ST. JAMES' THEATRE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21414, 5 March 1935, Page 4

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 the company is presenting this week is every whit as good as its predecessors. Some of the best items of the evening are provided by the "Three Alecs" The poise and strength which has to be combined to complete some of their items are startling. Dot Arnold is the life of the show whenever she »is 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. Frank Perrin and Ike Delavale ably lead the humorous part of the programme. Victor Burke, in his singing of "Love's Old Sweet Song," is really delightful, and he appears in several of the humorous sketches. To-morrow afternoon at 2.30 a special gift matinee will be given, when the women will be specially catered for. The gifts include dress lengths and other useful articles. A children's matinee has been arranged for next Saturday afternoon, when the principal prize will be a bicycle. Each child attending the matinee will be presented with a slice of Frank Perrin and Ike Delavale's birthday cake. Seats may be reserved at the D.I.C. until 5.30 p.m., when plans are transferred to the theatre. Day sales may be obtained at Knight's Milk Bar and at the theatre sweets shop.