“HIKIN’ THRU’”

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1935, Page 7

“HIKIN’ THRU’”

VAUDEVILLE AT NEW PLYMOUTH. CROWDED THEATRE PLEASED. There is always something about a “flesh and blood’’ show that appeals to the confirmed picture-goer, which was probably the reason why the New Plymouth Opera House was packed last night, the “gods" as well, to witness the second night performance of Stanley McKay’s “Gaieties of 1935.” The programme “Hiking Thru’ ” was a complete change from Wednesday night. While the humour was often broad rather than subtle 'it was of the type that appealed and the comedians, Miss Nell Fleming and Ike Delavale and Frank Perrin, kept the fun going in great style. Apart from the continual waves of humour, that which appealed most was the whirlwind act of the Flying Arabs and the marvellous contortions of Ivy Ivel. Ike Delavale introduced much Jewish humour, the King’s Jew-bilee not being forgotten, and the fatuous frolics of Frank Perrin balanced the comic part of the programme. Cecil Perry, whose pleasing baritone voice was just strong enough to reach an interested audience above the orchestra, sang “Macushla” and “Roses, of Picardy” in a manner indicative of good training. Miss Julia Burke combined with him splendidly in the Blue Danube scena, and the popular “You May Not be an Angel” was an individual triumph for her well controlled soprano. Victor Burke had not so much to do except as foil to Delavale and Perrin, but he was a restrained type and did his { part well. Esma Roach and her violin provided the audience with a change from the joyous abandon of the rest of the programme with a sympathetic rendering of the Londonderry air. The Swiss yodellers, the Newton brothers, who came on near the end, earned extra salvoes of applause with their harmony in a type of entertainment previously heard only on the gramophone. Tire backbone of the show, the ballet, had plenty to do and showed much versatility. Phyll and Verna, tap dance specialists, the Three Alecs, French clowns, Laurita, the Eastern dancer, and the Alexanders, marvellous hand balancers, entertained the crowd in bewildering rapidity. The ballet girls transformed the box ballet often seen on films in varying guise into an exhibition of perfect training and neat rhythm, and their costume scenas were pleasing to the eye. . The programme was liberally interspersed with sketches, there being not a moment’s pause throughout. 'Die orchestra, which provided appropriate effects only heard in a stage revue, keptttie vaudeville effect flowing smoothly, ine best tribute that could be paid to an excellent performance of its kind was that the audience was reluctant to realise the arrival of the finale. There will be a complete change of programme to-night, and this afternoon a special 'children’s, panotomime “Old Mother Hubbard” will be held. Miss Nell Fleming will be the lead and a new bicycle will be given away. The company will appear at Stratford to-morrow afternoon and evening.