“SONS O' GUNS.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 197, 20 August 1931, Page 3

“SONS O' GUNS.”

The box plans are now open for the approaching season of the London and New York musical comedy triumph, “ Sons o’ Guns,” which is to be staged here by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night next and six following evenings and on Wednesday afternoon next and on Saturday afternoon, August 29. It is said that Gus Bluett has never been funnier than he is as Jimmy Canfield, the genial, happy-go-lucky hero, who leaves his wealthy home to enlist, after he has been spurred to this course by the reproaches of his friends and the example of three valets in his employ. Miss Riccardo, as the heroine, in her representation of the French girl Yvonne, daughter of an Innkeeper in the war zone, is said to present an artistic and consistent portrayal, living the sentiment no less than the vivacious humour of the character. Leo Franklin, who will be remembered for his splendid work in “ The Girl Friend ” and “ Hit the Deck,” is said tobe highly humorous as Hobson. Alfred Frith, too, has never been seen to better advantage than as Major Archibald, a part that gives him an abundance of opportunities for the display of his genius for creating humour. Frank Leighton’s rich baritone voice is heard at its best in the numbers allocated to the role of Arthur Travers. Miss Agnes Doyle, a dashing young Australian artist, has won a high reputation as a comedienne in the part of Bernice Pearce. Those who enjoyed the daring acrobatic dancing of Mona Zeppel and Eric Bush in “ The House that Jack Built ” will be interested to witness them in their latest sensational specialty number. A full operatic orchestra and chorus is under the direction of William Redstone, who last visited here with “ The New Moon ” company. The ballets and ensembles were arranged by Maurice Diamond, who will arrive here ahead of the company.