Gladys Moncrieff In Vaudeville Show

Press, Volume C, Issue 29514, 16 May 1961, Page 13

Gladys Moncrieff In Vaudeville Show

The popular Australian singer, Gladys Moncrieff will appear in a vaudeville show which will begin at the Majestic Theatre, Christehuch. on June 3. The show is called “Many Happy Returns.”

Gladys Moncrieff made her first stage appearance in “H.M.S. Pinafore” in 1915. She toured South Africa and appeared in London at the Gaiety Theatre in “Riki-Tiki” in 1926. Nadina in “The Chocolate Soldier,” Rio Rita in the play of that name. Teresa in. “The Maid of the Mountains” and Sonia in “The Merry Widow” were a few of the roles that made her famous throughout Australia and New Zealand in the 1920’s and 1930’s

On her current tour (“definitely the last appearance”), Miss Moncrieff sings some of her old favourites Asked her age, she tells interviewers, “I’m still under 100” (“Theatre Who's Who” gives it as 67.) Whatever her age, however, there is no doubt that her popularity is undimmed. And unlike many modem stars, “the girl from Bundaberg” can still put across her songs without the aid of a microphone. Johnny Howard and the comedian, John O’Dowd, also appear in the show with a new generation of entertainers. A Swedish group, the Trio Hogana, do a triple spin off a slack wire; Montenegro a German juggler does an act; and two Australians appear in a singing act. Altogether there are 68 in the show, which is produced by Harry Wren.