VARIETY ON ICE

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33433, 15 January 1974, Page 5

VARIETY ON ICE

A new !ce spectacular show brought to New Zealand from Australia by J. C. Williamson Theatres

and Kerridge Odeon will open in Christchurch in the Theatre Royal, on Saturday, January 26. The

opening will coincide with the opening of the Commonwealth Games. The show features international names in ice skating, many already familiar through the tours throughout Australia and New Zealand, and many making their first appearance in the Dominion. It is a full musical revue, complete with special lighting effects, full stage band, and Variety Acts. The production is directed by Sue Nattress, of Melbourne. A featured artist is Barbara Sheehy, who was Victorian Skating Champion. Miss Sheehy has spent her last five years touring Europe, the Far East, India, and South America with the famous American ice show', “Holiday on Ice”. She also toured with 'Tee Capades of America”.

The show also features Barnard’s Dogs. Bill Barnard and his wife, Sue, have worked 12 years on this act with nine dogs of various breeds. Critics have called the dogs “almost human”.

The dogs’ tricks and comedy routines earned them a place as the only Australian act to tour with “Disney on Parade”.

The dogs have toured with Sole Brothers’ Circus, and have appeared in cabarets, night-clubs, and on television.

The pictures show Barbara Sheehy, and Bill Barnard with two of his dogs.