“A GREAT SHOW”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 225, 24 September 1942, Page 3

“A GREAT SHOW”

“NAVY KNIGHTS” POPULAR

The popularity of “Navy Knights.” the bright patriotic musical extravaganza now showing at the Opera House was demonstrated last night when the revue eclipsed even the success of the previous performance. The production is first-class from curtain to curtain, and general comment was that it is the best amateur show seen in Wanganui for years. As on the opening night, the whole show, with its gorgeous scenic effects, snappy ballets, delightful humour and bright music was staged without the delays usually associated with amateur presentations, and in this resnect the management deserves the greatest praise. Eddie Martin, the producer, again demonstrated his versatility in

numerous numbers, ranging from comedy to drama, and received welldeserved applause. Miss Doreen Oates and Mr. Ross Tulloch showed outstanding ability in the sketches and are perhaps two of the best amateur comedians seen in Wanganui for over a decade. Mr. W. H. Ward and Mr. Fred Riding also handled their parts well. Mr. A. J. Hodder’s fine baritone voice was outstanding in the “01’ Man River” number, while his duet with Miss Lydia Fennell was one of the highlights of the show. Mrs. Claire Senior Partridge was charming in “Curly Headed Baby” and “Hail Caledonia.” Miss Pcnrhyn Hutton was delightful in “A Kiss in the Dark” number. Gay music added to the brightness of the show, the good singing of the chorus providing an ideal background to the solo work. The orchestra was under the baton of Mr. H. Sanders, with Miss Tiro Durie at the piano, and plays with a fine swing in keeping with the general tenor of the show. Throughout, there is a distinct nautical flavour, though there are items that lend relief in the fast-moving production. In sketches as well as dramatic work Miss Barbara Hood revealed outstanding ability, while Cecily Greager and Betty Bosher were responsible for some line vocal work. There is some excellent dancing, headed by Miss Eva Matthews and her nimble-footed pupils, while Miss Tiro Durie’s snappy tappers infused plenty of dash into their work. Miss Beverley Le Compte deserved the applause for her specialty tap number. “The March of the Pipers,” featuring the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band, is a brilliant scene, and the four sword dancers (pupils of Miss Muriel Swan) give pleasing relief to a rousing performance. “Father Kelly” a dramatic playettp, received the applause of the audience for its touching sentiment. In this Mr. Martin took the title role and he received able assistance from Doreen Roy, Rose Fennell and Eric Lind. One of the most elaborate settings for the first half of the programme was that arranged for a scena from “The Showboat” entitled “Ol’ Man River.” With a paddle steamer in the background, negro slaves were seen loading cotton, singing the theme song. The. staging of “A Persian Market,” was one of the most elaborate displays of costuming seen in the show. The first scene was that of a caravan on its way to market with water carriers, snake charmers, fruit sellers, carpet sellers, and beggars. The following scene was at a Persian bazaar. “Navy Knights” is a production sponsored by the Wanganui Savage Club in aid of patriotic funds, but apart from this, can be recommended as good, clean entertainment of the highest order and which would do credit to most professional companies. It will be repeated finally to-night.