'Gaieties of 1933

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7106, 15 March 1933, Page 8

'Gaieties of 1933

BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE AT THE OPERA HOUSE Scintillating revue faro was provided Opera House patrons last night by “Tho Gaieties of 1933,” English and Australian Vaudeville Co., opening their Palmerston North season of two nights and a matinee. Programmed as “A Brighter 1933,” last evening’s offering most decidedly took one’s mind off tho depression. Good entertainment there was, with uproariously funny interludes, novel dancing and acrobatic acts and, in all, a well-balanced programme. Comedy was tho keynote and with Mr. Fred Bluett as the leader of the revels, patrons had many a good laugh. Well up to standard was tho singing and dancing, tho work of the ballet being particularly attractive. Costuming, staging and lighting were on an elaborate scale.

Of Mr. Bluett’s popularity in Australia and New Zealand there is no doubt, and his work last night showed that he had lost none of his versatility. Ably supporting him was Wally Reynolds, the English comedian. The latter’s humour is of the quiet, droll kind, and in this way is a line foil to the comedy of Mr. Bluett. One of the .features of the entertainment was the sensational act of the Flying Wartons. In the remarkable offering of these intrepid artists a dainty young woman performs a double back somersault from a spring-board on the stage to a chair held behind her some 20 feet in the air. The chair is at the end of a long pole, held by Mr. Paul Warton, and the slightest inaccuracy on his part or a faulty take off! by the fair flyer would spell disaster. Last night’s audience held their breath as the fair flyer hurtled through the air. Mr. Paul Warton was born in Belgium, and early in life was keenly interested in acrobatic work, which culminated in his joining a travelling circus, where he acquired much knowledge but little money. Later on lie invented the act which bears liis name, and as it soon became a top liner in the big vaudeville houses of England and Europe, his foot was on tho ladder of success. Wirths’ saw the act and engaged it at a big salary. At the conclusion of his circus engagement Mr. Warton, liking Australia and New Zealand, decided to remain here, and has had companies of his own touring the Commonwealth. Miss Rene Rich, who has been described as the 11 nest violinist in Australia, was compelled to supply a double encore to her bracket of offerings <tuu thoroughly deserved the fine ovation she received. Miss Rich was born with music in her, as at the age of four she was able to lure sweet sounds from the piano, her mother, also a musician, having a special stool made for her. A few years later Reno chose tho violin to express her thoughts, and at eleven was leader of a big orchestra at Manly. At the age of 14 she gave a concert at the Sydney Town Hall before the cream of the music world of New South Wales, and astounded the critics as well as the public by her genius. It is Rene’s intention to leave New Zealand for America after the completion of her contract with tho “Gaieties,” and a little later may go to Europe. “A Brighter 1933’’ gave wonderful opportunities to Miss Amy Rochelle, one of the most versatile vaudeville artists on the Australian stage, and the audience eagerly awaited her every reappearance. No matter what she undertakes she docs it well. Nothing comes amiss to her —she takes grand opera, musical comedy, pantomime (principal boy), light comedy, low comedy, serious drama, etc., in her stride. Her voice is of fine quality and great range, and her personality is striking. Others in the large cast are Adie Collings, soubrette; Robert Raymond, baritone; Nancy Whitty, platinum blonde; Chcrrie Armstrong, danscuse; the Superb Six, incomparable dancers; Peril and Bor.zo, knock about comedians; the Genettes, simultaneous dancers; and the Ten Persian Acrobatic Marvels. To-day a pantomime matinee of “Dick Whittington and His Cat” is to be given, while this evening there will be a complete change of programme, except for the two items in which the Flying Wartons appear, which none of last night’s big house would be averse to seeing again. Seats may be reserved at the Central Booking Office without extra charge.