Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954), Monday 29 October 1934, page 10


STAGE ASIDES.

(By M.J.)

The Australian contralto, Miss Alice Hollander, whose death was announced in a cable message from Ijondon recently, was a niece of Miss Alice Bryant, the well-known Sydney organist, and of Mr. Charles Bryant, the palmer. Born at Manly, she began her career bv eoine on a tour of New

Zealand with her own concert party, and giving recitals in Sydney and Meland I\\ Tail. After going to London she toured with Paderewski, Kubelik. Backhaus, Adeline Patti, and Jean Gerardy. She also appeared at ballad concerts in the Albert Hall and the Queen's Hall, and In festival performances ur.dcr the direction at such, eminent musicians as Arthur Niklsch and Richard Strauss. Later, she sang a good deal in musical comedy; then on the variety stage, not only in England, but also in France, Holland, Germany, and Russia. She took part In command jierfovm&Ticee before tb.e Royal families of England, Germany and Spain. During the war she turned ho,- Ivinrinn flat inln n fifttifiPrt brill for

the benefit of Australian soldiers. She had appeared on the screen in transcriptions of one or two of Arnold Bennetts plays. In private Ule, Miss Hollander was Mrs. Crichton Allison, the wile of a London doctor. Mr. Frank Harvey, who arrived in Sydney to supervise the production of 'Mother of Pearl.' says lhat he is collaborating with Mr. Dudley Glais In a musical play based on Rolf Boldrewood's 'Robbery Under ArmB.' Another of Mr. Harvey's plays has just been accepted by the London Play Company. He is also writing the scenario for the film version of 'Collits' Inn.' When be has finished

this he will probably embark on the adaptation ol Ouida's 'Under Two Flags' and 'Robert Macalre' into two texts suitable for musical plays on the stage. Mr Harvey baa not visited Sydney since he appeared In bis own play, 'Cape Forlorn.' In 1931. Patrick B. Kenna. known in the theatrical world as Pat BalburBt. died on Sunday last in Darlinghurst, Sydney, at the age of 70. He looked 50. Veteran of the slaee. Pat made his

name on the operatic stage, and in comic opera with such stars as Wallace Brownlow, Joseph Tapley, Violet Varlty, Nellie Stewart, Florrle Young, George Laurie, and others. In 1890 the writer was associated with tbe J.C.W. firm and in Adelaide Pat played all the leads until the arrival of Wallace Brownlow from England. Coming Into a fortune about 1914 he retired from the business. One of the best known and most poputar identities of the Australian theatre Mr. Charles B. Wentmacott. formerly general inanager for J. C. Williamson. Ltd.. for 20 years, died early on Sunday week last at the SI. Vincents Private HoHpital, Sydney, I after a *hort illness. Mr. Westmacott

took a keen interest in the doings nf the previous day, and frequently asked questions concerning the CauffieH races, the latest information about the Centenary' celebrations and the Air Race. Early on Saturday night he became unconcious. At the end of January Mr. Westmacott retired from 'The Firm.' a decision which was regretted by members of the profession, and the many outside the theatre who know him. Educated at one of the leading schools In England Mr. Westmacott decided early In life to leave for Australia, with the |i'trntion of following the life of a squatter. To gain rolonial experience |l)»- look a position of jnckeroo on a 'station, but soon tired of. outback, Ule.

A clever actor In his young days in England, he impressed the late George Rignold with bis histrionic ability, and joined the stage under tbat great actor, who, at tbat time, was producing Shakespearean plays and high-class drama. Mr. Westmacott was In the cast of Henry V. when Mr. Rignold played It at the opening of Her Majesty's Theatre, and later was a partner with Charles Holloway and William Anderson (my chief for many years). Subsequently, Mr. Westmacott formed companies of his own and not only was most active in their management, but also playeo leading parts. Among many of the dramas in which he was identified was 'The | SllveH- King,' one of the most powerful stage presentations of the 80's. He also produced many comedies. His field of operations was Australia and Ivew Zealand. At one period oS me career he was manager for the late George Muserove. and it was he who

later piloted the Australian-English actor, Oscar Asche, and his company (trough South Africa, a tour which was euccessful in every respect. One of Mr. 'Weslmacott's hobblcB -was sailing, his club being the Royal Yacht Club Squadron. In the broadcasting field he was also a success, his sonorous voice being most adaptable for talking over the air. Gwenneth Lascclles, who appeared on the stage in many plays for J. C. Williamson until about two years ago, has returned to Australia from England. Also back from abroad arc the Fallow Twins, the dancers, who enjoyed considerable success throughout Sydney theatres a few years ago.

'Blue Mountain Melody' has finished its season at the Sydney Theatre Royal and Saturday last saw the opening performance of the Russian Ballet. To prevent a clash between two attractions. J. C. Williamson Ltd. presented 'The Old Folks at Home.' the new play for the Sydney Criterion with Wednesday as the opening night instead of Saturday, as previously arranged. 'The Old Folks at Homehas Grace Lane in the principal role. while the production end of the show is also In the hands of this actress. Supporting players are Harvey Adams, Frank Bradley, Kathleen Goodall, Jonc Wood and Guy Hastings.

At the Wintergarden at »n early date the greatest of all British productions In the world of talkies. 'The Private Ufe of Henry the Eighth,' will be presented Charles Laughton, the eminent English actor, will appear In the character of Henry.