"THIS WAS THE ARMY"

Chronicle (Levin), 14 August 1947, Page 2

"THIS WAS THE ARMY"

AUSTRALIAN COMPANY TO PLAY IN OTAKI The Australian ex-services company, calling themselves_ The Kangaroosters," and playing at the Civic Theatre, Otaki, on Monday r.exc," must be the youngest stage company ever to visit New Zealand. The average *age would not be over 25 years, but what the company lacks in years it makes up with its youth and versatility. All the- male members are exservice personnel and some were in service shows during the war. Bruce Skurray, the harmonica player, although now orly 23, has been playing his mouth organ since an early age,-and has broadcast from many Australian stations. Max Barry, the ventriioquist, has a most novel act which is defmitely a product of the war. Lovely lit.le Merle Bates, who plays so er. tertainingly on her accordian, is the baby of the company, being not yet 19. The SanReno brothers do an acrobatic act that leaves one gasping, and it is no exaggeration to say i-hat they are Australia's best, v

Dot Westney, the cnarmirg soubrette, plays with equal ease, drama, burlesque or musicale, while Carole and Craig, the dancing duo, are probably the hottest tappers seen in this country for years. In dusky voiced Alma Renault "The Kangaroosters" have a very unusual croonette, whose voice is most appealing ard versatile. Ken Werner is an aecomplished actor, singer and dancer, whose career was interrupted by the war, but on his discharge with the rank of captain he returned to the stage. . Soprano Mariette was singirg in Shanghai at the outbreak of the Japanese war, and was imprisoned in the infamous San Thomas concentration camp, and released by Allied troops in 1945. She suffered great hardship there, and is only now regaining her health, strength and beautiful singing voice. Jphn Edwards, a baritone of exceptional quality is no strarger to New Zealand, having, despite his youth, toured with J.C.W. companies before the war. "The . Kangaroosters" are fortunate in having as their producer and comedian George Wallace, Junr., who is recognised as Australia's yourgest and most promising funny man. He and his sparring partner, A1 Reynolds, are natural laughter makers, and in their many sketches . keep the fun fast ar'd furious. The seven-piece orchestra, led by Mavis Booth, gives an excellent background to the show, and has been praised by newspaper critics everywhere.