“BRIGHTEST AND BEST”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12431, 27 April 1926, Page 9

“BRIGHTEST AND BEST”

ms MAJESTY’S CHANGE VAUDEVILLE AND REVUE.

Always something new seems to be the policy of those who are responsible for the bright entertainments of vaudeville and revue at His Majesty’s Theatre. Every week they have something fresh and novel to present, and it is little wonder that big houses are the outcome. The new change is a programme of the brightest and best, and last night when piesented for the fipst time, met with the spontaneous approval of the large audience. The programme opens with a lh'the Gazette as an extra item, and it was well received. Freeh from their successes across tfio Tasman came Franks and Newton, sqoiety dancers, who went skilfully and rytfimically through a number of ballroom steps. The lady displayed lithesome grace aa she tripped through to a swinging waltz time. They were heartily applauded for a fine exposition of the famous Apache dance, and by special request introduced the Charleston, which has taken America by storm. Litt-lo June Megan, the clever- English juvenile, is a dainty little artist who puts her' work over with the confidence of a veteran. Her impersonations of how different characters wauld say the nursery rhyme, “Sing a. Song of Sixpence,’’ was greeted with hearty laughter, and she finished with, a catchy song, “Whose Isay Is He?” Joe Brennan and Ida Newton, who, are in their last week, again made a great hit in song, patter and dance. Joe Brennan's character study, “The Veteran,” was particularly fine. A quaint turn is provided by Holma, the crasy dancing juggler, who mates his first appearance. His work is well off the beaten track, and he juggles handbags, umbrellas, billiard cues, balls, and plates with amazing dexterity. He :» also a dancer of no mean ability, and altogether he provides a most entertaining ten minutes. Wellington will be sorry to sea the last of Fhif. Smith and his Musical Comedy Company. They have established themselves as firm favourites, and their departure seems all too soon. Still, they are in their last week, and it is safe to say they have kept the best for their final production. This Snappy revue is entitled, “Cm the Scent,” and throughout in a vehicle of song, dance and story it swings along at a merry papa. The theme of this delightful comedy tells of the efforts of a pair of. crooks to obtain a formula for' Bormia event, and how they are frustrated is well told by this talented hand of players, Phil. Smith and Nat Hanley are the fun-makers ip I chief, but they are ably supported. PhyllisNicholson sings sweetly “After Dark,” and in this she is assisted by the Smiling Six, the charming ballet who have danced their way into the hearts of all. “How Yu Gonna Keep Yotr Mind on Dancing” , is a duet nicely rendered by Phyllis Nicholson and Charles Megan, and Pliil. Smith brought forth hroad smiles when he gave “I’m Gonr.a Get a Watermelon.” “Crooks” ia the number by Nat Han* ley and Nellie Dean, while Peggy Beate sings effectively “The Garden of To-morrow',” and with Robert Raymond “Gan You Forget.” Fuller’s orchestra,, under Mrs Aldridge, must taffe an adequate share or the praise. They deserve it.