AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19199, 16 December 1936, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE REVIVAL: ‘ -ASTAIfeE-ROGERS IN “TOP HAT” Even better than “The Gay Divorcee” and “Roberta”! That’s the ultimate in praise which must be awarded “lop Hat,” one of the greatest of the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers co-starring musical pictures. Dancing and singing to the tunes and lyrics of Irving Berlin, Astaire and Miss Rogers unquestionablv set a new high level for screen musicals in this picture, which is now showing at the Majestic Theatre. The two stars introduce a number of sensational new dances. These reach a climax with tho Italian flavoured “Piccolino.” which is their completely satisfvingi answer to public demand for a- successor to ( arioca and t.lie “Continental." Their singing, ton, is very pleasing and in -general they invest their characterisations with inimitable verve and appeal. There are live big song ‘‘hits,” “Isn't It a Lovely Davb” “The Piccolino,” “Cheek to Cheek,” ‘‘Top Hat, White Tie ami Tails,” and “No Strings.” Splendid support is accorded by a comedy cast which lias seldom been matched on stage or screen. If includes Helen a brilliant comedienne from the stage. Edward Everett. Horton, Erik Rhodes and Erie Blore. the butler of “I he Ga.v Divorcee.” This crew does not let comedy drop for an instant. Blending romance with comedy, “Top Hat ’ tells a light, thoroughly 'intriguing and at all times plausible story, with never a lag or a dull moment. OPERA HOUSE TO-MORROW: FRED ARGYLL'S VAUDEVILLE COMPANY 4 Coming to Gisborne to-morrow lor a three-day season is a company which will cater for lovers of vaudeville and variety, Fred , Argyle’s variety company, “The Frolics,” a highclass vaudeville combination from Australia, now touring tlu: main towns, of the Dominion. “The Frolics” present the real tiling in vaudeville of the celebrity type—good, wholesome, merry and bright ' entertainment suitable for all members of tlie family. Headed by Fred Argyle, late producer of Stanley McKay's “Gaieties,” and Rne Williams, from Prince Edward Theatre and radio stations 2BL and 2BC, Sydney, “ the Frolics” present a unique selection of songs, dances, music, specialty turns and comedy sketches. I lie supporting artists consist of Yodelling Barnett, the yodelling cowboy and instrumentalist-: .lack and Robbie Tapp, dancers.; Vilma Lockwood, the personality girl, in a dancing and aerobatic act"; Bellrny Williams, master of makeup, in a novelty bringing Dickens’ characters to life; Jack Penman, clever light comedian; Robbie Rhythm, the beauty girl: Edgar Rendalc. pianist : and Syd. Duncan and bis saxophone. The pi'esetilalion is greatly enhanced b.V beautiful costumes and spectacular stage and lighting effects. Adopting the policy iutrndneed by previous variety companies visiting Gisborne of charging picture prices, Is (id and 2s, "The Frolics’ claim to offer good entertainment value and should attract capacity houses. Heavy hooking is anticipated; 2s seats may he hooked now at Taftersull and Bayly’s.