The Famous Diggers

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 39, 5 October 1922, Page 31

The Famous Diggers

The Famous Diggers is one of the few travelling companies which have survived the strenuous period we have just passed through, and it speaks -well for the merit of its performances , that this war-born organisation has been able to hold its head up in the hard times. Recognising that better times are ahead, the management decided to produce an all-eclipsing programme which has left all previous efforts far behind. A fine new comedian and dancer, Jimmy Norton, known throughout America as “That London Boy,” has been imported to New Zealand to assist Joe Valli, Tano Fama, and Gus Dawson keep the comedy ball rolling. Mademoiselle Claire Gooley, a icant'atnce with a delightful soprano voice, is . an. attractive young singer who acids ' delicacy and charm of manner to a wonderfully sweet voice. The Sydney JJu-llctin, in speaking of Miss Gooley, says; “Of the performers on this week’s Tivoli bill, we must hand it to that prince of Comedians George Carney and to Claire Gooley. The latter is a true cosmopolitan, wisely mixing 'popular songs with the more difficult operatic arias. She was recalled five times.” Gus Dawson is responsible for the many dancing features in the entertainment and he has devised some fine ballets for the “Super» Six” dancing girls who now grace tjlie show. Broad * laughable burlesque, clever satire, smart jokes of the unhoary type characterise the evening’s entertainment and such' side-splitting absurdities as “The Rest Cure ” “Hie A.B.G. Restaurant,” and the quaintly funny “Roof Garden Scene” are calculated to raise a laugh from the most blase theatre-goer. The comedy is in the/ hands of Messrs. Jimmy Norton, Joe Valli (the Scottish comedian), and la no Fama. Stan. Lawson, although he has not entirely dropped the feminine impersonations . which have earned him an international reputation as a “Misleading Lady (a, charming deceit) _ will be seen in “he man” parts and his histrionic ability stands out greater than ever. Claude Bell, the new 1 baritone, has, until recently been singing under Harry Musgrove’s management and was selected in Australia from forty-six applicants. The Big Orchestra is still a feature of the show. ' •