THE REVUE SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 14

THE REVUE SEASON.

COMEDY AT ST. JAMES'.

ANOTHER BRIGHT PROGRAMME.

The talented company of revue artists appearing at St. James* Theatre serve their entertaining fare in generous slices. Three hours of amusement, packed with laughs, produced a comfortable, satisfied feeling last evening, when the company assembled by Mike Connors and Queenie Paul entered upon its second week at the new home of musical comedy. The presence of a large audience, which applauded insistently the most popular numbers, shows unmistakably how quickly the merits of theso jolly entertainers have been made known among the playgoing public. " The League of Notions" is revue of the rollicking, dashing, up-to-the-minute type. Infinite amusement will be found in the short sketches introducing that rather extraordinary comedian, Syd Beck. Whether it be the military burlesque in which ha first appears or the theatrical farce in which he makes his final bow he is never at loss for comic material. Standing on the kerb as a streot musician, or singing " She's Only a Sailor's Sweetheart," dressed in jumper and skirt, or yet again illustrating what were termed commercial travellers' stories," he is invariably good to laugh at. One moment stood out prominently for its originality and a grotesque absurdity, that was his impersonation of a ventriloquial doll. It was a pantomimic burlesque worth going a long way to sec. Another richly comic interlude was provided by his companion m crime, Ernie Paulasto, whose face should certainly be his fortune, and his brother. Between them they created an elongated lady- whoso dignified carriage under difficult circumstances reduced the audience to helplessness. The new programme is strong in musical numbers. Mike Connors and Queenie Paul never fail to present the latest vocal hits in a pleasing and often original style, and in one case they have the assistance at the piauo of Linn Smith, the trio exploiting some novel ideas in harmony. The addition of three male voices emanating from the dress circle is a well-staged diversion which earned warm applause last evening. Les Pearce, the company's fine tenor, sings "You're So Easy to Remember" and "Mamie," and with Miss Paul obtains some acceptable harmonic effects in "Ramona." The realm of syncopation, however, is left largely to Linn Smith and his band, a combination that puts rhythm into its proper place. An operatic medley with spectacular stage effects, musical statues and some comic variations of "Horsey, Keep Your Tail Up," are the most striking features of these musicians' programme, with Miss Paul singing "My Blue Heaven" to their accompaniment. The band boasts an artistic setting incorporating the famous willow pattern design. . No revue is complete without dancing. Phyliss Baker is at home in anything suggesting a whirlwind and sets the pace for some smart solo dances and ballets. The "Exquisite Six" provide as good chorus and acrobatic dancing as one could wish to see, displaying amazing speed and endurance, and Leila Andrews is a voung and graceful danseuse. The new programme will enjoy a week s season, with a matinee performance this afternoon.