THE DIGGERS'PIERROTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 240, 4 July 1919, Page 8

THE DIGGERS'PIERROTS

AMUSE A CROWDED THEATRE

. The Grand jOpera House was too small to accommodate all who wished to witness the performance of the "Diggers'" New Zealand Divisional 'Pierrots, who gave their first performance last evening. Although there may not be anything sensational as to quality—with one outstanding exception—the Diggers' Pierrots give a show that is clean, clever, and without a dull moment. Their style is easy, unrestrained/ and intimate, ;;iid occasionally they get a touch of tho benches into their business" and jokes, particularly acceptable to those who have "been across," if slightly incomprehensible to mere "civvies." Tho entertainment eimply consists of turns—songs, quuiteia, etc.—by pink Pierrots titivated with chorus and ensemblo effects, aided by the limelight mitn in the corner, whilst in the second half there are sketched and some amusing character play, disclosing the Pierrots to be clever mummers as well ivs singers .and dancers. The iv.ctption referred w above in tlm personnel of the is Stan. Luwson, easily the best femalo impersonator ever seen in this country, and who must at once iFko rank as the Julian Eltinge of ?scw Zealand. Mr. Lawson's Pierrette is' quite a charming girl, refined, coquettish, and with just that trace of affectation in speech that bespeaks "the perfect lady." Mr. Lawson's various "fraule'ns" made the hit of the evening. Her daintiness in dress, movement, and figure was sll part of exceedingly clever ijiipersona-tions-6o real that many would not lie convinced that it was not a young lady, until Mr. Lawson pulled off bis wigs—of which he uses a variety with nmeh effeot. Mr... Lawson first dazzled the audience/in "A Hole in Her Stocking," and was also the centre of attractiou in "Busy Bee" and "The Pride of the Pier," in which "she" wore a most alluring bathing costume. Then with Mr. Frank Jerkins she 6ang subtly of the "Wild Thyme" she adores, and danced with all the alert grace of a flapper of the day. Lieutenant Q. P. HanSift lias developed a latent talent for character work in quite a remarkable way. "Tho Padre" was a very comical dissertation in "braid Scots" on men and things at,home, in France, and on the Rhino. As the elevated gentleman (?) in 'The Musio Hall" sketch, Lieutenant Hanna was rcsponsiblo for a remarkably able and very amusing inebriate study. He also "lightning sketched" with rll , his old facility. , "Our Old Bill" <TU. Hon. W. F. Massey) and "The Watch on the Rhino" were a couple of tint) examples of the artist's chalk irork. Tano l'Vimfi, the low comedian, is also a very nmflsing performer. Ho gage comically in a paternal vein, and in "Songs and Their Singers" gave valuable hints as to how a popular soug can bo camouflaged by changes of tune and tempo. Mr. Fama was, however, nt nis best as the burlesque actor in the final sketch., and "Old Bill" in "Tho Leave Train." , Mr. Frank Perkins eang "The Bells of St. Mary's" (with an original treatment of the refrain by a Bupporting quartet), and Mr. Laslett Exton, whoso tone appeared to bo alTccted by a cold', sung in good taste, "Love, Come from Your Hiding Place," and was encored. Mr. George Proctor was also recalled for his singing of "God Gave You to Me." Jfr. Norman French sang "Alexander's Back from Dixie," a quartet blended sweetly "Way Down Yonder in the Cornfields." The two sketches, "The Leave Train" mill "The Musio Hall" were both full of good laughs. The Diggers have a serviceable orchestra of ten performers (under Private Cottier), which played the "Chu Chin Chow" overture and tho popular "Missouri Waltz" to tho delight of the gallery.