STAGE PRODUCTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20278, 21 August 1937, Page 17 (Supplement)

STAGE PRODUCTIONS.

REVUES FOR HAMILTON. SOME LIKEABLE VISITORS. S London Revue Company for Hamilton. ( Two big musical revues, “ This Year ! of Carnival ” and “ Let’s Go Places,” are produced by the Bertram Monta- j gua Revue Company of London, which will commence a New Zealand tour at ( Auckland on Monday under the direo- ' tlon of Sir Benjamin Fuller. Mr. Lewis M. Marks, the West End producer, is travelling with the company and has stated that the two revues will be staged on the same elaborate scale as that which marked their London appearance. Between 150 and 200 tons of scenery and costumes are used. The leading lady is Barbara Vernon and the chief comedian is George Doonan. The latter started his stage career at the age of six. Recently he has been engaged mainly in vaudeville. Years ago he played in “Casey’s Court,” In London when the cast was headed by Charlie Chaplin. The company includes the Darmora Troupe of 12 Hungarian dancers —a ballet of 10 and two speciality dancers. They perform the real Can Can j dance. Likeable, Clever Charles Norman.

Charles Norman, leading comedian of the Frank Nell revue company. Is as likeable off stage as on. Chatting with him the other night &t the very happy supper party given to the company by Mr and Mrs Harold Baker after the show, 1 found him Intensely interested In his work. His preference lies In musical oomedy, ami he recalled that last year he appeared in Australia in successful , revivals of "Lady Be Good,” 'Billie,” i and other light musical pieces. Some | day, he said, he might -bring these ; things to New Zealand, and he thinks we would like them. Though his love Is for the stage, Mr Norman realises the large part ! that the talkies play in the life of the | people and their Importance in tho i entertainment world. He told me that ! the first coloured Australian film, ! “ Mathilde,” is to be made shortly, and he may play the principal part, as light comedian hero. He is very enthusiastic regarding the story, and says that the colour process lo be used has been tested successfully. |

Mr Norman paused, a moment to pay j tribute, as friend and actor, to the . late Gus Bluett, whose death last year ■was mourned by all who had enjoyed his work on the stage. 44 Dear old Gus, we will never have anyone Just like him again, • said CVIr Norman. Mr Norman took the comedy role of Ed. Lovett In the professional production of “ Rio Rita.” He was Interested to learn that the play is to be produced by the Hamilton Operatic Society, and wished the society success. “It Is a lovely play,” ho said. Pantomime for New Zealand. It is likely that Frank Nell, whose revue company delighted Hamilton playgoers this week, will send a pantomime company to New Zealand at the end of the year, with the popular oomedian, Jim Gerald, as daine. Why Don’t You Applaud? ■people who saw the Frank Nell revue company in Hamilton this week were enthusiastic regarding its merits, and considered it one of the best shows seen in New Zealand for a long time. Yet members of the company spoke to me of the “coldness” of the audlenoe and the lack of response, especially on the opening night. The long, narrow theatre makes it difficult for players to get Into intimate touch with the audience. If you enjoy a show, why don’t you let the performers know It by your applause? You would enthuse them, and enjoy it ever so much better yourself. “Rio Rita” Revived Professionally. It Is probable that “Rio Rita,” which the Hamilton Operatic Society will stage next month, will be revived on the professional stage within the next few months, with Gladys MoncrielT back in the role in which she made one of her greatest successes. Clem Dawe In England. Clem Dawe and Eric Edgley, well remembered in New Zealand, are touring England with a vaudeville company organised by Murray, the Australian escapologist. Kookaburra Too Much for Her! I asked the whistler—she is Miss Sisson —of the delightful Sisson and j Neal act with the Frank .Neil revue ! company if she knew tlie New Zealand i bird calls. She suit! that she did not. but hoped to add them to repertoire while she is here. ** I tried the kookaburra laugh when I was in Australia, but found that it ] Injured my throat, so gave it up,” said 1 Miss Sisson. These charming American girls are enjoying their first visit to New Zealand. Miss Neal was pleased to hear how much people are enjoying the rare opportunity to hear the harp played so delightfully, and said that she Is loving New Zealand. Oyril Rltchacd In London. Cyril Ritchard, formerly a great favourite on the Australian and New Zealand musical comedy stage, is appearing in the comedy “ In the Best Families ” at the Arts Theatre, London. A London paper says the plot concerns a baby which Is left in a basket Mi the doorstep of a country house in six men live. The whole thing ts blatantly farcical, ami has more fun In it than most plays of the kind. London Leading Man for Australia. Bruno Barnabe (pronounced “ Bar-na-bee“), the leading man of the Fay Compton company of 10 English arista, which will open in Melbourne on October is one of the best-known actors on the London stage. He is of strikingly handsome appearance, tali, and dark. To date ho has played 231 different parts in three countries, lie was associated with Elizabeth Bergner in her London production of “ Escape Me Never.” lie has appeared in Shakespeare, comedy, light comedy, and character roles, and bis versatility is indicated by the fact that liis pails have ranged from Romeo m “ Romeo and Juliet,“ l.u Grand th*» clown in ‘ Ghauve Souris " and De.ilh in “ Lverymuu.”