“DESERT SONG.”

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19663, 24 August 1935, Page 17 (Supplement)

“DESERT SONG.”

REVIVAL IN SYDNEY. GREAT SUCCESS SCORED. Freddie Foss, on his first showing at the Theatre Royal, in “The Desert Song," will be adopted as expansively as Sydney has welcomed half a dozen accomplished visiting comedians this year, says a Sydney paper. He is among the best of them. He works with great speed, yet with every appearance of ease. As Benjamin Kidd, his moments of incoherent terror when he is captured by the Riffs convulse the audience. There was no doubt about the ability of “The Desert Song” to stand further revival. It has qualities of spontaneity and 'colour that are unimpaired. The music has not palled with repetition and the songs .-are still lilting and ingratiating. Few musical comedies, even the older favorites, will last as “The Desert Song” will live.

Marie Bremner gives to the part of Margot ail the requisite grace and Sidney Burchall manages* expertly his double character—the drawling fool and the dashing “Red Shadow.” Nellie Barnes, the gifted comedienne, is a thoroughly joyous partner for Freddie Foss.

Other favourites are Cecil Kellaway,

Laurel Streeter, Lionello Cecil, Jean Duncan, Hilton Porter, Cecil Pawley, lan Devereux, and Sydney Wheeler. The ballet, the showgirls, and the lighting add to the glamour. Andrew MacCunn and his orchestra are important elements in the success, and the producer, Frederick Blackman, is to be thanked for a tip-top entertainment.