McKAY’S GAIETIES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 5

McKAY’S GAIETIES

First Change Of Programme “LET’S GO HUNTING” ‘•Let’s Go Hunting” is the title of the first Wellington change of programme submlted by the Stanley McKay Gaiety Jtevue Company to large audiences atthe Grand Opera House on Saturday afternoon and evening. Usually the title of such revues means nothing, but in this ease the colourful finale of the first part was a typical English hunting scene, with the scarlet-coated huntsmen gathered round the village inn, preparatory to the chase. There was the usual "Tally-ho” chorus, accompanied by a ballet of red-jacketed wenches, and after that Stella Collier took the lead in the well-known "Hark Forward” scene from Cellier’s comic opera, "Dorothy,” which was quite well done. Were more such scenes from the old operas introduced into modern revues a healthier tone might be created.

As was the case last week, George Hurd, the adroit juggler, was the star turn of the evening. This amazing man who has perfectly co-ordinated mind, sight and action, takes pride in going through his amazing performances without making a slip. It is said that when he does make a slip it worries him a good deal more than it does his audience. The San Hemo Brothers, head and hand balancers, are also sound performers in their line. One of their feats consists of one man. lying in a recumbent position, balancing the other hand to hand in the air, and then struggling to an upright position with his burden, a feat that calls for abnormal strength and poise. Nellie Kolle. male impersonator, appeared in a navy blue dress-suit to sing with her accustomed vigour such jolly lilts as "Happy-Go-Lucky Days," "Picadilly,” and “Sunshine and Rain.” Miss Kolle’s engaging personality and friendly outreach to her audiences ensure her success.

One of the features of the new programme is the introduction for th* first time in Wellington of the London rage, “The Lambeth Walk,” a Cockney strut to a lively tune, which is sting by Gerry Keogh, with the assistance of the Gaiety Girls, attired in Lambeth togs. Stella Collier and Barry Ross were associated in the duet "If I'm Dreaming,” and, with the ballet, "Old-Fashioned Memories.” Miss Stella Lamond, the specialty soloist, contributed the facetious number "I Thought I'd Die” and the philosophic "Man's Seven Ages.” "Elvie,” the pretty blonde solo violinist, created a most pleasing impression by her smooth playing of "The Indian Love Call” and "Sympathy,” and “Scotty and Dolly,” two lively dancers, whose feet keep pace with their merry patter, made an agreeable impression. Assam. Pekoe 1 , Souchon, and Congo gave a good display of ground tumbling and Dolly Donoghue took the lead in the “Swing for Sale” song and dance number. Max Reddy and Stella Lamond were also finished in their duet work. As usual the programme was punctuated with several farcical sketches, which make the point of exploiting a class of humour offensive to the delicate ear and the decent mind, the chief exponent being Stan Foley. There is another word for what passes as humour in Australia. Some of it calls clamantly for the hand of the censor.

The orchestra under May Brooke did consistently good work.