THE ROYAL STROLLERS

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 146, 23 June 1916, Page 4

THE ROYAL STROLLERS

The Royal Strollers, wno appear in the Town Hall, Taihape, on Tuesday evening, have met with very great success since their arrival in New Zealand, and they attach a good deal *of their good fortune to their mascot, “Billy,” says Sydney James, the versatile chief of the Strollers, referring to the droll figure used by him in his ventriloquial act, ‘is the Strollers’ mascot. P]or fit teen 1 .ye.'jrs on and off he has been my assistant. Although I have tried several other figures, I never seem to achieve the same results as with “Billy” He is quite a personality with the Company and I myself, in the imaginary conversation I hold with him, almost regard him as human.” Mr Sydney James achieved fame in the early days of his career as a pantomime dame and amongst his early associates was Fred Storey, who will be remembered in this country as a member of the first Gaiety Company and whose daughter Sylvia, a London Gaiety favourite, and now Countess Pculet, was one of the original members of the Strollers. Mr G. ,W. Desmond, a member of the company, appeared in many original productions of musical comedy in England, including “The Casino Girl.” “Florodora’ and “The Arcadigns,” and both he and Mis s Rossiter were offered parts in the Australian production by Meynell and Gunn but owing to existing contracts were unable to accept engagement. Miss Madeline Rossiter is an indefatigable worker on and off the stage and the directing of her ’companies in England from this side of the world entail a great amount of work. In addition to her terpsichorean accomplishments she is also a talented violinist and pianist, and she has few idle moments during the Stroller's’ entertainment. Miss Gwen Lewis has made a special study of songs at the piano which Miss Margaret Cooper did so much to popularise, and it is said that Miss Lewis is quite the equal of that lady. Another very talented member of the Company is Miss Connie Milne, of whose prformances as a soprano vocalist, burlesque actress and dancer, the Australian press speak in very high praise. 'Mr George Graystone, basso, and Mr Cyril Northcote, comedian, materially assist in the success of the party, and Mr Arthur Fnost solo pianist and musical director is responsible for a great deal of the success. Seats rnay be reserved for the season at Pinch’s Bazaar from this morning.