BRIGHT REVUE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20097, 2 May 1935, Page 13

BRIGHT REVUE

RETURN OF POPULAR COMPANY With an excellent programme covering a wide field, embracing singing, dancing, acrobatics, music and burlesque, Stanley McKay’s International Revue Company commenced a return season in the Theatre Royal last night. Cn its previous visit this talented company, “The Gaieties of 1935,” earned considerable popularity with Timaru audiences, a fact which was evidenced by the packed house attracted last night. An entirely new programme, “Happy Miss Revue,” was presented, providing an entertainment which as a whole appeared to keep the audience in a very satisfied state of mind..

“Happy Miss Revue” provided the large company of performers with ample opportunity of displaying their talents and all combined to present a splendid evening’s entertainment, which was notable not only for its variety, but also for the enthusiastic pace at which it was presented. The new revue maintained the standard of entertainment set by the company on its previous visit, and the consistent merit of the turns, combined with several outstanding features, achieved the success which undoubtedly attended the efforts of the performers. Variety was the keynote of the entertainment provided. One of the principal attractions was the appearance of Trampo, “the hobo on the clothes line,” whose balancing feats provided the audience with thrills and suspense. One of his most arresting feats was walking the rope on a specially grooved wheel, which he propelled along the wire by walking on the inside of the rim, and his other efforts included juggling, and also some good balancing work on the stage. An exceedingly interesting demonstration of supple grace and perfect poise was given by Laurita, the speciality danseuse. There was nothing grotesque about the extraordinary physical evolutions she performed, her exhibitions of lithe strength and amazing suppleness of joint and limb being carried out with an ease which was particularly striking. Another feature of the entertainment was the delightful leavening of humour, several clever farces and a wide variety of jokes finding much popularity with the audience. This : sefion of the production was in the capable hands of Mr Ike Delavale, Mr Frank Perrin, Miss Dot Arnold, Mr Cecil Perry and Miss Neil Fleming. Mr Victor Burke sang a number of songs in attractive style, his pleasing tenor voice and good stage presence making him a warm favourite with the audience. Miss Nell Fleming and Miss Ada Lynn were associated with the ballet in several interesting and artistically presented scenas, Miss Fleming also doing some acceptable solo work, while Miss Ivy Ivel sang several songs in engaging style. The amazing acrobatic feats of the Three Alecs earned well merited applause, some of their work being particularly well executed. They carried out their performance with marvellous precision and ability. The Yodelling Newtons, who were given a rousing reception here on their last appearance, again acquitted themselves excellently in this novel department of the vocal art. Their items, given in an accomplished manner, provoked most generous applause. One of the finest items on the pro-

gramme was that given by Miss Esma Roach, the talented violinist, who rendered two numbers with rare skill. Phil and Verna, two specialty dancers, performed very creditably. The Sunkissed Ballet again carried out its work in a thorough and workmanlike manner, combining precision and grace, with a degree of sparkle and enthusiasm which assisted very largely towards the success of their several presentations. To-night the company will present a farewell performance entitled “Laughing Time.”