VAUDEVILLE SEASON

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25580, 23 August 1948, Page 3

VAUDEVILLE SEASON

GEORGE TOLLERTON’S COMPANY

Patrons of George Tollerton’J “Variety Show” at St. James’ Theatre on Saturday night were treated to a success revival of vaudeville. Besides appearing as compere. Georg® Tollerton took an active part in his show, and his “Inexhaustible Beer

Barrel” was very well received—particularly by the participants. Nellie Kolle is an old favourite with variety audiences as a male impersonator, and her songs especially 'The Black Sheep of the Family,’’ were enjoyed immensely by the audience. Nellie had almost the whole audience singing “Who Were You With Last Night?” Lou Cottam and Olga Kay made many appearances during the evening, and Lou’s teaching Olga to sing with ‘Oomph” was warmly applauded. These two were probably the backbone of the company. One of the best performances of the evening was that given by Roystofi. the ventriloquist, with his doll. “Skeeter.” “Skeeter” was very attracted by a lady in the orchestra, and his remarks had to be kept carefully in check. Royston was at his best in the second part of the programme, when he handled two dolls skilfully, but his best “dolls” were George Tollerton and Lou Cottam in a “hypnotised" state. At the sound of the voices of “Skeeter” and “Nellie” coming from Lou and George the audience roared. The muscular Pedallo, In a ballet skirt, did a good turn on a number of shaky bicycles. One item which would have benefited from better timing was “Radio Wx-up," but that was fully mede up for by the clever, though simple, lighting effectsA The last item. “The Lunatic Asylum,” was a well-received finish of a bright and breezy show.