A NICHT W' LAUDER.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 91, 18 April 1929, Page 8

A NICHT W' LAUDER.

MIRTH-MAKER STILL.

COMKDY AT HIS MAJESTY'S,

Fiom pitbov to knighthood constitutes a frulf that it- is siven to vcrv few to bridge, and when it is it signifies; something remarkable in personal character. Even though the couise of progress be the music hall st~«K<- ' n k' l *" jruise or a hilarious Highlander, a carefree sailor, a love-smitten swain from the heather hil* of Scotland, but always a provoker of riotous mirth, to win Mich distinction constitutes success in the highest degree. Sir Harry Lauder, indulging in the gentle art of amusing his fellow mail by iiurthniaking ].lattices in the humble Scottish village, seized upon his reui.irkable talent and in the course ot a tew years made for himself a name that time ma} not wither nor the j eats decay. f>*r much of his artistry has assumed permament torn). When tlie cotne<lian a-ppeaied last niaht at the opening performance o: his New Zealand tour, he was accorded a welcome typical of the national warmheartedness, and throughout his appearance beiore the footlights showed that his skill to amuse is as versatile as ever. The very name of Lauder stimulates memories to most nrople; he has carri.-d his gospel of lau_'ht< r into so many places, and so many different lands. One recalls with a depth of gratitule how the intifhal voice and the ii re«i~ - .il>le characterisations banished to oblivion for the nonce the proximity r.f the Bosch, and blotted out thoughts of dug-outs and menninw erfers. "I hat was just behind the lines, tor even within reach of tlie Huns deadly "heavies the Scot brought mirth .and happiness to British soldiers. Such a rcr-'illec: ion is peculiar to t a«>us.-i:i 5s o; the Kmpire s sons 'a ho i all never measure what the

eff.'i is of I. i id- r in- tut to tiiem. Atld lift nigli-T. though over a decade <>; years have pa-t-cd away, one laughed the laughs of h ng ago. a< the artist interpreted with a lealisni that he alone can achieve chara:■:<•!* that have lived in his own national life down the ages. There were many in piec«s which could only appeal to

i iic Scot, but the human could hardly be imagined who could res.st the humorous provocation of the facial contortions. Lauder k"pt the nu lit-nce in convulsions, without even speaking a word; a wink or a twitchinz of the mouth, a shrugging of the shoulders or the desperate attempts to control unsteady limbs. His mirth in international in its appeal, though national in its character. Yet there were times when the auditorium fell under an impressive hush as the artist touched a string of deep and touching sentimentality. and there were not a few in his repertoire.

His numbers were '"'l've Just Grot Off tlie String," "When I Meet Mackay," "Flower o' the Heather." "There's Somebodv W aitin' for Me." and "Keep Right on to the End of the Road." In addition to mirth uncontrolled and deep sentiment in his homely wor<ls of greeting, there was a wealth of his philosophy of life, which is to keep right on to the end of the road, creating as much happiness and pleasure as his efforts are capable of. Some may think, who hare not seen Lauder since his last visit here, that he may be a spent force, but he will never be that. He appeared last night as versatile and masterly in his art as he ever was.

In keeping with the principal. the snpportinz company is outstanding. "Tiki" Carpenter interprets national dance characterisations and brings a striking performance to a surprising climax: Miss Beryl Went worth sines cute and catchy chorus items; Kupert Haze! anil Flt-:e Day are a harmonilarity duo who contribute much fun and beautiful sinjrmz; 1- redo Bros., as comedy acrobatic \ lolinists. are outstanding and unique, while IX>n Julian, as a Continental cartoonist. combines a prettv wit with an artistic talent. Altogether the public have a programme of the highest excellence at His Majesty e.