"SMART SET" DIGGERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10669, 16 August 1920, Page 3

"SMART SET" DIGGERS

AN EXCELIiENT SHOW. The war has been productive of much, which these day» adds to the gaiety of "civvy" life. The young warriors aie spoken of as- ' diggers ; they speak of "buckshee" favours Q n a the "camouflage" of wool m modern clothing. . AVe .people have been entertained by ex-soldier parties putting over shows bearing traces of Flanders mud. They were good performers, taking the public fancy, both from an entertaining and sentimental point of view. But it has remained for the "Aussie femart Set Diggers, who commenced a season at the Grand Opera House on Saturday evening, before an audience which completely filled the building, to set a new standard in this class of amusement. Each member of the company is an artist. The various items are put over 'with a' joyful freedom from the stock vaudeville- type, are up to the minute in originality, and sparkling and clean, with a subtle humour. There is no straining after effect, sheer merit alone and choice selection- of. .material accounting for the success of .the entertainment provided. It is hard t*>. associate these performers with the serious business of War, yet every, man has humped bis pack in France. Allusions to this phase in their career do not creep into the turns. Without being "Diggers," the troupe could easily win its audiences and dispense much merriment. .' ~ . The show in general ig a quaint blend, ing of vaudeville, revue, melodrama, and grand opera. Burlesque is prominent, with here and there more serious touches as e. respite to the aches of laughter; The-"ladies" of the troape are-a bewitching four. More than one member of the weaker sex in. the audience, gasped a delighted "Oh!" at the display of gowns, not only in respect of fashion, but also in regard to the wearing of the apparel. In Charles Holt the company has a. fascinating leading "lady." He frivolled his way through varioUß scenes light-heartedly and with .a feminine grace, his dancing and vocal numbers being of a very high order. His most, successful piece. of mumming wan in conjunction with Frca Whitlow in "The Burglar" sketch #nd the "Camille" burlesque—-itenjs both of original conception. No more delightful piece of comedy work hns been seen than that presented by Ernest Crosby* in the military episode, ."My Word." In the character of a blustering Major, he had the: house rocking w ; ith • laughter. His "What Was the Tale the Colonel Told the Adjutant?" - was another fine bit of comedy work. Fred Whitlowis a mad of parts. He displayed considerable dramatic talent, in the dream scene from "The Silent King," and gave a good impersonation of a Coster ladv in a later sketch. Jock Thompson and Richard Butler are tlu\ vocal stars, and.'their solo numbers were very well rendered. Alberto Torzillo 'contributed a harp solo, a plaintive -little, thing which met with instant approval. The "Diggers" shine in concerted work and quaint interludes which are refreshingly original in presentation. In these items the team work of the show "girls"— Messrs Bobbie Roberts. Tiki Carpenter, and Ralph Sawyer—ie a big factor. Graceful in all their movements, charmingly, frocked, and dainty in their dancing, they are a revelation in female impersonation. A freedom from an overdose of khaki and military allusions is a good point in the combination, and one does not need to have seen service in order to appreciate the jokes. An efficient orchestra under Mr Ivor Weir was'responsible for some first, class music.

The fCigners" -n-ill repeat their nerformanbe tins end every evening' throughout the week.