MACHINE-GUN VAUDEVILLE

Evening Star, Issue 19848, 23 April 1928, Page 3

MACHINE-GUN VAUDEVILLE

FULLERS* SECTOR LIVELY There was plenty of “ zip ” a | l “ ping ” about the twenty-seven frolicsome shots that were fired across the Princess Theatre stage on Saturdat night by Joe Brennan and Cyril h<ortlicotc’s All-laughing Revue Company. And those which missed their mark were, so few and far.between that Brennan and Northcote can bo hailed as excellent marksmen. in tlie first place, flic personnel o) the company included artists of no mean ability, the scenery and dressing arrangements were distinctly above the average for shows of this kind, and the music provided by Myrtle Skewos and her orchestra did much in the way ol assisting the performers to win the approval of the audience. Two of the most pleasing features of the entertainment were the dancing and the chorus work generally. In this raspect Ida Newton, Ira Vanda, Dell Barnes, RcftßV Sharpe, (Ins Dawson, George Corelli, and the Cabaret Kittens all combined lightness of foot with sense of rhythm to rattle off numbers which elicited warm admiration.

The laugh in 1 Laughing Time was supplied mainly by arcli-comedian Joe Brennan, a clever actor with a fine personality. On Saturday night he displayed undoubted wit. and on one occasion only did his sallies overstep the bounds of decorum. That unkind cut at the expense of old maids who sing in oratorios was an unfortunate lapse Irom a high-level standard, and could quite easily be replaced by a more wholesome quip from Brennan’s rich store of drolleries. Great praise must be given to this artist for his rendition of Shakespeare’s ‘Seven Ages of Man.’ During tlie few moments this piece occupied ho proved conclusively that he has the talent necessary for the .successful interpretation of passages of a stronger nature, and ho rose to heights which were really impressive. In addition to Brennan's amusing fooling, further volleys of chuckles were released by the stoutly-girt Cyril Nortllcotc and the “ multum in paryo ” Dismal Desmond, ibe latter causing_ spontaneous mirth by reason of his innate lugnbrionsness. As an Apache-liko tough and a policeman respectively these two were in one number an out-and-out inspiration. In the roles ot daredevil curates, also, their antics were irresistible.

The (Ins Dawson seasoning which was mixed through the show was very appetising, and was well worth being the object of a "Stop, look, and listen ’ maxim, for (Ins has a pleasing voice, a flair for dancing, and sound acting ability. George Corelli also wa.s an important member of the company. Without the assistance of his voice the pretty song scena 4 A Flower From an Old Bouquet’ would not have been the success it was. Aloreovor. the solo efforts of this lonor were enthusiastically received, although his high notes in ‘Bonny Mary of Arygle ’ (a song which perhaps did not suit him) caused some people to cling tightly to the anus of their scats. But that was one ol the first items on the list. From then on Corelli was in good form. One of the most delightful young ladies who have conic to Fullers within recent years is Ida Newton, who, in addition to being the possessor of personal charm, has a voice of obvious re(inoinenl. .Her appearances on Saturday invariably were the signals for much pleasure in store. Dell Barnes deserves eulogy of a similar nature, her part with Gus Dawson in the song-and-dance novelty, ‘ Let's Get Together,’ being particularly striking. An all-important feature of the entertainment was the collection of sketches with which it was besprinkled, and it must be said that one and all oi (Ineight pieces given were extremely cleverly done. from that in which were contrasted the hat buying methods of women and mere men to the musical revuette ‘On the Riviera.’ a popular item, in which practically the whole company were seen to ad,vantage. ‘ Honour Among 'thieves ' mis very short, but so neat wa.s the denouement that the brevity could easily be forgiven. ‘The Huggins ’Give an Fvening ’ was nicely done by several members of the company, and in it .100 Brennan was at his best. Otlmr tit hits were ‘Up in Amity’s Room,’ ‘Hi;Wife's Lover,’ ‘The Boomerang,’ and ‘ The Crystal Gazer.’ A'cs, ‘.Laughing Time’ is right!