PACKED HOUSE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32623, 19 September 1945, Page 5

PACKED HOUSE

KIWI CONCERT PARTY COLOURFUL SETTINGS entertaining evening Tuesday evening the Regent Theatre was packed, to capacity when the Kiwi Concert Party played to an enthusiastic audience. The show, “Maadi Gras” was fast-moving and was an outstanding success. Each item was entertainingly presented by members of the original Kiwi Concert Party attached to the Second’ N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East.

Colourful Settings: were provided for such items in which most of the company took part, as “Songs Of The Emerald Isle,” and “Tyrolean Tempo.” Two members of the cast, Phil Jay and John Hunter, acted as female impersonators and were outstandingly clever with their characterisations. While the former specialised in burlesque, the lattei* attempted almost always to give a characterisation of one of the opposite sex and succeeded so completely that had the audience not been in the secret at the start, many of them may have been deceived. Both sang and Hunter as well showed himself to be a very niblefooted young man, even, in “Marigold En ’Pointe,” being capable of a feminine ballet part. The frocking was excellent and did much to enhance the settings.

The Kiwi Orchestra lead by George Hatton, was extremely versatile and provided’ modern swing music which was well received. Contributions of humour were made by Eddie Regan, the producer of the company, who can also dance and’ is adept in dramatic parts. Dick Mareroft, a doleful elocutionist, was particularly popular. Stan Wineera played' a prominent part in the show and was warmly applauded l for his snappy 'tap dancing.

Excellent musical items were provided by Lionel Bailley, Taffy Owen, Snowy Timms and’ Max 'Blake while Snowy Hall with his accordion was popular whenever he appeared. ■Popular hits from Noel Coward’s shows were presented and in the finale each member was introduced by Eddie Hegan.,

The production was entertaining and the Kiwis presented a show worthy of remembrance by the large audience.