WILLIAMSON’S ICE SHOW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 85, 12 April 1940, Page 7

WILLIAMSON’S ICE SHOW

“SWITZERLAND.” Yesterday morning box plans opened at the D.I.C. lor J. C. Williamson’s colossal musical extravaganza, “Switzerland,” the ice show and ballet, which is to be staged at the Majestic Theatre on Monday night next and the three following evenings and on Wednesday afternoon. It is breaking all known records wherever it is being staged. The people of New Zealand are fortunate that they will witness the artistry of Miss Megan Taylor as it is only recently that she forsook her amateur status and became a professional. An Englishman, Phil Taylor, started his skating career in Canada, and has many championships to his credit. When he was 18 years old he was world champion, and at 20 he won the world’s jumping championship. On the stage Phil found a new medium for his art. One of his most spectacular stage turns is skating on stilts. Using stilts 22 inches high, he spins around a sheet of ice 30ft. x 40ft. in a way that is apt to make one’s hair stand on end. “Switzerland” is altogether a superlative show. To break the programme of ice skating, an act, the second, which includes cabaret turns, is included. In this scene, Tommy Russell and Ernie Marconi, two American comedians extract much humour from a violin, an accordion, and a “grand piano,” standing two feet high. Connie Graham, who is partnered by Hal Scott, gives highly amusing impressions of the start of the silent film days, and their “Cat” duct creates one continuous roar of laughter. The ic( ballet is made up of a team o; beautiful and expert skaters, and c feature of the show is the colourfu dresses and costumes. Good seats ma; still be booked for all performances including the opening night, but in tending patrons are urged to make their reservations at once.