“LONDON AHOY"

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 8

“LONDON AHOY"

ENJOYABLE SHOW ON ICE

“London Ahoy,” with pretty girls, lavish costumes, some rather dazzling and graceful exhibitions, the can-can, and two laughing Samoyede dogs—all on ice—offers something new in entertainment for Christchurch, and it was obvious at last evening's performance that little expense has been spared in this show, and that Christchurch has several extremely talented skaters. In “London Ahoy,” which was presented by Ice Rinks (Christchurch) at its rink in Centaurus road, Cashmere, half the world is covered in abo 40 acts, lasting for two hours. The show opens on the quarter-deck of a ship, then shifts to Chinatown. There, in “Canton Capers," coolies under their broad monsoon hats patter about the ice. as though it were solid pavement. This part of the programme gave several of the younger members of the cast the opportunity to show their ability. Even “Wee Lotus Bud” (Christine Besley), who probably has not yet started school, gave promise of a bright future when she staggered down the rink floor. „ , The scene then shifted to the East, with sinewy girls dressed in scant billowing gowns parading before their shah. It had its funny moments, too, in a performance by a masculine maid draped in a hideous thing of tin and rattling chains. From a Swiss setting, the show moved to the soft lights and sweet music of Paris. It was again the clowning, this time by Gwen Jones and Derail Carrington, who played as “Madame and Monsieur Fanfasque before a meandering microphone, that nearly brought the house down. Gwen Jones, who produced the show, give an expert display, and she is given admirable help from the other soloists and the ballets. Some of the acts are complicated and demand expert timing and skill But the large cast, which includes several champion kkaters. showed that it had the necessary skill