Musical Comedy Season

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7145, 17 February 1930, Page 2

Musical Comedy Season

AT THE OPERA HOUSE,

Touring companies under the control of Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller have visited Palmerston North frequently in the past, and thpatre patrons of this town are fully conversant with the guiding policy of this management. “High-class attractions at commonsense prices.” But for the forthcoming season of musical comedy at the Opera house all past presentations are excelled and two (“Tangerine” and “Lido Lady”) of the stagejs greatest successes will be produced at the lowest prices known. Fullers’ New English Musical Comedy Company, which will open at the Opera house on Saturday next, is headed by the celebrated comedian, Freddie Forbes, one of London’s best-known laughter-makers, who has proved equally as popular in Australia and New Zealand. The very antithesis of the slap-stick old-time comedy man, Mr. Forbes is quietly effective in everything he does, and every little movement, every expression of his facile face, is calculated to raise a storm of laughter. Miss Catherine Stewart is the leading lady of the Company, and a daintier, more winsome artiste it would bo hard to find. Combined with a tuneful voice, she has a flair for burlesque comedy and is captivating in whatever role she undertakes. Miss Betty Lambert, who toured New Zealand a few years ago with tho Elsie Prince-Jimmy Godden company, is another charming young lady appearing to advantage in the various comedies. Miss Aster Faire and Miss Vera St. John give splendid support in lesser parts. The Big Four, well-known gramophone artists, provide a showstopping specialty during the production of each musical comedy, in addition to their work as members of the cast. High-lights on the terpsichorean side of the programme are the Arnley Brothers, nimble, eccentric dancing duo, and Miss Verna Bain, solo danseuse, whose dancing is the embodiment of grace and charm. The dressing and mounting of these comedies is unusually lavish and receives a special mead of praise from all who see the shows. Box plans open at the Central Booking office on Thursday morning.