GEORGE ROBEY BACK.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18874, 18 February 1933, Page 16 (Supplement)

GEORGE ROBEY BACK.

UNEQUALLED AFTER 40 YEARB. Mr George Robey, tht “one and only"—and never has that term more aptly applied—ls back again on the variety stage after an excursion Into classical realms as King Menelaus In “Helen!” and as Sancho Panza in the films. At the Palladium in London a delighted audience gave Mr Robey an uproarious welcome, Just as audiences have been doing for the past 40 years. And, in passing, what other variety artist have we in this country who oan claim to have been a firm "top of the bill" attraction for 40 years —tand to bo even more of a box office draw at the end of that period than at the beginning? Those Eyebrows. A truly remarkable man, this oomic f he scorns the word “comedian"— who showed again that he can get a bigger wealth of fun out of the merest lift of his famous eyeb-ows than many performers succeed in achieving out of a whole act. A grimly muscular bride was his new character offering—and what unsurpassed skill til ere is In the timing of his patter; not a single laugh wasted, not a single “gag” made obvious to the audience in advance. Then, of cou"se, the celebrated German musical professor act—-which, descrvingly. has found a permanent plai-e in Mr Robey's repertory, since hi' s supcr-gutte-ral Teutonic accent and hj S bombastically self-satisfied attacks on the "big bass drum” are things of sheer joy. \ very, very welcome return to the fold*'this, which brings hack the real, honest-to-goodness spirit of variety with it.