"HOLIDAY REVELS"

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 27, 31 December 1945, Page 7

"HOLIDAY REVELS"

BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. The revue "Holiday Revels*' opened at the Opera House on Saturday for a short season, and was appreciatively received. Presented by the ■ Ex-Services Revue Company, the'programme was commendable for its careiul presentation, its talent, and its continuity. This latter helped to create a lastmoving impression; one item followed another in a matter of seconds, and this was maintained throughout the evening. Consisting of vocal, instrumental, dancing, and comedy sketch numbers, the programme was well executed by a company whose members knew their parts well and were able to do them full justice. Some splendid talent was apparent and good examples of this were violin solos by Miss Lou Petersen, and songs by the boy soprano Don Le Bas, whose rendering of the Bach-Gounod "Ava Maria" was particularly appreciated. A bracket of piano-accordeon numbers by Hans Rickenbacker was given, and the artist impressed the audience with his deft control of the instrument's large keyboards. Vocal numbers were presented by Teo Hall, Peter Rowley, May Luke, and Shirley Everson, all of whom were applauded heartily. The ever-popular comedian Jack Riley, with his irresistible humour, and his partner Miss Sylvia Poynter, created keen interest, and their informality quickly stirred the audience into sustained amusement. - The programme was interspersed and ably reinforced by "Kay and the Melody Maids," a pianist and six singers in chorus, who presented popular songs in pleasing harmony. Perhaps the most spectacular item was that ot the contortionist, Miss Wilma Lockwood, whose act caused a good deal of favourable comment. , • ' The revue was ably assisted by a good orchestra, which was a contributing factor in its success, and by efficiently executed work behind the stage, without which the necessary continuity could not have been achieved. Lighting and scenery effects also were carried out in an efficient manner. "Holiday Revels could be summed up as bright and good entertainment, and will be presented again this evening at the Opera House.