WILLIAMSON’S ICE BALLET

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21595, 5 March 1940, Page 6

WILLIAMSON’S ICE BALLET

A COLOSSAL PRODUCTION To-morrow night at the Theatre Royal beginning at 8 o'clock and for the three following evenings and on Saturday afternoon, the J. C. Williamson management will present the gorgeous musical extravaganza "Switzerland,” Ice Show and Ice Ballet, which will introduce to playgoers Miss Megan Taylor, the world’s champion skater, Eddie Marcel, a notable comedian, Phil Taylor, greatest of all trick skaters, and other imported skating stars, also several imported vaudaville performers from England and America. Most of the performers have been chosen for their outstanding ability as skaters and not for their wit or vocal gymnastics. There is an abundance of girls—all good looking, attractive in face and figure. While they are on the ice solo, or in chorus or ballet, their work grips the interest and imagination as a triumph for beauty, litheness and deportment. “Never before,” wrote a Melbourne critic, "has such a brilliant presentation of ice ballets, dance and acrobatic turns been seen in this city. To break the programme of Ice skating, the second act is devoted to a high class cabaret scene, in which several extraordinarily fine turns are presented, including Connie Graham, Hal Scott, and Russell and Marconi. Phil Taylor is a skater of rare dash and consummate skill, but he is also an artist with a shrewd knowledge of stage values and a delightful sense of humour. Megan Taylor dances with all the ease of a trained ballerina on skates. There was a delightful swan dance, admirable in the suggestion of flight, performed by Elsie Heathcote, and quite as impressive is her offering of ’To A Water Lily.’ Those who have tried to skate will appreciate the artistry of the company.” The box plans are on view at Begg's Music Warehouse.