SEASON OF REVUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 239, 9 October 1928, Page 9

SEASON OF REVUE.

VAUDEVILLE AT ST. JAMES'.

RETURN OP POPULAR COMEDIANS.

In complete contrast to the grand opera fare which has been provided during the past few weeks, the boards of St. James' Theatre were occupied last evening for a season of revue, which came in with a burst of colourful action, and continued at high speed to the conclusion of a programme which is sure to draw large crowds for the remainder of the week; The house last' flight was full,' and there could be no mistaking the' appeal of vaudeville to the popular taste. Those who have seen them previously will understand why the success of the present show is attributable largely to the return after an absence of four or five years of the popular comedians, Nat Phillips and Roy Rene, who rejoice in the unique appellations of Stiffy and Mo. It would hardly be possible for any pair of artists to receive a more spontaneous welcome than' that which was accorded as the inimitable pair made their reappearance before an Auckland audience. While they are not by any means the whole show they are certainly a very large part of it, and by reason of a certain air of expectancy which they create between one turn and the next they are always in the eye or in the offing. The comedy element in the new company has been further strengthened by the addition of Jack Kelleway, whose speech savours of the Bow Bells, and who answers to the stage name of 'Erb. His quiet drollery in his opening number, which took the form of a spiral dance, was such as to ensure his subsequent success. One of the distinct hits of the evening was the prolonged appearance of the Charleston Symphonie Six, whose numbers were greatly appreciated. Led by Frank Wilson, these versatile musicians performed with rhythm and vigour on an extensive collection of instruments, which included various types of saxophones and banjos. Mr. Phillips announced on behalf of the management that on any afternoon when not engaged at a matinee the Symphonie Six would be pleased to visit hospitals or other institutions where they might be able to cheer the patients. This announcement was received with warm applause. No review of last night's performance would be complete which did not reflect something of the colour effects of the mountings and the adornments of the female members of the company, as well as the artistic ballet dancing and the pleasing voices of the vocalists. Of the Radio Ballet it is not too much to credit it with being one of the best that has been seen in Auckland for a long time. Of the singers Miss Amy Rochelle and Peter Brooks scored well in the "Miserere" duet, which was accompanied with good effect by the Symphonie Six. Miss Sadie Gale won admirers both for her lighter songs and the patter which gave spice to the work of the comedians. Miss Daisy Merritt joined in whatever was going, and the I'erry Sisters danced effectively. Dan Dunbar and Dan Weldon contributed to the general enjoyment of the show.

The second part of the programme consisted in the main of a series of clever skettfces, into which the full strength of f the company was thrown. Tn these Stiffy and Mo were immense. Parading: at the seaside as two lords (a conception almost beyond the stretch of the imagination), the pair had the audience in a riot of laughter. In another turn Stiffy was priceless as a tutor in cap and gown, with 'Erb as his refractory pupil. One of the cleverest turns of the evening was that in which Mo appeared at the stage door with a bouquet and a bag of peanuts as the gift of a shepherd from Wanganri to Miss Sadie Gale. For dry humour this would be hard to excel.

The show was brought to an end with a riotous farce entitled, "Home, Sweet Home," in which the partners in comedy were very much to t.he fore. A word of commendation- is due to the orchestra under the conductorship of Les Clements. The Whirligigs will be in motion on each evening of the week, as well ras at matinees on Wednesday and Saturday.