ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 293, 11 December 1929, Page 14

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

MINSTREL SHOW AND REVUE. A departure from the revue entertainment with which they have been delighting Aucklanders was made by Jim Gerald and his company at St. James' Theatre last night, when they staged an old-time minstrel show. This presentation occupied the first half of the programme. Comedy, the principal element of the ministrel show, was splendidly played by Jim Gerald, assisted by Reg. Hawthorne, Dan Weldon and Ronnie Shand. "The Big Nuisance" ' caricatures Little Eva in a burlesque on "Uncle Tom's Cabin" with unusual cleverness. Musical selections which, though they are years old, are always pleasing, were well rendered. In "Slow River," Mercia Elliott was supported by the entire company; this number was exceptionally well presented. Other soloists were Lily Coburn and Reg Hawthorne. Another number which must be mentioned was Ronnie Shand's eccentric dance. The second half of the programme is occupied by a bright musical comedy, entitled "A Millionaire for a Night," in which a night clerk at a hotel office is persuaded to pose as a man of unlimited wealth. Mr. Gerald, who plays the principal role, is again assisted in the comedy by Reg Hawthorne, whose role is that of an engineer. Tom Dale, Linda Foy, Lily Coburn and Howard Hall are all well cast, and each makes the most of the part. Clever ballet work is led by Joan Graham and Lily Coburn. The season of Jim Gerald's company is now drawing to a close, and patrons of St. James' will shortly be occupied, not in enjoying his current entertainment, but in recalling the performances of his season. The present programme should occupy a prominent place in their judgments.