STAGELAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 590, 16 February 1929, Page 24

STAGELAND

(By

COTHURNUS.J

FIXTURES HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE Now Playing: James Diddy and Strella Wilsc in “The vagabond King.” March 2: Allan Wilkie’s Shakespearean Company. COMING “The Desert Song.” “The Patsy.” ST. JAMES THEATRE Now Playing George Wallace Revue Co. COMING “Baby Cyclone” and “Good News,” Elsie Prince and Jimmy Godden. “Rio Rita,” Gladys MoncriefE.

Beatrix Kendrick is playing Adele Crane’s part in “The Vagabond King,” now drawing big houses at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Virginia Perry, who was brought out from London to play lead in the Australian production of “The Desert Song,” has returned to England. Her place has been filled by Marie Brenrner. a Melbourne girl.

Lily Elsie, the London stage star, is seeking a divorce. Her husband is Major lan Bullough. The marriage took place in 1911. She retired from the stage, until last year, and is now appearing at the Globe Theatre, London, in “The Truth Game.” Greatest of all her successes was Sonia in “The Merry Widow” —the original London production at Daly’s Theatre in 1907.

THE VAGABOND KING” GROWS IN POPULARITY There is still another whole week for Aucklanders to see and hear “The Vagabond King.” This lovely musical romance, the finest of its kind seen in Auckland, is receiving the popularity it deserves. Strella Wilson as Katherine, and James Liddy as the “vagabond king” are two splendid leads. Both have beautiful singing voices and both look their parts to perfection. “The Vagabond King” easily outclasses “The Student Prince” and “Madame Pompadour” for grouping of the chorus, colour schemes and artistic settings. It is redolent of its romantic period, that of Louis XI. of France.