"PLEASURE BOUND"

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 24, 30 January 1933, Page 3

"PLEASURE BOUND"

VAUDEVILLE REVIVED

What significance is to be attached to the successful revival of the vaudeville, or variety, form of entertainment? Popular it undoubtedly proved on Saturday, when a clever song and dance and comedy company with Ella Shields at its head opened at the Grand Opera House on Saturelaj'. There was a large audience at the afternoon performance, and seats were at a premium in the evening. This- propitious beginning of a Wellington season followed a relatively long run in Auckland. Moreover, it seemed to show that the popularity of similar entertainments in England, where the non-stop-variety showhas captivated the public, is receiving endorsement.in New Zealand. What does it mean? Take London, with its revivals of "The Bells" (living's original masterpiece) by Martin Harvey, also of '"The Only Way" and "The Streets of London" —in burlesque. Shall Bland Holt plays return to New Zealand in all their former glory? True there were no trick cyclists, performing parrots, or prestidigitateurs in the J. C. Williamson-Frank Neil entertainment under notice, but there was abundant variety for all that, with brilliant specialty turns, thrilling action, wealth of colour, pretty girls, clever dancing, bright music, and tlelighful ballets all interlarded with generous, broad; and homely comedy, also there was that superb and original artist Ella Shields. If it was not non-stop vaudeville it was high-speed entertainment, for there were no waiting, no repeats, no delay; scene followed scene with astonishing rapidity anel precision. It was a blight show from start to finish; so the audience thought, and so it said, with noisy emphasis. Above all, its success seemed to be largely due to the personal contact made between the artists and the audience; that human touch which means so much in any form of public entertainment The show opened with a gay scene, "The Devil's Cabaret," with chorus and ballet Then a bright flash of comedy, "A Lesson in Games," followed, for which Billy Moloney, and Maurice Barling were responsible: They were not allowed to occupy the stage long enough to let the laughter they evoked die away, when the curtains parted aud disclosed a very pretty set described as "Sunny Skies," with a hint of the coming of happier days for all, and soon. Then entered George Wallace, premier comedian. He had a great reception. It was not always what he said but how he said it, nor what he did but how he did it, that sent the audience into convulsions of laughter. He was brimful of wholesome fun of an I honest but not too heady home brew description. He": had helpful confederates in Maurice Barling and Billy Maloiiey. The "Daring Diabolos," as they were billed, proved to be splendid examples of physical development. The way they handled their girl associate made the audience gasp for breath. They flung her about as a terrier worries a rat, they tossed her from one Diabolo on the O.P. side of the stage to another at tho other, just as a football is passed from player to player; they threw her high in the air like a rubber ball, and, of course, caught her as she came down. When they _ concluded their sensational act the audience thundered applause to relieve itself of the tension felt during the performance. In Miriam Lester, the company possesses a charming singer who distinguished herself in two scenes with ballets, "Alice Blue Gown" and "Dream Lover." Other artists who contributed much to the success of the show were Maggie Buckley in an Egyptian scene; Lily Molloy in short, snappy sketches; Maurice and Olga in a whirling apache dance; Ron Stewart as a gold statue turned to life, leaving the audience wondering not so much at how he got his gold paint on as. how he was going to get it off. There v.re other capable members of the company who also fully justified their inclusion in it Two perfectly matched, neat, aud clever dancers in the persons of Murray and Walton astonished the audience with their grace and ease and watch-like movements, dancing as one man. Then came Ella Shields, supreme in the particular form of art she has embraced, cool, confident; and fascinating to watch. Of course, she sang "Burlington Bertie," with its allusions to Loudon topography that an audience who did not know it might not .completely appreciate. But her charm has lost none of its potency, her voice none of its mellow quality, her personality none of its allure. Her songs were in striking contrast, but they carried the audience with her. She should have been gratified, and no doubt was, at the way in which she was received and the warmth of her welcome ack a,?n"'- I»cidentally, Miss' Shields', song, -The River," was beautifully accompanied by the orchestra, slender as it was. To itemise every detail in the generous programme would take up . more space than is available, but special mention is due to the beautiful ballets, and their scenic settings, for which Maurice Diamond, it was stated, was answerable. I leasuve Bound" is a bright and pretty entertainment,- and is admirably produced. It.will be given twice daily all this wcelc till I'riday night.