TREND OF THE THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 869, 13 January 1930, Page 10

TREND OF THE THEATRE

FULLERS WIRING ALL HOUSES FOR TALKIES DEMAND FOR FLESH AND BLOOD Two prominent theatrical folk arrived in Auckland this morning by the Aorangi and both agreed that the talkies are no\v taking their rightful place in the entertainment world. Sir Benjamin Fuller has come over to open a new theatre in Christchurch on January 25. Mr. E. J. Carroll is on his way back to London and will finalise arrangements for concert artists to tour the Dominion and Australia. Sir Benjamin stated that his firm intends to wire all its theatres in New Zealand for talkies. This does not mean, however, that the famous firm |is going out of the production busiI ness. “We still have 10 flesh and blood | companies,” he said, "and we intend to keep them going. Nor do we intend to reduce the number of our revue companies. There is a demand for certain classes .of entertainment and it is our job to supply it.” Sir Benjamin is of opinion that the talkies are creating a demand for flesh and blood actors, and there seems to be a tendency for people to go back to the stage. It is taking time for the amusement world to readjust itself, but this will come. "New Zealand is well up to the Plimsoll mark as far as entertainment is concerned,” said Sir Benjamin. "1 expect to go to America in March to look for new talent for our theatres here.” Two famous concert artists, Florence Austral and Amadio, the flautist, are to tour New Zealand and Australia this year, according to Mr. E. J. Carroll. Kreisler, the violinist, also contemplates making another tour to this side of the world, and Mr. Carroll will finalise the arrangements on his return to London. Mr. Carroll, who is also interested in the picture business, stated that the public for talkies is becoming more and more critical. The public does not go to the talking pictures now just because they are talking pictures. Good fare must be provided if public support is to be obtained. "I am certain that there will be a reaction to spoken and musical plays,” continued Mr. Carroll, “and it will be a sorry thing for us if this does not come about. Certainly the talkies have proved a great boon to English actors and actresses and also to English writers.” During his stay in the United States and also when he gets back to London, Mr. Carroll will consider several plays for production on t.his side.