BRIGHT REVUE

Grey River Argus, 4 December 1940, Page 2

BRIGHT REVUE

“Half Shot at Sunrise” RAILWAY COMPANY’S SUCCESS The Greymouch railways staff established a good reputation for their entertainment ability at the presentation of “Swingtime Revue some months ago, and it was to be expec: - ed that their new show Half Shot at Sunrise” would prove popular with the public of Greymouth. Last night’s packed house at the Town Hall for the opening performance of the new revue indicated that this class of entertainment has a wide appeal in Greymouth, and the numerous encores accorded the artists should have been some compensation for their excellent work. Crammed with comedy sketches, show sets an unusually high standard in its vocal and musical numbers, in which many of the most popular hits of the day are featured. The ballets, arranged by Miss Monica Sinnott, introduce to Greymouth new features of a high standard, the Military Ballet/ which lends colour to the wartime “Battlefront Melodies,” being outstanding in its presentation. The Waltz Ballet, featuring Patti McIntosh in the solo "Never Break a Promise,” also appealed for its splen- ! did presentation. 1 Comedy occupied a large part of the programme, and in this “Shorty I Sorenson whose part in the last revue was no small one, again takes the lead, with Trevor Cheetham, Sid Ellis and Archie Campbell giving him able assistance. “Shorty’s’' natural wit and humour, and his subtle jokes delighted .the audience, who showed their appreciation in their laughing response. His “Shipwreck ’ sketch with Trevor Cheetham proved to be the introduction to a fast-moving fun commentary, followed by “Inventions with Trevor Cheetham and Jack Russell, a comedy quartette, with these three performers and Archie Campbell., whilst the fifteen minutes of non-stop variety which preceded the interval gave great delight. “All Men Are Liars,” featured . “Shorty," JackRussell and Sid Ellis, whilst the two first-named performers were seen again in “Shooting Rabbits, ’ which produced wholesome laughter. Greymouth audiences seldom see anything approaching the strip-tease burlesque in which A. Mehrtens, S. Sorenson, J. Butcher, J. Steel, D. Watson, T. Cheetham and P. Murphy were featured. Any possible shock was relieved when it was discovered that the performers had. taken the precaution of equipping themselves with infants’ underwear.

In vocalists, the revue is strong. Mrs Woollett and Mrs Patti Mclntosh need no introduction to Greymouth audiences, and their numbers last evening were rendered with pleasing effect, being much appreciated by the audience. Mr H. Ferguson was heard to effect in “Trees,” Sid Ellis in “Un Peu d’Amour,” and the popular vocalists Archie and J'ean Campbell led in “Honolulu Cocktail,’ a Hawaiian vocal and instrumental number with Cliff Mosley, Sid Ellis, and Stan Marley. “Out West With the Company” was a well-arranged number in which “South of the Border”.with Sid Ellis and Archie Campbell was outstanding. “Beer Barrel Polka", the opening and • concluding chorus, opened and terminated a bright and interesting two and a half hours’ entertainment. Piano solos by Reg Buchanan, duets by Reg Buchanan and Sid Ellis, and a tap dance by Miss Monica Sinnott, with a dance duo by Miss Sinntotti’s pupils h|lended Iwell with the variety of the show. Much of the success of the revue is due to the producer Mr T. Caldwell, and the ballet mistress, Miss M.

Sinnott. Others who assisted greatly were: Stage manager, M. Hanrahan; assistant stage manager, C. Garner; scenery, “Dusty” Rhodes; costumes, Mrs Musson; lighting effects, R. Henry; musical director, T. Brown (piano). The orchestra comprised R. Peillon (Ist violin), R. McNeish (2nd violin), E. D. Davis (Ist saxophone), Alan Wilson (2nd saxophone), J. Guy (Trumpet), F. Nott (drums ’and effects), and their work was most appreciated.