REVUE SUCCESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22392, 13 April 1936, Page 12

REVUE SUCCESS

"A BRIGHTER 1986 " MUSIC, MIRTH AND DANCING A crowded house greeted tlio spectacular revue, "A Brighter 1936," the fourth programme presented by Stanley McKay's Gaieties company, at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night. The revue combined music, humour, dancing and spectacle in a programme which kept the audience entertained for nearly three hours. Vaudeville comedians too frequently rely 011 baggy trousers and an oversized bowler hat, but Ike Delavale has personality as well, and to .his efforts the great success of the revue is largely due. One of his most successful items is a sketch, "The Kelly Gang," in which the shade of Ned Kelly visits New Zealand on a mission of robbery. He is ably assisted by George Corelli, Joe Kox, Jerry Keogh and Maggie Buck lev. Other popular sketches include '"The Dead Heat," "The Old Men's Home," "Madame Umsha" and "The Question," while an effective item is a monologue of Robert Service's "Shooting of Dan McGrew," recited by George Corelli, and dramatised by the remainder of the company. A high standard is set in the musical numbers. Russell Callow, tenor, is heard in "Trumpeter," which is particularly well suited to his voice, while with Winnie Edgerton and tho company he appears in two delightful scenas, "Easter Parade" and "June in January." Winnie Edgerton, soprano, also is heard in "One Night of Love" and "Christina's Lament," while Elvy Ferguson, violinist, proI vides several solos.

Brilliant adagio dancing by Patricia and Colin is one of the outstanding features of the programme, and received well-merited applause, while Jerry Keogh and Phyllis Lane delighted with their attractive tapdance. Little Pat Reno and his intelligent performing dogs again proved highly popular. An amazing exhibition of slack wiro walking is given by "Trampo," who contrives to feign sleep, dress, walk, juggle clubs and ride along a disf» while balanced precariously on a sagging wire hung across the stage. "The Queen of Sheba's Visit to King Solomon" makes a spectacular finale, and gives the Three Alexanders an opportunity to display their ability as tumblers and acrobats, while therie is also some excellent dancing by Laurita and the- ballet.

"A Brighter 1936" will be performed nightly this week, until Saturday, when the final change of programme will be made. There will be a special matinee to-day, and 30 Auckland children have been engaged for a gala children's matinee to-morrow.