Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), Thursday 19 February 1931, page 26


Roland McCarty Presents Augustus Neville

IN 'A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.'

AUGUSTUS NEVILLE AS 'BOTTOM' (the Weaver).

Of Alfred Dampier it was said by people who had seen Sir Henry Irving and other great exponents, that he was the greatest 'Shylock' in the world. For 17 years — a remarkably long engagement—Augustus Neville was Dampier' s leading man, and was an outstanding Antonio in 'Tho Merchant of Venice,' which was the only Shakespearean play regularly produced by Dam

pier. With Allan Wilkie, Augustus Neville repeated his success, and then, almost by accidont, Wilkie (with whom Neville was associated for another long engagement, seven years this time) discovered the actor's comedy vein. The comedy character in 'Tho Winter's Tale' is one of the leading roles; tho success achieved by Augustus Neville as Atolycus changed his destiny; It is as Bottom (the Weaver) in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (the play set for this year's Intermediate Examination) that Augustus Neville will appear ? at -the Savoy Theatre, Bligh-street, for a short season of five ?perform-ances only^three matinees and two nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday,. March 19, 20, and 21, at 2- p. mi, and at 8 p.m.- on Thursday, and Friday, March 19 and 2Q. He will be supported- by a company that includes several of Allan Wilkie's leading ? players, and ? other : pro ' fessionals of high standing, including Miss Ala-, thea Siddons. .In, these performances three former members of ? the Allan Wilkie Co., -will 'bo seen in the parts they played in Mr. Wilkie's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Miss Alathea Siddons as 'Helena,' Mr. Felix Bland as 'Snout,' and Miss Phyllis Maxwell as 'Titania.' This part was played by Miss Maxwell throughout Miss Hunter- Watts 's absence on a visit to' England in 1923-1924. -The box plan for the season will open at Paling's on ..Wednesday, March 19. As the ?. box plan is filling rapidly, tho principals of colleges and schools are requested to make application for seats at;once to Roland ? McGarty, c/o this office, or 'phone F3047, and a representative will call. The matinee performance to be given on Saturday, Mareh.21, will be strictly reserved for sch'olurs from convents and girls' schools, so that the'nuns can^also bo present. ... :i

At the conclusion of the Sydney season, Roland McCarty will -present Augustus Neville and Alathea Siddons in excerpts from Shakospoare,. presented in tho collegos and schoola throughout Sydney, -with a tour of New South Wales to follow. ? ' ! ? ; For prospectus apply to Roland McCarty, 42' Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay; or 'phone F3647.