Intimate Revue

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23109, 6 August 1938, Page 20 (Supplement)

Intimate Revue

NEW ZEALANDERS' SUCCESS [from our own correspondent] LONDON. July 28 Two Now Zenlanders who have established reputations for themselves in the London theatrical world, Mr. Wainwright Morgan and Mr. Stafford Byrne, have gained a further success, by tha staging of an intimate revue at tip Roval Theatre, in the West End. Ivis called intimato because it is produced on a small scale, there is no orchestra to drown indifferent songs, no regimental chorus to fill the gaps. 110 elaborate showmanship to cover a lack of talent, and practieallv no scenery. " 8.45 and All That " is the title of this light entertainment, which consists of 25 features. It includes a number of songs which have already proved popular in suburban and country theatres. That melodious act, " Over the Garden Wall," for instance, was performed at the Chanticleer Theatre nearly two years ago, and " Spring is in the Air " is now also something of a recognised favourite. Recently when they were performed in Cambridge, a London manager was so charmed that he offered to arrange for their performance in this city. Mr. Morgan collaborated with Temple Abady in writing the music for further songs and sketches; Mr. Byrne, with Mary Dunn, found the words, and the well-known Scandinavian actress, Greta Gynt, was appointed leading dancer. The company also includes Charles Heslop, John Buckmaster and Robert Eddison. The critics have been duly appreciative. and the revue has nearly weathered the sparse audiences of Whitsuntide. Tt, is hoped that success will follow during the summer months. Mr Byrne is acting in several of the sketches, but Mr. Morgan has other engagements to keep him fully occuPU ivor Brown, in the Observer, said of tho revue: "It offers us one of the major pleasures of contemporary light entertainment. Messrs. Abady and Mor-o-an have supplied tho right kmc ot tune, but the sketches, of which there are many, do not all ' make the giado. Miss Greta Gynt goes through the evenin"' undefeated. J his is the kind of show, produced with more brains than money, and with more ambition than ' names,' which one would like to see succeed in tho West End.