Vic Oliver Show Begins Christchurch Season

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29798, 14 April 1962, Page 13

Vic Oliver Show Begins Christchurch Season

The Vic Oliver Show began last evening in the Majestic Theatre with a large audience. He and his associate artists gave a splendid evening’s entertainment which had plenty of variety, fast movement, and polish imparting a rare sheen. Mr Oliver’s own contribution to the programme is a large one and every minute of it is of wonderful value. His jokes come across with perfect timing, inimitable twists, and sophisticated showmanship born of wide experience. Everyone responded to the bond which he immediately established with his audience and his season in Christchurch should make him many friends and leave pleasant memories of a grand entertainer. Mr Oliver already likes Christchurch. He told his audience so. He likes the way it has been laid out—but is uncertain how long it has been dead. However, it came to life unmistakeably under his suave and brilliant manipulation last evening. This is not surprising for he brings a wide experience of life and of art to what he has to offer. As a musician he was an accomplished violinist at the age of six. He became a concert pianist and a noted conductor, having studied under the great Hahler in Vienna. Although his playing of both instruments in this show involved much clowning (in the Victor Borge manner) nevertheless he showed not only a polished technique but a thoroughly musxeianly feeling for tonal beauty. He is also a sportsman of high attainment, an actor of both film and stage, and is obviously a man with a keen appreciation of savoir vivre When such experience is channelled into the art of comedy the result is something very special, and so indeed it proved.

Mr David Bergias, one of the most talented magicians

we have seen here for many a long day, enthralled the audience with many unusual and mystifying tricks. It was all done with great ease and smoothness. His motto is, “the imposible is done immediately—miracles take a little longer.” It would appear to be no idle boast with this young man. His contribution to the evening was outstanding. Miss Sheila Buxton, a “pops” singer, seemed to be a good one but. had a hard task in getting a response from this audience when she tried to make it join her in some of the songs. However, she remained cheerful and friendly; and if her understandable reaction to her hearers was that sh< would like to belt blazes out of them with a baseball bat, she did not for a moment show it. Vanda Vale and Eric Wolfe gave able support to Mr Oliver in some of his acts, and the Brian Fitzgerald Quartet provided the background music with slick efficiency This excellent entertainment will continue this evening and throughout next week. —C.F.B.