ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4305, 17 August 1921, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE “VICE-REGALS.” A SUPERB COMPANY. The “ Vic.e-Regals,” who appeared before a thoroughly packed house in the Central Theatre last night, is undoubtedly the finest vaudeville company that has visited Paeroa for many a long day, and came as a refreshing treat after so much mediocre outside talent. The audience showed appreciation in an unmismaable manner throughout the varied and sparkling performance, the excellent fare commanding frequent bursts of hearty applause. The items were well-bal-anced, and of such a character as to appeal to musical tastes and also the general desire for fun and frolic. The concert opened with a highly diverting overture, with jazz band effects, the central figure being Mr Bert Munyard, who gave a clever exposition on the drum and sundry other instruments, securing an encore, which was merged into item two, "Carry On,” by the company.

Will Crawford and Norman French put on a running fire of good gags, having the unusual merit of being original, ■' Jessie and Hilda Meadows, in “ A Revelry of Harmony,” gave aa exquisite rendition on the violin, the first number being "Ann ie. Laurie,” with variations, and singing. (Encore.) The best humorous turn’ p£ the evening was Mr G. P. Hanna’s clever and pointed local hits. He kept the audience in roars of laughter for a good ten minutes. He called it “The Gospel According to the ‘Gazette.’ ” The fine baritone, Mr Bobby Pearce, received, well-merited encores. He has a voice of splendid range and power.

A military sketch by the male members of the company was a good burlesque, full of wit and -hilarity. The soprano of .the company, Miss D’Arcy, sang “Destiny” with distinctive appeal, giving as an encore “Garden of Sun-shine.”

Johnny Marks treated the audience to -some racy humour, hauling off sprightly new gags. The “Vice-Regal” quartette, Messrs Exton, Kilner, Pearce, and Simpson, pleasingly rendered plantation ditties. (Encores.) , The burlesque by Messrs G. P. Hanna, Wijl Crawford, Norman French, Johnnie Marks, and Miss Jessie Meadows, entitled "The New War,” was very well acted, and screamingly funny. Tlie turn also had the-merit that it was not overdone. The above concluded the first part of the programme, the second being equally meritorious. A delightful bit of “spooi,” “When King Richard was a Boy,” by G. P. Hanna, is worthy of special mention, as is also Mr Syd, Exton (tenor) whose song, " Love, Here’s My Heart,” was very fine. His voice is melodious and of good timbre. A recital, "The Shooting of Dan McGrew,” with Mr Will Crawford as narrator, was a Very fine dramatic sketch. Mr Crawford displayed a high degree of histrionic and elocutionary ability,, and the company performed the accompanying tableau with telling effect,./'Will Crawford got a rousing reception for his skilful exhibition of stepdancing. Mr G. P. Hanna entertained with his clever sketch work, ’ depicting various members of the audience with wonderful dexterity and fidelity.

A picturesque Eastern representation of the Budda concluded an entertainment of uniformly excellent quality.

SOCIAL & EUCHRE TOURNAMENT.

TO-MORROW NIGHT

A grand social and euchre tournament is to be held in the Central Theatre to-mor-ow night. This function has been organised by supporters of the Sports Queen; in connexion with the effort /o raise funds for St. Mary’s Church. The euchre tournament, for which there are no less tha,n six good prizes, .will be played off on the stage. The committee are out to make this event an enjoyable' social function and are laying themselves out to cater for a large gathering.

“ODDS AND ENDS.”

NEXT SATURDAY. "Fun gives you a forcible hug, and shakes laughter out of you, whe-ther-you will oi not.” So said Garrick, and the new “Odds and Ends” Comedy Company is out to prove it. Headed by the pick of the comedy, musical and dancing staff of the Williamson production “Sinbad the Sailor,” the cast is an' exceptionally ■strong one. Edgley and Dawe are twin comedians, the very recollection of whom will raise a laugh, wlii,lst Dan Agar ought tc be suppressed under the Noxious Weeds Act as a provoker of undue merriment at a serious time of life; The “come and trip it as you go” contingent is headed by : Alys and Florence Wilson, whose acrobatic and toe-dancing fantasies made such a hit in “Sinbad.” Patsie Hill, another old favourite, has a part in which she has ample opportunity to be as chic and cheeky as ever, and. another brimful-of-chances character is aUptted to that capable soubrette Clar.i Williams. CecLy Audjbert’s beautiful voice is a tower of strength in the concerted numbers with Walter Williams, the velvet baritone. The box plan is' open at the /‘Gazette”