STAGELAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 24

STAGELAND

FIXTURES HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE December 5, January 7.—“ The Midnight Frolics/* Edgeley and Dawe. Jaunary B.—Dion Boucicault and Irene Vanbrugh COMING "Princess Charming.** "Castles in the Air.** ST. JAMES THEATRE Now Playing.—George Ward Revue Co. COMING "Baby Cyclone' and "Good News/* Elsie Prince and Jimmy Godden. CONCERT CHAMBER November 28, 29, 30 and December I.—Little Theatre Society’s triple bill. Lady Churston, formerly Denise Orme, the actress, was married iu London recently to Mr. Theodore Wessel. * * * Lily Elsie, almost a stranger these days to the London stage, has returned in a new light comedy, “The Truth Game.” Lilian Braithwaite, Viola Tree and Ivor Novello are the other celebrated names in the cast.

Green Room “Rag ”

LONDON ACTORS INVENT I PLAY ON THE SPUR OF j THE MOMENT 1 THE LOST “PANTS” On the spur of the moment a play was Invented and acted at the first Green Room Club “rag” of the season at the Globe Theatre, London, recently. The title was supplied by a lustyvoiced member of the audience—“ The Man Who Lost his Pants.” Edgar Wallace himself could not have been quicker over the mysterious play which immediately followed than were Ralph Lynn, Ernest Truex, Franklin Dyall, Leslie Henson, A. W. Baskcomb, and Diana Wilson. It at once transpired that Mr. Lynn and Mr. Truex had known—and rather disliked—each other for a long time. Two reasons why Mr. Lynn disliked Mr. Truex were that Mr. Truex had been to Kempton Park and had also been making love to his—Mr. Lynn’s —girl friend. Somehow out of this dislike a pair of trousers belonging to someone was missing. Quite uninvited, Mr. Dyall came into the play. He said he was the vicar and had an idea that the garments might be in the vestry. Then Mr. Henson, wearing side whiskers, came in as a butler with a card on a tray. “Take it away and bring me another,” Mr. Lynn said authoritatively. Mr. Henson came back with a riding whip, whereupon Mr. Lynn rang up Scotland Yard, and a C I.D. inspector (Mr Baskcomb) arrived as if by magic. When Miss Wilson hurried on the scene it came out that she had chanced to look through the vestry window and seen -. Then Mr. Bascomb found a gold watch and chain in Mr. Dyall’s pocket. “I assure you ” cried the unfortunate suspect. “That’s all right! I know where the missing articles are and who ’has stolen them,” Mr. Baskcomb said, snapping his note-book. Everyone at once said, “Oh, who?” A piano off-stage began to play “Or Man River,” and so ended “The Man who Lost his Pants.”

(By COTHURXBS.J

When the Auckland Little Theatre presents its triple bill on November 28 several newcomers will make their first appearance with the society. “The Boy Comes Home” (A. A. Milne), “The Maid of France” (Harold Brighouse) and “Danger” (Richard Hughes) form the attractive selection of one-acts which have been chosen by the producer, Mr. Kenneth Brampton.

P. W. Barker, one of tlie newcomers, will olay Paul in “The Maid of France.” He promises to give a delightful performance as the French soldier. Mr. Barker will be remembered by IYA listeners -in. He has had considerable experience with several amateur theatrical societies in various

parts of New Zealand. Uncle James in “The Boy Comes Home” will be played by Zante Wood, another newcomer to the Little 1 Theatre Society. He is an actor with plenty of experience behind him and M r. Brampton considers himself fortunate in persuading Mr. Wood to take the role. Uncle James is a difficult part to play, but Mr. Wood can be expected to handle it to perfection. John Stewart’s performance in “Out-

, ward Bound” is still a pleasant recollection. He is to play the Cockney soldier in “The Maid of France,” and as Mr. Stewart comes from London he knows the character intimately. His comedy work is excellent and another good performance is expected from him in the forthcoming production. —Photos by Tornquist.

Ysolinde McVeagh will have an excellent part in “Maid of France,” the play by Harold Brighouse, to be presented by the Auckland Little Theatre Society at the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, on November 28, 29, 30 and December 1. She is cast for the part of Jeanne D’Arc. Into her mouth the author pours some wonderful lines, and indications are that Miss McVeagh will take advantage of this excellent opportunity of showing her undoubted ability. Edgley and Dawe, the London comedians, will bring their reorganised “Midnight Frolics” Company to New Zealand this year, providing a unique Christmas attraction. In England they appeared in every town of note, and were classed as two of the most eccentric fun-makers in the Old Country. As dancers they excel, and they served to introduce into New Zealand simultaneous dancing of tha most difficult nature. As comedians and pantomimists they hold a supreme position, and they have the happy knack of pleasing both young and old. Supported by a specially chosen J. C. Williamson company, they will introduce into the Dominion several novel features, which should make their productions a sheer joy to those who love spectacular shows, lilting music, snappy dialogue, unique specialty and dancing of the highest order.

Players with Little Theatre Society