THEATRICAL LOSS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 769, 16 September 1929, Page 10

THEATRICAL LOSS

DEATH OF MR. BERT ROYLE ACTIVE STAGE CAREER The death occurred in AVelliuston yesterday morning of Mr. Bert Royle. representative in New Zealand for J C. Williamson. Ltd. He had been in ill-health for some time, but lately showed signs of recovery. However on Wednesday ha suffered a recurrence of the old trouble, and this proved fatal. Mr. Royle was one of the most familiar figures in the theatrical world in New- Zealand, though in later years he has confined his activities to headquarters in Wellington. His stage career in Australia and New Zealand began in 18S5 when he was spending a holiday in Melbourne. A suggested that, instead of returning to England, as he intended do-

ing, Mr. Royle should join the Martin Simonson Opera Company. This he decided to do. and for some time played in the chorus and took small parts. In all he appeared in 22 operas. Later Mr. Royle became a professional player and joined J. C. Williamson and toured with the late founder of the firm. He also toured with Bland Holt, Sheridan, Charles Warner and many others. Mr. Royle had always spent his leisure writing for the stage, particularly songs. Sheridan, v-ho interested himself in Mr. Royle, had many of the soDgs set to music, and they proved to be most popular with the public. Sheridan then got Mr. Royle to write “Bridget O’Brien, Esq.,” a sequel to “Fun on the Bristol.” This was played successfully in Australia and America. Mr. Royle was then commissioned by J. C. Williamson to write “Red Riding Hood,” which was as popular in Australia and New Zealand as it was in London. It was plaj-ed at the Gaiety Theatre by a company which included Robert Courtneidge, Alice Seaman and Addie Conyers. Later he wrote a version of “The Forty Thieves.” and numerous other pantomimes, including “Robinson Crusoe,” “Saucy Susie,” “The House that Jack Built,” “Sinbad the Sailor,” “Djin Djin” and “Matsa.” He wrote song? for Nellie Farren and Fred Leslie, who sang them in England with success. One of his most interesting trips was a tour of South Africa as manager of Ada Crossley. For 20 years Mr. Royle toured as manager for many companies. Finally he was appointed J. C. Williamson manager for New Zealand, where he spent the last 20-odd of his active life. He leaves a widow and one daughter, Miss Evadine Royle.