TOP-NOTCH SHOW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 71, 10 January 1947, Page 5

TOP-NOTCH SHOW

FRIVOLITY MINSTRELS A coming show to Whakatane which has received popular acclaim elsewhere wherever it has staged, is the Frivolity Minstrels presentation from Napier. The whole show may be classed as a gorgeous musical Pantomime.

The first half comprises a modernised minstrel show, with enough nigger element in it to justify the main theme, but with more colour imported into it by way of costume and variety of turns than would be expected of a non-professional company. It commences with a colourful overture by the Frivolity Orchestra, and runs through every form of variety “turn” to an extremely funny broad comedy piece by Wally Ireland entitled “Nobody Loves a Fairy When She’s Forty.” The team works wonderfully well together, the concerted numbers proving that the training has been adequate. The ballet dancing is very pleasing indeed, and some of the members of the company have excellent voices. The Sleeping Beauty theme is well maintained and the pantomime atmosphere fused into the performance. The costuming is colourful and fresh, the humour well presented, while the scenery is a credit to the designer W. L. Waters. That the Frivolity Minstrels should have been in continuous existence for 47 years and now be engaging in a tour after six years of war is a remarkable achievement. With so much accumulated experience behind it, there is no room for wonder that the general presentation has attained to so high a level. “Sleeping Beauty” is a good show, providing a colourful topical entertainment which is a credit to the company.