“STOP PRESS”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12611, 23 November 1926, Page 8

“STOP PRESS”

HECTOR ST. CLAIR’S REVUE A RIOT OF FUN, Hector St. Clair gets fuunier weekly. Last night lie presented at His Alajesty's Theatre, ••fiitop-£T , 'ess,” a mixture of song, dance and comedy. Mr St. Clair works like a trojan througn the show. ills best sketch was me “Harassed Comedian,” in . which he was the butt of every one’s bad temper. He could do nothing right. His voice was so pathetic that one really thought he was -going to burst into tears. Then he would ask himself questions and answer them in a manner which delighted the audience. The turn with his violin was excellent. \veliington audiences will miss this clever and versatile comedian when Im moves on to another city. in the hrst sketch, “Taken by Surprise,’ ’ Mr St. Clair plays a “straight” part in a manner which showed what a splendid actor he is. Hylton Osborne’s tine baritone voice was heard to advantage several times. He was at his best m “songs at the piano” with Marilyn McGill, their best number being “Ukulele Baby,” in which Mr Osborne played a tenor banjo. In “Inlying To-night,” Hector St. Clair and V ictor Roberts did some extraordinary stunts on a crazy airship. One of the most fiopular men in the show is Leslie Pearce, who was heard in “I’ll Take Her Back” and “Because They All Love You,” two catchy numbers. “Matrimony,” a skit on advertising for a wife, was an amusing sketch which allowed most of the company to frolic around in their best style. The Three Rodney Girls need no introduction. Never had a team of girls been so popular as these bright damsels. They never fail to please even the most critical audiences. Ray McLean and Dot Cresswell gave a dance called “Stepping Out,” which was well received. The burlesque presented last night was “The Falorna and Chance Co.,”* in which the Lorna Lance Company were caricatured. This was the hit of the whole show' —it was an absolute scream from start to finish. Another good sketch was “Painless Extranction,” showing that many unusual things may happen in a dentist’s rooms. Mr St. Clair scored one of his biggest successes in this scene. In the vaudeville half Bertini and Byrne were heard in further selections from their musical repertoire. The Cartliy Brothers were just as popular as ever, especially the comedian whose songs with the banjo leave so little to the imagination. Lorna Lance and Co., the clever juvenile musicians, presented a first-rate programme. Little Leslie played “The Stars and Stripes” march on his drums like a drummer of many years* experience. A pair of newcomers were Clyde and Yvette, two smart and clever novelty dancers. Clyde is also a really good whistler. During the turn he gave an imitation of a steel guitar. It took a good deal to convince the audience that it was nn imitation, and not the real thing. Yvette is a dainty dancer who Snows just what the audience wants. Mr Wilfred Kohn’s orchestra helped the show along.