ST. JAMES' THEATRE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21413, 4 March 1935, Page 17

ST. JAMES' THEATRE

♦ "ORIENTAL NIGHTS" Nimble dancing and bright songs, coupled with the humour of artists such as Frank Perrin and Ike Delavale, have brought the "Gaieties of 1935" into their eighth week at the St. James' Theatre, and "Oriental Nights," which began its season on Saturday, is every whit as good as its predecessors.

Yet, the best items of the evening were provided by the "Three Alecs." In the first half of the programme their antics as acrobatic clowns were amazing and the timing was judged to perfection. While the way bicycles of all shapes and sizes can be ridden was being displayed by one, the other two were tumbling about the stage in weird contortions. In the second half the clown's costumes were replaced by singlets and flannels, and turn followed turn in a quick succession of gymnastic evolutions. The poise and strength which had to be combined to complete some of the items were startling. Dot Arnold was the life of the show whenever she was on the stage. Her gay, roguish humour is of the true soubrette type, and she is not long on the boards before the audience is infected with her bright spirit. The dancing of the ballet is as good as ever, whether it is in tap-dancing numbers or in the slower, more sedate numbers in support of vocal items by Rae Foster or Nell Fleming. Two of their number keep perfect time in a skipping-rope duo. Fred Perrin and Ike Delavale ably lead the humorous part of the programme. Victor Burke, for his singing of "Love's Old Sweet Song," was loudly applauded, and he appeared in several of the humorous sketches.

It is pleasing, and rather unusual, to find such rapid changes between the items and such care as was taken with the costumes and scenery. The Gaiety Orchestra, under the baton of May Brooke, was efficient, and in conjunction with the artists helped to make "Oriental Nights" an enjoyable entertainment. A special gift matinee is to be given on Wednesday afternoon next at 2.30, when the women are to be specially catered for. The gifts include dress lengths and other useful articles. A children's matinee is arranged for next Saturday afternoon, the principal gift being a bicycle. Each child attending the matinee is to be presented with a slice of Uncle Frank and Uncle Ike's birthday cake. Seats may be reserved at the D.I.C. till 5.30 p.m., then at the theatre. Day sales are at Knight's milk bar and theatre sweet shop.