SHOWS IN LONDON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 13 (Supplement)

SHOWS IN LONDON

SOME REIGNING SUCCESSES SOLDIERS LIKE GAIETY “ Me and My Girl ” looks as if it will run on for ever in London. Soldiers on leave have given this riotous musical comedy and dance show (including its Lambeth Walk) a continued lease of life, for it comes within the easy understanding of all classes. Stanley Lupino sees to that. Then, for those who like their fun spiced with a little romance, there is the revival at the Coliseum of “ The White Horse Inn.” Derek Oldham, Nita ; Croft, and Hal Bryant are seen in the leading roles. There is a bright musical show at the Saville, in “ Up and Doing,” with Leslie Henson, Binnie Hale, Cryil Ritchard and Stanley Holloway chasing the gloom away. George Black’s laughing show “ Lord Haw Haw,” with Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, is still attracting large audiences to the Holborn Empire after many months. Other revues that are keeping the flag flying are “New Faces,” at the Comedy, “ Come Out of Your Shell,” at the Criterion. “ Black Velvet,” at the Prince’s. “ Present Arms,” at the Prince of Wales, and “ Swinging the Gate,” at the Ambassadors (in which Madge Elliot appears). So it will be seen that the lighter stage is keeping up its end in spite of the black-out. More Serious Plays For those who like their theatre in a different complexion there is Daphne du Maurier’s play, “Rebecca,” doing nicely at the Queen’s Theatre, with Owen Nares, now a veteran, still in the lead, while Eugene O’Neill’s “ Desire Under the Elms,” was playing at Streatham when the last mail left. As to “ The Light of Heart,” by Emlyn Williams, at the Apollo, a correspondent writes: “ A very great play this, containing a fine lesson of life. Emlyn Williams (who gave us “ Night Must Fall ”) continues to write increasingly interesting stuff.” At the Old Vic., at the end of June “ The Tempest ” was running with John Gielgud, Lewis Casson (Sybil Thorndike’s husband), and Peggy Ashcroft. About the same time d’Oyley Carte’s company was playing the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire at the King’s Theatre, and “ Aida ” and the ballet were alternating at Sadler’s Wells.