"THE BOAT-WAITERS"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 92, 13 January 1919, Page 8

"THE BOAT-WAITERS"

.VARIETY PERFORMERS IN CONCERT CHAMBER. Tho entertainment provided by the "Boat-waiters" at tlio Concert Chamber of the Town Hall may bo regarded as one of tho consolatory gusts that are supposed to accompany every ill wind. The members of tlie company liavo already earned popularity on various stages, and they would have been out of New Zealand by this tinio if the dislocation' of tho shipping services had not detained them here. Being hero compulsorily, they decided not to face tho temptation that awaits idle hands, and on Saturday night they presented thoir first programme before a full house. They were given a warmly appreciative reception. After the opening concerted number, when the members of tlie company announced, in parody of a familiar song of a few years ago, "Here Wo Are, Waiting for a Boat," Miss Lalla. Ward and Mi'. Andrew Papo sang very pleasantly "Oil, That We Two AVere Maying," and bad to respond to an emphatic recall. Miss Ward bas a tuneful contralto voice, which was hoard to advantage later in the programme in solo songs. With Mr. Pace slip sang tlie ever-popular "The Keys of Heaven." Mr. Frank Wright was thoroughly successful in burlesquo monologues. Miss Nan Taylor, described as "the Scotch Lasaiej" contributed some of the songs that flourish on her native heath, including "Comin T Through the Ryo". and "Annio Laurie." Sho sang brightly and pleasingly, and was heartily applauded. Mr. Andrew Pace, who is known widely nB a capablo comedian, amused the audience with some numbers of his own. Stewart and Moore presented an entertaining sketch with musical attachments, ana proved again that they; are entertainers of considerable merit. More Scotch humour camo from Mr. Hughio Ogilvie, who treated the house to a "nicht wi' tho Mr. Ogilvie is a real Scotch humorist, and his turn was one of the most successful on tho programme. Great applause was accorded also to Sir. Borneo Gardiner, an ex-Welliugtonian, who has had a notablo career on the variety stage because he can whistle with extraordinary grace and tunefulness. His bird trills are wonders of airy delight, and ho can render "straight" musio in a inauner that is well worth hearing. Mr. Gardiner does other things besides practising tho art of "siffleur," and his performance on Saturday night was one of really great merit. Tho members of tho company brought their entertainment to a closo with an amusing comedietta, in which tho' chief parts were taken by Miss Madgo Surtees. Mr. Lionel Walsh, and Mr. Felix Bland. The littlo play made an excellent finish to an .attractive programme. The Boat-waiters aro announced to appear at tho Concert Chamber each night this week.