'SWITZERLAND'

Evening Star, Issue 23525, 14 March 1940, Page 8

'SWITZERLAND'

COMING ICE SHOW - Although there was a record demand for seats when the plans were opened yesterday for the season of J. C. Williamson’s ice show and ballet ‘ Switzerland,’ which will be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night, the booking was evenly distributed, so that seats in central positions may be selected at the D.I.C. As the ballet interprets a story of humour, passion, or pathos, so do the artists oh skates weave a stoi’y as they dip and glide across the ice. Poetic dancing of the ballet is, it is said, outstanding in the ‘ Symphony on the Ice,’ and the military number is remarkable for its precision. Comedy reigns in the nonsensical skating of the sailors and the educated horse. The artistry of the world’s champion skater, Miss Megan Taylor, electrified playgoers in Auckland, and her grace and speed , on the ice should prove a revelation to local playgoers. When she first appeared in Melbourne as an amateur at the Glacierium she attracted an audience of over 5.000. and the Williamson management invited her to join the ‘ Switzerland ’

Ice Ballet. Phil. Taylor, ■■■ Megan’s father, who is also a world champion, never fails to thrill his audience with his barrel jumping and stilt skating. His spectacular feats include skating m and out of a row of oranges, hurtling across barrels, chairs, tables, then, through a paper hoop. His minuet with his partner, Miss Elsie Heathcote, is a feature of the delicious finale, ‘ Viennese Memories.’ The audience will be kept amused throughout the show by the London comedian, Mr. Eddie Marcel, and the pantomime horse, .portrayed by Roland Priestly and Eric Gerrard. Other brilliant artists in the. Ice Show; are the M’Kinnon Sisters. Diana Grafton, and Rita Brnmley. The Ice Show takes up the first and third acts, and the second scene is devoted to a cabaret, in which will be presented the American comedienne, Miss Connie Graham; the talented humorist. Mr Hal Scott; and Tommy Russell and Ernest Marconi, who will introduce a comedv act entitled a ‘ Musical Merry-go-Roimd.’ Altogether there are over 60 people concerned in ‘ Switzerland.’' including a bevy of beautiful skaterinasj