Mr. J. F. Montague

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 27, 17 January 1930, Page 9

Mr. J. F. Montague

Founder and Director of Auckland Comedy Players Me. J. F. MONTAGUE is ‘one of the best-known producers and entertainers in New Zealand, who néeds no introduction to the public. He was the first to produce ‘plays for broadcasting in the Dorhinion, and the work of the Auckland: Comedy Players, ui.der his able direction, has been of. a-uniform-ly high standard. Durfng his association with 1A he has produced ‘over 60 plays, and. has introduced over 50 ae rmers to the "air."’ Many of the yictions have been’ extraordinarily fine from every point. of view. Some of the most notable of these are;-John Drinkwater’s "Oliver Cromwell"; "Mary, Mary,. Quite Contrary" (St. John Ervine); "Galapagos," "The Importance of Being’ Earnest’ (Oscar

Wilde) ; "Campbell of Kilmohr," "The. Philosopher of. Butterbiggins" (Cha‘pin) ; "The Dover Road" (Milne) ; "The Maker of Dreams," "Waterloo," and "The Monkey’s Paw." "Besides this. work of production and "coaching," Mr. Montague, as an individual performer and entertainer, is second-to none in the Dominion; his versatility is remarkable, for he is equally acceptable in comedy, tragedy, and in’ character work, particularly so inwZrish or Scottish items. . He is, morea fluent speaker of Maori, and is aw authority on the pronunciation of that language. He has been a member of the Musical and Dramatie Advisory Committee at 1YA.since its inception. Notwithstanding many claims on his time, he will continue to be heard from 1YA, for he frankly confesses he enjoys broadcasting work. Always, and indeed, he declares he regards it as a privilege to be able to speak to such, a great audience. "Of course, I can’t expect to please everyone," he says, "put I ope i please the majority."