GAIETIES COMPANY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21685, 20 January 1936, Page 8

GAIETIES COMPANY

“LIFE BEGINS AT EIGHT”

It is well known of the Christchurch public that they are ever ready for something fresh in the entertainment line and they also appreciate “flesh and blood" variety shows which come to this town only at long intervals. What is mainly responsible for the great success which Stanley McKay’s Revue Company,. “The Gaieties of 1938,’* is having in Christchurch, is the crisp and bright way in which scene follows scene with amazing rapidity. The audience is treated to nearly-three hours of fun and laughter. . . The second show of the Christchurch season, “Life Begins at 8” was shown to a packed house at the St. James* Theatre for, the first time on Saturday evening. Judging by the enthusiasm which the audience showed alone the standard of the performance must have been excellent. The whole show went with the snap which is a necessity in the success of such entertainment; and there were no lapses. One of the greatest heeds on the stage must essentially be a thorough enjoyment taken by the players in the particular act they are producing. One of the most noticeable things In the present show is that from the most talented comedian to the most inconspicuous player they all seem to enjoy thoroughly being on the stage. Perhaps the one who produced the most laughs was the Jewish comedian, Ike Delavale. His stock of jokes seems to be never exhausted and to these he adds his own peculiar little characteristic. Even the hardened cynic has to smile at him. It is his own manner and ways that the crowd appreciates—not so much the jokes he has to “crack." He has, also several other gifts. He is. for his big weight, surprisingly light on his feet and he does some delightful little eccentric dances, He has also quite a pleasant singing voice.

With the help of Miss Winnie Ed* gerton and Mies Maggie Buckley and other humorists like George Correlli and Joe Box, he produced some most amusing sketches during the evening. Of these. “Men are Deceivers/* “Father/’ Arrested/* “The Absent-Minded Doctor,” “The -Nudist Colony,” and “The Irish Christening.” are of- that variety of humour which is very refreshing.The singing of Russell Callow and Winnie Eager ton, in many colourful scenes was much appreciated. Perhaps the best of these watr'Waggon Wheels,” which Russell Callow acted and sang with the help of the ballet Other at* tractive tableaux were "The Fashion Parade.’* “Sunday Afternoon,** and “The Dance of the Fans/* A word must be said for the dancing jf the ballet All through they showed that finish and uniformity which only comes from hard practice. Once again the performance of Pat Reno and his performing dogs proved one of the most popular acts of the evening. The dogs all show an intelligence which is amazing for animals andL a sketch called "CircumstantlaJ Evidence” is perhaps the greatest of their great acts,. The three Alexanders agam did their famous clown act and in the second half of the programme they performed an artistic balancing act which won much applause. Colin and Patricia, the famous adagio dancers, were again’ most popular with the audience. They show a tremendous amount of promise and are a most decided asset to the company.

MATINEE ON WEDNESDAY

The Stanley McKay Revue Company will give a matinee of “Life Begins at 8,” on. Wednesday afternoon.

ART OF LITHOGRAPHY

EXHIBITION OP WORKS TO BE OPENED TO-MORROW

An exhibition of lithographs lent by the Senefelder Club, London, will be opened to-morrow at 10 aun. at the Art Gallery, Armagh street. Included amongst the exhibitors are wellknown artists such as IS. Blampied, R. E. Frcnk Srangwyn, R.A., W. Colley, A. S. Hartrick, R.W.S., Augustus E. John, H.A., Q. Speneer-Pryae and C. H. Shannon, RJL This collection has been shown in Auckland, Wanganui, and Wellington, where it has created great interest.

The Senefelder Club; which was formed 28 years ago, is named after a famous German who was one of the first to realise the possibilities of the art of lithography. The present collection consists of 72 prints, and permission has been given for them to remain in New Zealand; for one year.