BRING THE CHILDREN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6945, 26 June 1929, Page 2

BRING THE CHILDREN

PAT HANNA’S DIGGERS AT THE OPERA HOUSE. It was Pat Hanna’s ambition, when ho thought out the programmes his company have so successfully submitted to New Zealand and Australian auxiences, to provide fun and entertainment that would appeal to alh So, while many of tho jests arc pointed and witty enough to make the most solemn smile, there’s no reason why the young fry shouldn’t attend Saturday next’s performance at the Opera House.

In fact, there will bo lots—if reports from other centres arc to be relied on —that would amuse any small boy or relrl. Pat Hanna —now known as “Chic,” tho inimitable, whether he wears ancient khaki or tho flaming w:<7 of somo village celebrity —is a fl. ■ class provider of good wholesome merriment. His partner, Joe Valli, is another expert at the noble art of funmaking. Comedy isn’t the only role that the Diggers can successfully fill. When it comes to charm and grace, the girls of ■the ballet —who usually dance in accord with clover renderings of the latest and snappiest song hits—would take a deal of boating. Pat himself, doesn’t in the least despise drama, and as a change from farce, an act calculated to produce a cold shiver ox two will bo brought on. Song hits must be either very new or very old to be worth while—-and both sorts are cleverly handled by the vocalists of tho company. _ 'When an up-to-date chorus with a jazzy lilt to it has set everybody’s toes tingling one of the several excellent voices at tho company’s command, will sing some old favourite that has never lost its grip on the heart of the peoplo. Instrumentalists are equally successful. There’s hardly an instrument from the Pipes of Pan up, about which the Diggers haven’t learned something new and attractive, and what can’t be done with the xylophones, violins, pianos is hardly worth mentioning. A long absence from Palmerston North should mako the Diggers’ welcome all the warmer, for thero has never been a company which put more of the true Now Zealand flavour into its programmes. Tlie box plan opens tomorrow morning at the Central Booking Office.