STAGE PRODUCTIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20498, 14 May 1938, Page 15 (Supplement)

STAGE PRODUCTIONS

They Didn’t Say Thank-you! The theatre-film page of another provincial paper la>‘ week consisted largely of columns of news “lifted” from this page of the previous Saturday—without a word of acknowledgment. Elaine Hamill in London Elaine Hamill, the former Hamilton girl, is playing a leading part in “ Money Talks,” which Sir Seymour Hicks is producing at tlie Lyceum, a London West End Theatre. Ruth Draper and Tibbett Coming When visiting the steamer Awatea at Auckland during the week-end, I ran across members of the Stanley McKay Gaieties, who were returning to Sydney after a stay of about six months in New Zealand. They stated that they were well satisfied with the result of the Dominion tour. I also met Mr Arthur Tait, of the Williamson management, who was returning to Sydney after looking after the Fay Compton company on its New Zealand tour.

Mr Tait said the Fay Compton company had had a very successful tour, and he was well satisfied with the result.

The next Williamson attractions for New Zealand, said Mr Tait, will be Ruth Draper, the American impersonator, opening at Auckland on June 27, and Lawrence Tibbett, famous baritone, who will open at Wellington on August 9.

It is hoped to bring “Balalaika” across later, but the expense of staging the spectacular musical play is so heavy that all the pros and cons of a New Zealand tour have to be studied very carefully. New Zealand Will Not See Him Robert Ilalliday, who has been so successful in Australia in “Balalaika” and revivals of “Desert Song” and “New Moon,” will not be seen in New Zealand, for he returns to New York in June. His place will be taken by George Hancock, who has played leads in London with the Carl Rosa Opera Company. I am sorry Mr Ilalliday is not coming to New Zealand. 1 saw him in "Balalaika” in Sydney, and was greatly impressed by his delightful singing and acting ability. lie is the best leading man in light opera Australia has seen for a long time.' He originated the role of the !Red Shadow in “Desert Song” in New York. News from La Merl Averado Bertocchi, a member of Madame La Meri’s party, writing from Mexico City, says:— ‘‘After we left New Zealand we went to Australia, India, Burma, Malay, Java, China, Japan and America. Now we are In Mexico, and from here we go to South America. “La Meri had such a big success in New York that she was signed up for a further 40 dance recitals next season, so we expect to be in New York again In October. “Next summer we hope to spend a couple of months in Italy. . “La Meri has 20 new dances, and very interesting they are. She is also working with her ballet company, which she hopes to take to Australia and New Zealand next year.” Fay Compton Held Up In Sydney Fay Compton, the English actress, was delayed on the wharf In Darling Harbour, In Sydney, after her arrival from Wellington by the Awatea, by the latest member of her theatrical company. The newcomer was “Come Here,” or “Welcome,” an Australian terrier, presented to her in New Zealand, and he had to pass a medical examination by the veterinary surgeon before he could go ashore. “His real name Is ‘Haere Mai,’ ” said Miss Compton. “That's Maori for ‘come here' or ‘welcome.’ ” Revue Companies Return to Australia Three revue companies which have been touring New Zealand returned to Australia this week. Frank Neil’s revue company and Connors and Paul’s company sailed by the Wanganella from Wellington, while Stanley McKay’s Gaieties left by the Awatea from Auckland. New Zealand Audiences New Zealand audiences were found by Fay Compton to be both appreciative and friendly—Dunedin in a reserved manner reminiscent of Aberdeen—while in Auckland the most spontaneous reception of all was given i the company. Gus Bluett’s Sister to Marry Belie Bluett, elder sister of the late Gus Bluett, much-loved comedian, will leave Sydney for London shortly to be married to Jimmy Jewel, of the | Jewel and Warris act, recently in * Hamilton with the Montague Show. I Mr Jewel’s father and mother were well-known sketch artists in England. His father died about, two years ago. Belle Bluett, notable show girl of J. Williamson productions, and daughter of Fred Bluett, comedian, in her forthcoming wedding will unite two old theatrical families. Kitty Bluett, her sister, is in Melr bourne in “No. No, Nanette,” and father Fred is broadcasting there-