“THE KIWIS”

Evening Star, Issue 25635, 8 November 1945, Page 3

“THE KIWIS”

BRIGHT, SNAPPY SHOW The Kiwis are with us again and, as always, are proving a conquering force. At any rate, the exceedingly warm reception given them by what was practically a full house at His Majesty’s Theatre last night indicated that these soldier entertainments have not lost their appeal. The show is of a nicely varied type and is particularly strong vocally. Let it be added that this does not exclude “ sopranos,” for the contribution in* this department of the two pseudo ladies of the cast is by no means negligible. And Phil Jay and John Hunter, in all their work—and they, with the other members, have a heavy evening —are more “ lady-like ” than ever, adding greatly, not only to the fun of the fair, but often to its artistic aspect. For instance, there was John Hunter’s ballet number, which was no burlesque,' but actually a surprisingly graceful exposition of toe-dancing. Phil Jav’s double-voice drama (The balcony scene from ‘ Private Lives ’ was clever), and the alluring appearances of these two female impersonators in' de-luxe gowns in various amusing interludes were always welcomed. These interludes, some short and snappy, others longer and more thoughtful, were, on the whole, well done, the best being ‘ A Tale of the Desert;’ in which an old Bedouin chief prophesies the end of the war, and well-staged tableaux symbolise the Allied participants in the struggle. ‘ Tyrolean Tempo ’ and ‘ Noel Coward Melodies,’ with appropriate vocal selections in each case, were extremely well done. On the other hand, 1 Unmelody Four,’ in which a gentleman insisted on singing ‘ Because ’ and distributing chestnuts, was far too long and became tedious. Lionel Baillev (tenor) and Taffy Owen (bariton), both possessing voices well above the ordinary vaudeville standard, contributed pleasing numbers. Lionel in ‘1 Hear You Calling Me,’ and Taffy in ‘ 01’ Man River,’ and their combination in the ‘ Two Gendarmes ’ duet, w'ere particularly good. Bill Bain, ‘too, in ‘ Shades of Carmen Miranda,’ was excellent. The principal comedian is again lugubrious and slommickv Dick Marcroft, and, although Dick brings us nothing new in items or methods, his old favourites, such as ‘ Christmas Day in the Wbrkhouse ’ and ‘ She’s Mine, All Mine,’ can still arouse gales of laughter. Indeed, this naturally comic Richard of the Hitler forelock and the baggy uniform is of the type which has but to say: ‘‘Pass the salt” in order to set the table in a roar. The instrumental offerings, though mainly of the swing-jazz-crooning kind, also met with warm approval. It may be suggested, however, that the 15minute orchestra] interlude (on the stage) which opened the second part of the programme was a trifle lengthy. In addition to this full orchestral effort, there were offerings by saxophonists, trombonists, and players of accordions and clarinets. These were all harmonious items except where the role called for the cacophonic numbers which were, obviously, .also popular The mounting, stage direction, and production generally were up to highest standards, and this snappy, typically Kiwi, show, with its dozen or so artists, and its liberal programme of 32 items, is excellent entertainment, and. as such, should have a successful season in Dunedin. It will be presented nightly for the remainder of the week.