LIFE AND LAUGHTER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 8

LIFE AND LAUGHTER

“PLEASURE BOUND” REVUE A REALLY GOOD SHOW. From start to finish “Pleasure Bound,” at the Opera House last night with George Wallace and Ella Shields in the star roles, went with a swing and a snap that made it one of the most lively shows that has been seen in Wanganui for a very long time. It was evident from the moment the opening chorus “Key to My Cellar” was played, danced and sung, that the audience had before them a revue company of exceptional merit, and such proved to be the case. Any performance in whi*ch George Wallace figures can be taken for granted as one above the ordinary. His easy personality, the interest he has in the yarns of his “boy friends,” the ingenious manner in which he puts a wrong word into the right place and the direct appeal he has on every one in the house is infectious. To hear George, if he will excuse the familiarity, but after all he is so very well known, tell a confidential story of how he will imitate Palmolive —he begs your pardon, Pavlova —in. her swan dance, one of those dainty things in which she trips on to the stage gracefully, not like a walloping mad horse, is sheer delight. In fact it is shceiartistry. He leads you on from poiuto point and lets you get ahead of hirj even—“but, it appears” —there’s ai ways that “but” fur the auti-climax preceding the roars of laughter, indeed, everybody and everything George’s butt. His most successful number last night was “This aud That, ’ when iu was his real, likeable self, as seen by many audiences at the theatre aud on the screen. He appeared at different intervals during the revue like a hlippj joy-giving beam and one could not have enough of him.

What strikes one most about EL* Shields is her arresting personality Dressed as “Burlington Bertie,” with all the fashionable foibles of a dude, she is convincing aud entertaining; gowned in a flimsy frilly thing thai every woman would like to wear, she is delightfully feminine and likeable Her songs are interpreted to her F,vn liking and to the infinite liking of her audience; and her voice is charming and sweet. If it was George Wallace that was the Prime Minister of Mirth, then Ella Shields was the “Ideal Ideals” last night.

Intertwined with the flow of wit and humour, the ballet dancing was u treat to watch. Seldom, if ever, has such a graceful and well-trained chorus been seen in Wanganui. It is a credit to the company. It was the life that tho chorous girls infused into their dancing from the very start to the finish that gave everyone a sense of lightness and happiness. Whether it was high kicking, Irish jigs, old-fash-ioned turns or rapid foot tapping - , it was all executed with an easiness and firmness that called for immediate appreciation. Probably the most appeal' ing number was “Alice Blue Gown,’ a thoroughly-pretty and enjoyable movement. Miriam Lest had much lu de with the success of that number and several others, for her singing is a step above that usually found ip. vaudeville. In ‘"‘Gypsy Land” and “Drcam Lover” she was especially delightful, and those who hear her this afternoon will all agree that she has an exoellen- j voice. The four dancing diabolos are a thrill. No other word can adequately describe them. Their gracefulness anease, the suppleness and the pliancy o. their every action is poetry itself Murray and Walton are step dancers above the average ana their Quick, light feet move in exact syncopation with the music. “On Parade,” especially, was good. Although the star? shine out above the company, as they are meant to, due praise was merited by their satellites, who were exception ally pleasing.

This revue company has the advantage of being well managed aud well produced, and it goes a long way to its success. If any of the amateur

revue enthusiasts want to learn something of stage craft, dressing and lighting effects, they should make a point of being at the theatre to-day for that alone. But it is an “allround” good show and can be recommended without the slightest hesita tion.

“Pleasure Bound show again this afternoon at the Opera House at 8 o’clock, when the public of Wanganui will be given another opportunity of seeing the first-class company perform this revue. At night “ Hell.. Happiness” will be shown st 8 o’clock when a complete change of programme will be given. Audiences at oth-st centres have acclaimed thia revue a; being excellent and, as there is every indication that there will be another large house, everyone is advised to make sure of their scats by booking at the Bristol Piano Co.