COLOURFUL REVUE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 May 1939, Page 9

COLOURFUL REVUE

STANLEY McKAY’S GAIETIES GOOD HOUSE APPRECIATES BRIGHT PERFORMANCE AMAZING EXHIBITION OF JUGGLING Rarely is Nelson visited by a first class touring company, but Mr Stanley McKay's ‘Gaieties of 1939” are all that vaudeville should be, and a good house at. the Majestic Theatre last evening testified by its laughter and applause its appreciation of the fare provided. Outstanding among the talented and versatile performers was George Hurd, International Royal Command juggling star, who capped one amazing act with another, until iu his final turn he balanced a heavy spinning barrel on the leg of a chair, which in turn revolved on a broom, the handle of which he nonchalantly balanced on his chin. He is billed as the world’s most outstanding juggler and no one in last evening’s audience will question his right to that title. Teni s balls, billiard balls and cues, glasses of water, plates, top hats and eggs all found a place iu Mr Hurd’s apparatus and they were all treated in the same amazing manner.

From the opening number by May Brooke’s orchestra there was not a dull moment. Alex McKinnon, Scotch comedian, and Max Reddy follow the initial number by the ballet, with a patter

sketch entitled ‘The Two Nuts from Brazil,” producing amusing effects with their interchange of newspaper headings. The next item was by the ballet with a solo by Dolly Donoghue. ‘‘Swing for Sale” was the title and the ballet’s ability and charm was fully demonstrat-

ed The crazy acrobatic clowns, Assam, Pekoe, Souchon and Congo followed with a performance that delighted the audience. H Australian comedian, was seen in a number of sketches, best of his mirth provoking acts. non was again seen in an eccentric Stan. Foley with ° Dolly Donoghuc. Nellie Kollo appeared in a bracket of song numbers—another performance that was appreciated and the audience demanded more. Max Reddy and Stella Lamond provided more humour with their cross-talk and established themselves as firm favourites with the audience. Miss Stella Collier took the vocal solo for the ballet in several items, and sang ‘Tally Ho” in the final number on the first half of the programme, “Hunting Lodge,” a colourful act in which the. ballet were smartly turned out in bright hunting kit. ‘Hiking”, an extravaganza starring four of the comedians and comediennes of the company opened proceedings after the interval and following this Gerry Keogh and Snowy Towers entertained with amazing dance routines. Stan Foley was featured again as the “prodigal daughter” in “The Bailiff” and his performance ngain delighted the The San Romos Brothers’ hand balanriug act was second only to George Hurd’s performance. Amazing strength and sense of balance were displayed by these two talented acrobats and their act was heartily applauded. George Hurd’s vemarkable feats followed and the sketch “The Love Book” farowelled Stan Foley and Stella Lamond for the evening, being the last item before the entire cast assembled iu the final number. There were other items all of an equally high standard including a violin solo by Elvy and an exhibition of the Lambeth Walk by Gerry Keogh and the ballet, all of which should help to ensure good houses for the remaining two nights of the season. ‘ Let’s Go Hunting” will be presented agin to-night. On Thursday, “To-night at Eight” will he presented, commencing at the matinee.