THE FAMOUS N.Z. DIGGERS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2346, 25 October 1921, Page 2

THE FAMOUS N.Z. DIGGERS

Great folk are only human after all.

Earl Haig, Commander in Chief, said, when he saw the famous Diggers at Montreuil, France: “I have been highly amused and entertained.” Thousands of people have endorsed the eminent soldier’s remark.

This remarkable company has gone on improving until now they appear as a very high-class show indeed. Readily recognising that, although sentiment helped to bring big patronage on their first tours, they must now expect to stand entirely on their merits as entertainers. They have secured some very fine talent from other parts of the world. Amongst these is Joe Valii, a Scottish comedian and eccentric dancer, who was, until recently, appearing at the Palladium, London, in his own sketch, “Tickets Please,” which he will produce in the present Diggers’ programme. Another Digger is Sergeant Bert Barton, who is well-known as a principal comedian of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. He played a number of parts with the firm, but is perhaps best known in the name part of “Humpty Dumpty,” the successful pantomime. Another comedian is Frank Moran, a New Zealander, who, since armistace was signed, has been successfully touring England with various companies.

The voices in the troupe this time are far superior to any in the past, and include Gwilym Daviese, known as “the man with the golden voice.” The revue, in which the company appears, was purchased from Hugh D. Mclntosh, of Tivoli Theatres, Ltd., Australia, and is a screamingly funny one, besides encompassing some very beautiful scenery and dresses.

The show still sticks to its motto, “Clean Humour,” which has made the company pre-eminent as a family show. The popularity which the company enjoys makes it necessary, in order to secure comfortable scats, to book in advance. The Famous Diggers’ Orchestra is still as good as ever, and many people regard this part of the performance as a treat in itself. The old Pierrot form of entertainment has been superseded by a more elaborate show, and the revue will give far more scope than hitherto. The costumes have been all designed and executed in London. These young theatrical intrepences work on the motto that nothing but the best will suit their patrons, whether they be in town or country, and their big successes have proved its wisdom.