Brilliant World Premiere of “The Gang Show”

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

Brilliant World Premiere of “The Gang Show”

Another brilliant page was written in the long history of the Lyceum Theatre, London, indelibly associated with Henry Irving—when the first talking picture ever screened in the theatre was presented early this year.

This was the occasion of the world premiere of “The Gang Show,” the delightful Herbert Wilcox production, starring Ralph Reader and his “gang” in a merry medley of music, comedy and spectacle.

“The Gang Show” is an annual stage treat at the Seala Theatre, London, and tlie picturisalion of this refreshingly different musical show, now affords world audiences an opportunity to see and enjoy its teeming entertainment delights.

The premiere lacked nothing of distinction in comparison with the greatest days o 1 the Ihca<r°. T. ;> M ' and Duchess of Gloucester graciously attended and sen-" o"

The gang are producing a show under the direction of their skipper, Ralph Reader, who is a city clerk with unbounded ambition. He wants to be a famous singer, dancer or producer, but the theatre managers are not interested in him, although the secretary of one of them is.

figures in the social, political, film and stage world were also there.

The committee formed to organise the premiere, the proceeds of which were divided between the Roy ,‘L ; Association and the Kat;.

Royalty and Famous Stars Attend

lion of Boys’ Clubs, was itself made up His troops are disappointed when of a galaxy of stage and screen per- they are turned out of the theatre in sonalitics like Jack Buchanan, Anna which they are rehearsing, but it hapNcaglc, Dorothy Dickson. Einnie Halo, pons that just before the producers Gordon Barker, Sydney Howard, opera is due to open, the principal Eobb.o' Howes. Ivor Novollo, Vera singers quarrel and walk out. The Pearce. Ralph Reader and Hjerhert show cannot go on, and as the prowilco,7 ' ducor is called away to Paris, the secretary arranges for the gang show to take its place. The boys are a great success, and so is the impetuous Mr Reader. The girl is happy, and the producer. after the first shock of finding a meek ballet on the stage where he thought to see the death of Marguerite, is overjoyed at having sponsored an original and paying idea, however unwittingly.

Lovely Gina Malo and Stuart Robertson, celebrated) baritone, support Ralph Header in leading roles of the “Gang Show,” which is undoubtedly one of the greatest “whole family” films ever presented. 4