REVUE AT ST. JAMES'.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 16

REVUE AT ST. JAMES'.

NOTABLE PROGRAMME.

MELODY AND LAUGHTER

Mr. Finnk O'Brian and liis "Revellers" are at their host in the programme proson ted for the first time at St. James' Theatre last evening. The authentic 0 Brian note is sounded, at curtain-rise and continues in good volume- until cur-tain-fall. There, may be some people in Auckland who stand in need of a tonic; they could not do better than take the prescription offered by Mr, O'Brian. His comedy potions act like lightning, and aro calculated to crease with smiles the countenance of a man who has just paid his income tax.

Never before during the Auckland season has Mr. O'Brian given his varied accomplishments such full rein. There are quips and gags in profusion, some absurdly comic posturing and some delightful mork heroics, all capped by his brilliant dancing. .This week, Mr. O'Brian, battling with an irrepressible shirt-front, conducts tho jazz band. Leading tho players through some of the more lurid passages of the "Poet and Peasant" overture, ho strikes some screaming attitudes, and for fivo or ten minutes moves his audience to paroxysms of mirth. He is aided and abetted by Mr. Eric Masters, as a bucolic and super-energetic drummer, and as tho musical endurance tesL draws to a close these two arc indescribably funny. It seams that all rovuo comedians nowadays must at some time or another conduct a jazz band, but Mr. O'Brian does it far better than most.

This week's programme is richer in sketches than any of its predecessors, witli regard to quality, as well as quantity. A wireless interlude gives Mr. O'Brian an opportunity to make some hilarious announcements, and, to tho joy of his audience. he always harks back to tho statement that. " it is still raining in Taranaki." In a telephone conversation from the nether regions with Mr. Joe Hudson iri heaven he indulges in some bright topical humour, giving the information that a certain well-known city councillor is keeping him company. Excellent, too, arc his innocence and bnshfulness ns a neglected husband, sorely tempted by an ultra-femiuist. In this sketch Miss Janice Hart also reveals considerable comedy talents.

Miss Hart is as energetic as ever and throws her principal boy manner into a host of captivating numbers, her best work being done with Miss Marie Ward and the ballet in "Mandy." Her solos, with Mr. A 1 Batchelder at tho piano, are also exceedingly popular. Mr. Masters is given more scope in this programme than has been the case since he joined tho company, and ho does agreeable work in straight songs as well as comedy. Miss Mabclle Morgan, Miss Ward and Mr. Hudson lend a hand in nearly everything, the two ladies singing several solos. Then, for good measure, there are the ballet and the jazz band. The eight young ladies live up'to the high reputation they have established and whirl merrily on and off the stage throughout the entertainment. For Ircnzied action their "Wobbly Walk" is their brightest effort," and as" proof of their versatility they follow the classical school in a "Rose Ballet," presented in conjunction with some fine statuesque posing by Miss Ward, Miss Phyllis Sambrook and Mr. Ernie Brooks. Tho cheerful Miss Iris Gumbley also leads her fellow-members of tho ballet in several bright syncopated numbers.

Apart from the hilarious "Poet and Peasant"'interlude, the jazz band still provides some remarkably fine playing. Ably led by Mr. Tinv Douglas, they give an impressive rendering of a "Cyclonic Medley," and Mr. Batchelder's piano solos are most effective. A spirit of cheerfulness pervades the whole production, which should be most successful during tho coming week.