A GOOD SHOW.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20541, 16 February 1935, Page 18

A GOOD SHOW.

Non-stop Vaudeville at Theatre Royal. COMPANY OF STARS. A success, just as remarkable as that of last Saturday night, when they made their first appearance in Christchurch amid of unusual enthusiasm, was gained by the J. C. William-son-Frank Neil International Variety Revue Company last night, when they presented a new programme which was stamped with the seal of approval by another large audience. There is such a thing as putting all one’s eggs in one basket, but Mr Neil has not made this mistake. His second show is as full of novelties and surprises as was the first, and it goes with a. sowing from curtain to curtain. The individual acts are not dimmed by their appearance in new settings, and to see this new programme is only to confirm one’s original opinion that the tour has been the means of gathering together just abou{ the finest galaxy of revue and vaudeville talent ever assembled in Christchurch.

Looking back on the show, with its wealth of individual talent, one’s mind flies first to Joey Porter, brilliant English comedian. It is a long time since a comedian of his calibre has appeared on the stage of the Theatre Royal. His quips and cracks are delightful, and his easy and assured manner, combined with graphic facial expression and droll antics, gives them an added value. Nat Hope and Doreen Ray have a further selection of bright chatter that convulsed last night’s audience, and there is also Alex Halls, the clever German comedian with a novel act, to make up the comedy team. Those who saw the first production will remember the brilliance of the dancing. This is probably the strongest feature of a generally excellent show, and last night’s audience did its best to keep the several teams of dancers on the stage indefinitely. There are three specialty turns —tumblers, adagio specialists and tap-dancers—and it is hard to say which was the most popular. Nice, Florio and Lubow gave another sensational exhibition of tumbling, bouncing about the stage in carefree style and taking knocks that always threatened disaster but which appeared to result in no harm to the daring protagonists. Les Diamondes, clever adagio dancers, impressed with their remarkable make-up. Flashing lights were reflected from their glittering bodies as they moved gracefully about the stage. Then there were the tapdancers. There were many who liked them best of all, and their turn was certainly attractive. There was a finish and polish about the act that stamped it as something far above the form that this style of performance usually takes.

Then comes the singing, a department in which the company is also strong. Grace Hartington, talented English soprano. Russell Callow and Ted Simpson were heard to advantage. The Three Ambassadors of Music, happy-go-lucky singers and musicians, also assisted to raise the musical side of the show to the high level of its other departments. The ballet of pretty and well-trained girls appeared in several numbers and was ably led by Cora Whitwell. Their costumes were excellent, and, as with the star members of the company, they appear in settings that are really spectacular. An accomplished orchestra, under Harry Lazarus, plays a big part in the success of the revue. “ On With the Show ” is the name of this new production, and the name might well be the maxim followed by the producer. Turn follows turn with no delay, and last night’s audience had nearly three hours of non-stop enjoyment.

Final Gala Revue.

“On With the Show ” will be presented finally at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday night. Although the company is due in Sydney at an early date, which necessitates the concluding of the Christchurch season on Wednesday night, the management has made arrangements to present a third revue, “ Better Times.” This exceedingly bright production has been described by critics as “ a crazy night of fun and laughter,” for in it the players exchange parts and cause endless amusement. “ Better Times ” will begin at the matinee on Wednesday (to which one child will be admitted free with every adult), and the company’s final gala performance will be given that night. Booking has opened for the final performances and patrons are urged to reserve early at tjie D.1.C., as the house is bound to be booked out in advance.