STAGE ACTIVITIES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21212, 7 September 1940, Page 13

STAGE ACTIVITIES

“Vagabond King” Revival A comic opera company is being formed in Sydney to revive “Vaga-

bond King” and “Student Prince.” After seasons in the Australian centres the company will come to New Zealand. A tour lasting 18 months is expected. Son Born To Yehudi Menuhins The reason for the extended stay of Yehudi Menuhin, the violinist, and his Australian-born wife, in Australia is now disclosed. Some days ago a son was born to them in the Mercy Hospital in Melbourne. Mrs Menuhin, who was formerly Miss Nola Nicholas, a member of a wealthy Victorian family, has a daughter not yet a year old. The arrival of a son is a thrill for Yehudi. £240,000 From “ Charley’s Aunt ” Mr and Mrs Cecil Freer were in the audience at a recent performance of “ Charley’s Aunt ” at the Minerva Theatre, Sydney. Mr Freer has rather a family interest in the play, as he is the nephew of the actor, W. C. Penley, the original “ Charley’s Aunt,” who played the role for four years and a-half in London. He said that his uncle had suggested the idea of the play to Brandon Thompson, and together they wrote the farce. Incidentally, uncle made £240,000 from it. Heddle Nash in Sydney The Sydney Town Hall was crowded for Sir Thomas Beecham’s final Sydney concert, the programme for which also featured Lisa Perli, Heddle Nash and Harold Williams. Mrs Heddle Nash, wife of the tenor, was in a frock of moonlight blue brocade with padded epaulette shoulders of the same coloured velvet, and wore a bandeau of matching sequins in her hair. Pantomime for Hamilton Rehearsals are well in hand for a grand pantomime to be staged m Hamilton shortly by Miss Ailsa Docherty and pupils. Hamilton Magicians’ Club At a meeting of the Hamilton Magicians Club next week the main feature of the even mg will be the initiation of two new members.

Members have been busy entertaining around town and also at several church functions.

Heard Piano Solo 85 Times! As for the adjudicators, those who listened to “ The Prince Dances ” (Hutchens) played on the piano 85 times in succession by little girls of 12 and under, and “ The Boat Song ” by 46 boys and girls of 15 and under, and Ruth Bedford’s “ The Garden

Hose ” recited 40 times by children of 10 and under, deserved plenty of the committee’s gratitude, says Sydney Sun in referring to the Eisteddfod.