THE BRIGHTER SIDE

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4463, 13 August 1941, Page 2

THE BRIGHTER SIDE

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE TROOPS. GALAXY OF ARTISTS. (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO, July 25. London variety of the best type was the keynote of the entertainment presented by the new ENSA company which has but recently arrived in the Middle East when it appeared at the Lowry Hut last night. Every available position of advantage was occupied by soldiers intent on seeing this bright programme, and they were treated to a rare feast of music, song and humour.

Possibly the greatest interest centred in the appearance of Alice Delysia, whose greatness as an artist is so widely known. She will be remembered by many of the older generation of soldiers for her skill which is as entrancing to-day as ever. She presented a striking figure in a bewitching white model gown as she swept the audience to a state of enthusiasm seldom seen at camp entertainments.

Amazing sleight of hand and an amusing repertoire of tricks firmly established Deveen as a favourite with the soldier audience. A back-to-New Zealand touch that lent a distinctly unusual air to the programme was provided by Keith Wilbur, who fought in the Middle East with the New Zealand forces in 1914-18 and has since followed the stage as a career. Relying entirely on his voice and his ability to imitate, he drove an imaginary flock of sheep across the stage in a manner that touched a responsive chord with his hearers.

Lancashire somehow is famous for its comedians, and it seemed only natural that Alf Thomas should claim it as his home. He simply revelled in mirth-provoking antics accompanied by a rippling flow of merriment induced by clever dialogue.

Throughout the evening Harry Tait, pianist of a famous London dance band, maintained a standard of uniform excellence with his accompaniments, and he was seldom off the stage. With Harry Robbins, xylophone player of undoubted genius, he showed to considerable advantage.

A simple standard by which to gauge the popularity of the entertainment was the success of the impromptu community sings led by the artists from the stage. Likewise this was a very effective tribute to their effervescent personalities.

Possessed of a baritone voice that was in the first flight, George Hancock, who toured New Zealand with the Balalaika company, was splendid in his own song from that show in the robust ballad, “On the Road to Mandalay.”

The Downs Sisters, a very attractive pair, set a fresh standard of brightness, in a song and dance number. The widely known broadcasting combination, Jean Harley and George Barker, made a generous contribution to the success of the evening, introducing several new choruses.