these wonderful dancers have amazed theatregoers, and their reputation is now world-wide. They introduce dance novelties never previously seen in this part of the world, and when it is said that the three dancers are credited with providing one of the most sensational acts ever seen on the Parisian stage, something out of the ordinary may with -confidence be expected.

Nola Caselli, who, with Miss Gertrude Esdaille, will take leading parts in the tabloid plays to be presented in Auckland by the Conroy Smithson company of professional artists, has had considerable stage experience in New Zealand and Australia. Some of her roles were the Little Corporal in “Margaret of the Red Cross,” Sam Willoughby in “The Ticket of Leave Man,” Paul in “The Oct'aroon,” Robbie in “The Ever Open Door,” Dick, the Bootblack, in “Little Lord Fauntelroy,” Moya Doolan in “Con the Shaughran,” Mrs. Stead in “The Private Secretary” and other good parts. Miss Caselli, with her golden hair, has won various competitions in impersonation of Mary Pickford characters. Prior to taking the part of heroine in the New Zealand film, “Rewi’s Last Stand,” she won the gold medal in the “Green Room” Australasian screen contest conducted in Sydney. Miss Caselli is also well-known for her musical accomplishments.

The Firm struck bad luck with two expensive actresses last year—Judith Anderson and Margaret Lawrence, both excellent artists, says the Sydney “Bulletin.” Unsuccessful opening bills seem to explain both failures. It took £4OO a week to induce Judith to visit her native country, and her “Cobra” wasn’t a success. “The Road to Rome,” which went off into mere smart talkiness after the first act, was the opening misfortune wished on Margaret Lawrence, who afterwards appeared in “Rain,” in which the other lady was to lead, only she fell ill. Barbara Hoff made a third actress that play hoodooed. After doing very moderately in Sydney, Margaret Lawrence—a remarkably clever lady—found Melbourne so unkind that she finished up her Australian experiences ,there„ and returned to America*-

Maud Courtney and Mr. C., two Fuller favourites in New Zealand, are getting good and consistent bookings around provincial England. Gaston Mervale, having given a fair trial of Grand Guignol, in Sydney, is now of opinion that success can be assured by giving the public nothing but thrillers, and is carrying out that idea by eliminating the comedies from the bill of fare. He intends presenting several new and startling “shockers” in the near future at the Majestic, Newtown.

Two actors who will be seen in Conroy Smithson’s tabloid dramas and comedies in Auckland are Thomas Vivian and Thomas McDermott. The former, a student of the late Walter Bentley, is a member of the wellknown theatrical and musical family of Dunedin. Mr. Vivian has a fine stage presence and strong resonant voice. In “The Unexpected” he takes the part of a daring German spy. Mr. McDermott has been on the stage for years, but will be best remembered for his recent portrayal of the leading role as Captain Gilbert Mair in Rudall Hayward’s latest successful Maori War film, “The Te Kooti Trail.”

Molly Raynor, a New Zealand girl, is receiving favourable notices from the dramatic critics in Australia. She is a daughter of Fred Rayner. the well-known New Zealand black and white artist. His daughter changed the “e” into “o” for stage purposes. Miss Rayner played for a time in “Gum-Tree Gully” with the Kate Howard Company, but later won her success in “The Alarm Clock” at the Athaneum Theatre, Melbourne. Her people have lived in Sydney for some time. Two of Miss Rayner’s sisters, Elspeth and Joan, are playing at the Greenleaf Theatre, London. • * * The following cast will interpret “Tip Toes” at His Majesty’s Theatre on February 15. Many of the players are well-known to New Zealand audiences:— Sylvia Metcalf Beryl Walkeley Rollo Metcalf Roy Russell A 1 Kaye Cecil Kellaway Tip Toes .. Thelma Burness Porter Hals Lansdowiu Steve Burton Leyland Hodgson Attendant .. .. Oswald Wenban Binnie Palm Josephine Head Denise Miller .. Mdlle. Ramona Steward .. Tom Dixon Hotel Manager George Walsh