STILL GOING STRONG

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 602, 2 March 1929, Page 15

STILL GOING STRONG

WALLACE AGAIN LAUGHTER AT ST. JAMES Parts admirably suited to the talents oC Georo Wallace were provided for the popular comedian in the two amusing sketches included in this week’s programme. In “Mystery Manor” Mr. Wallace is the idiot butler who disguises a keen brain under an assumed cowardice and the oft-repeated request for a day off. Si Meredith, and winsome Marie Nyman, are the newlyweds, who ai'e taken over the haunted house where skeletons, ghosts, and repulsive looking negroes pop up in unexpected places. “Bi'utus,” the presumably simple country lad, is the type of part beloved by Mr. Wallace, and in it he is the life of the second sketch, “Village Lads.” Confidence men play their part, and find Brutus less of a simpleton than he looks—in fact, as the programme tersely announces, lie is nothing less than a bad egg. "Somewhere South of Shanghai” was Marshall Crosby’s best number, though “Mountains of Mourne” was also well received. Marie Nyman and Maida Jones shared the singing honours as far as the feminine members of the company were concerned. Both artistes were supported in their numbers by the Six Rascals, who trip on and off the stage in lively ballets, and with a beAvildering number of dresses. “Mother, Speak To Ethel!” written and sung by George Wallace, was probably the most popular lone effort of the evening. As a husky youth, Wallace appeals to his mother to help him to avoid the attentions of a dainty damsel. The two Dudleys sang a few of “Your Old Favourites,” which pleased the audience greatly, as did the bright cross-talk these comedians always feature. The Flaming Y r ouths were in particularly good form, and put on several numbers, in which they were ably supported by other members of the company. Behind the drum, George Wallace provides the comic relief, and sings “A Rainbow Round My Shoulder” with good effect. A fox-trot arrangement of Faust is also well executed.

Crates of scenery are coming over from Australia for the presentation of “When Knights Were Bold,” announced George Wallace during the evening. The comedian said it would be an ambitious production, but he hoped that it would appeal to Auckland audiences. Hie would cease to be George Wallace,

the comedian, and would take an ordi nary part.