Sudden Death of John Kirby

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 962, 3 May 1930, Page 26

Sudden Death of John Kirby

Three Days’ Illness Further details are to hand regarding the death of John Kirby in London. He was playing in “Silver Wings” at the Dominion Theatre. Although he had not been feeling well, Mr. Kirby played his part on the Saturday night, but became ill on Sunday, and on Monday morning was taken from the Eccentric Club, where he lived, to a nursing home. It was a great shock for the members of tlie company when they arrived at the theatre for the eveniug performance to hear that he was dead. John Kirby was born in New Zealand, and was only 35. Before going to England—about five years ago—he had won prominence as a comedian in Australia. His first appearance in the West End was ill “The London Revue” at the Lyceum. He was the attraction of the show, and his performance as a comic taxi-driver brought him at once right to the front. He appeared in a succession of musical plays, including “Tip Toes,” at the Winter Garden; “Lady Luck,” at the Carlton; “Shake Your Feet,” at the Hippodrome “Oh Kay,” at His Majesty’s”; “Virginia” and “Hold Everything,” at the Palace. ANTARCTIC EPIC Captain Scott Play Raises Indignation WIDOW NOT CONSULTED Lady Scott (now Lady Hilton Young) is to visit Berlin to see the Play dealing with the Antarctic expedition of her late husband, Captain R. F. Scott, R.N., Avhich is being performed there. The explorer’s widow had not authorised the play and its presentation was against her wishes. Written by a German dramatist, Reinhard Goering, “South Polar Expedition of Captain Scott” is staged at the State Theatre, and the cliaracters include the explorer and his widow. “I think that, had Lady Scott been consulted, she might have considered such a play being written,” said Lady Macartney, Captain Scott’s sister, “but her grievance is that those responsible have not communicated with her at all.” Lieut.-Commander L. C. Bernacchi, who was with Scott in the Discovery expedition of 1901, is indignant that such a theme should be dealt with on the stage. He has not seen the play. “This representation is wholly undesirable and in the worst possible taste,” he told a London pressman. “What right has a man who knows nothing of the Antarctic, and has not troubled to consult those of us in England who do, to write a play about this great tragedy? “Certainly Scott’s memory should be kept alive, but not through the medium of mimicry on the stage. In my opinion a brave man’s record is being used for mere sensationalism. “There will be a general protest, I am sure, if the play is brought to England.”

J. C. Williamson have engaged Ilingle Edgar, a well-known London comedian, for their Australian production of “Mr. Cinders,” the musical play which has been running in London under the firm’s management for well over a year. Mr. Edgar is a son of Marriott Edgar, a popular comedian who played dame in pantomime for J. C. Williamson some years ago.