ST JAMES THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 661, 14 January 1933, Page 25 (Supplement)

ST JAMES THEATRE.

Returns to Vaudeville and Revue on Monday.

Two months ago Sir Benjamin Fuller made a special journey from Sydney to Newcastle, New South Wales, to see the company that is to appear in St James’s Theatre on Monday night. On his return to Sydney the next day Sir Benjamin wrote a most eulogistic letter, in which he suggested a season at his Bijou Theatre, Melbourne, or in his New Zealand theatres. Realising that Melbourne was now well catered for in the vaudeville line, Messrs Stanley M’Kay and Paul Warton decided that, as New Zealand had not been afforded an opportunity of seeing this form of entertainment for some time a season here would be opportune. Arrangements were quickly made, and the entire company was transported to this country, Christchurch being the first city to be played. No better theatre than St James could have been selected for a show of the description of “The Gaieties of 1933,” as it is fully equipped for revue presentation. The name of Fred Bluett will conjure up memories of the old Tuam Street Opera House, where his entrance was always the signal for laughter and applause. Another artist who should receive a warm welcome Is the versatile Amy Rochelle, who renders “My Hero,” from “ The Chocolate Soldier,” in the voice of a prima donna, and a few minutes later is convulsing the audience with her classic imitation of a child attempting to sing “ Down in Carolina.” A treat is in store for lovers of good Instrumental work, as Rene Rich has been specially engaged for the New Zealand season. She is recognised as Australia’s greatest violinist by such an authority as Zlato Balokovic, and Erica Morini expressed the opinion that she had all the attributes of a world’s artist. An act which for thrills has never been excelled is that of the “ Flying Wartons,” in which a young lady is catapulted from a springboard on the stage to a chair at the end of a pole twenty feet in the air, performing in the flight a double back somersault. Others prominent in the cast are Wally Reynolds, English light comedian; Peris and Bonzo, comedy tumblers; Robert Raymond, baritone; Syd. Wheeler, character comedian; Adie Collings, soubrette; the Superb Six, ballerinas; The Genettes, simultaneous dancers; and the Ten Persian Acrobatic Marvels. Matinees will be given on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30 p.m. Day sales are at St James's Theatre Confectionery, and seats may be reserved there to-night. Plans are at The Bristol during the week.