NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19841, 31 January 1930, Page 7

NEW OPERA HOUSE.

JIM GERALD REVUE COMPANY. AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME Jim Gerald and his musical comedy reme company bid fair to break records at the New Opera House, where they entertained a full house with another complete chance of programme last night. There is snmetli'ns contagious in Jim Gerald's shows. They sr£ so simple, sometimes even fatuous, yet eacn turn as it comes on never fails to bring a laugh with it or the plaudits of the audience if the number is o£ a more serious nature. The first part of the new programme is the fruit of some inspirations which have been hit upon, so it is rightly named "Happy Ideas." There are ten of these, introduced by Claude Bennett and his able orchestra. "The Big Nuisance," as Jim Gerald styles himself, comes to light on many occasions to deserve his name. If he is not playing with his shadow, or looking for work, hoping not to find it, he is looking for cheap board and trying his best—though unsuccessfully—to get into gaol. These antics are toned down by some of the other "ideas," which show Letty Craydon, Joan Graham (Miss Joan Fuller), and Lily Coburn, together with the ' Twinklers". in some artistic ballets. Iris May and Tom Dale entertain with a duet, while the male lilliputian dancer demonstrates his undoubted ability. The finale is a beautiful piece of work, Linda Foy singing among the daisies. She has a voice as sweet as the Marguerites 'midst which she sits and carols so wistfully. The chorus sets the scene off completely. In the second part of the programme Jim Gerald has pieced fourteen "bits of joy" together, and has called them "nights of joy." It will certainly be a night of joy for those who go to see them. All the company do their share. Howard Hall is entrusted with the prologue, after which Linda Foy and Reg. Hawthorn*) entertain with an Eastern scene. Jim Gerald appears in a new role as the business man. and then Tom Dale gets a chance to use a really good voice. Essie Jennings, as the principal in a little drama, makes a good Countess, after which Joan Graham and Reg. Hawthorne do a little talking, singing, and dancing. Jim Gerald and Tom Dale in a pawn shop is well worth seeing, while one of the most artistic "bits of joy" is enacted in Swanland, with Vi Pitt doing the dying swan dance. The company is seen as Sheiks and •Sheikesses" in the final scene.

The programme will be repeated to-night