CHEERS AT NEW REVUE.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17412, 26 May 1928, Page 17 (Supplement)

CHEERS AT NEW REVUE.

SUCCESS OF MR NOEL COWARD.

For once in a way a re-roe has been produced which contains something of everything and not too much of anything (says the dramatic critic of the Daily Mail). This is the new Cochran production, "This Year of Grace," produced at the London Pavilion last night. There is sufficient spectacle, there Is sufficient humour, there is sufficient dancing, and all of these things are for the most part of the best. It is the staging and the ensemble which stand first. Once again there is seen at the Pavilion a revue produced "regardless of expense." But behind it all is the book, lyrics, and music by Mr Noel Coward. Mr Coward's "Com© Back." After two failures in "straight" plays Mr Coward has come back to make a success in a form of entertainment io which he has often dabbled in the past In his sketches —only one of them too long—he shows much of that invention and wit that have made his name as a writer of comedy. And if bis lyrics do not rise above jingle they jingle agreeably. His music ranges from the ultra modern to that which is sometimes disdainfully decribed as old-fashioned. There is jazz and there is waltz. And it was significant that in a costume dance scene called "Teach Me to Dance with Grandma" the waltz tune won the loudest applause of all. The Music. No doubt the music will be accused of being reminiscent. But most things are reminiscent —even glorious sunsets. And good things are none the less welcome if they remind us of something good. That is what Mr Coward's music does. The acting and the dancing were on the high level of the author's work and the producer's work. Miss Maisie Gay was as funny as she has ever been. Mr Sonnie Hale was all lightness of fo'ot and high spirits. Miss Jessie Matthews and "Mr Cochran's Young Ladies" showed an infinite variety in their dancing. There was clever character acting by Mr Fred Groves. There were clever thumb-nail sketches of character from a dozen others. When the half-way interval came people were asking whether the standard could possibly be maintained. Lt seemed too good to be true. But the second part was, if anything, better than the first. It is difficult to make an honours selection from the 24 numbers which composed the programme. "The Lido Beach," showing how seriously English people take their pleasures at cheap holiday resorts, was a most amusing satire. "Ignorance is Bliss" possessed the best touch of Coward audacity, and "A Room with a View" had a certain charm. Then there was "The 'Bus Rush," which gives an amusing picture of London life, without a single word spoken. But there was not a realry weak scene.

The reception was of a nature to suggest that "This Year of Grace I" will be next year of grace also. The audience did something more than clap—they cheered.