ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20235, 20 April 1929, Page 18

ST. JAMES' THEATRE.

Willi I lie rise of the curtain at St James' Theatre last evening, the George Wallace Revue Company entered upon its 13th week, thus establishing a record for any revue company in Now Zealand. 137 th performance last evening was attended by large numbers of people, who fully enjoyed,the bright fare offered. Hie first appearance of George Wallace upon the stage was the signal for rounds of applause, unstinted appreciation fiotn a public which seemingly cannot tire of the popular comedian. Mr. Wallace took early opportunity to thank all who had attended for enabling a record season to be established. In a few words he conveyed the best thanks of the management and the members of the company. A new programme quite the equal of any of its forerunners was ushered in last evening. There was never a dull moment and laughter and applause were happily mingled throughout Hie whole piece. Drawing from an inexhaustible fund of wit and humour, George Wallace was his inosistiblo self. It speaks volumes for the comedian that he can produce a show week after week without departing from the high standard set when he first appeared at the theatre. His versatility was again one of the marked features of the entertainment. As lie passed from buffoonery to song and song to dance he kept the interest sustained at. the highest pitch. Few comedians could appear with such simple effects and yet arouse such merriment as fell to bis lot last evening. In a perfectly natural manner be jokes with tlie leader of the orchestra and makes fun at other members of the company. Accompanied by Mr. K. Beachom ho sang two comic songs, "Mine, All Mine and "Donovan's Party," which were very favourably received. Switching to the serious, he then gave "Old Pais an; the Rest Pais," by request. Si Meredith and Jim Romaino gained continued applause as two old "sand sheiks" in a song and dance. Marshall Crosby sang "A King for a Day" convincingly, and the Dudleys drew many laughs with amusing dialogue. Clover dancing played a large part ia. a turn given by Maida Jones and Jack Scott., while Mario Nyman captured the audience with a song, "Was it a Dream ?" The company's jazz band made a welcomo appearance, giving several numbors in accomplished fashion. "Saxarelln," a saxophone solo given by Bert Tucker, was one of the best items in this portion of tho programme.- The whole of tho second portion of the programme was devoted to a revue, "£100,000." Admirably conceived and presented, tho rovuo was a sourco of milch fun and delight. As "Handy," the village nuisance, Geoigo Wallace was the life of tho production. Around him centred all the humour, with which tho piece was plentifully stocked. The cast was a long ono, including practically all members, who gave satisfactory performances. Several musical numbers were given. Tho George Wallace company will continue at. the theatre for four further weeks.