ST. JAMES THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 754, 29 August 1929, Page 14

ST. JAMES THEATRE

SPLENDID SHOW St. James Theatre was packed again last evening by an appreciative audience to witness Frank O’Brian and his merry company of revellers in the latest and most humourous sketch "All Smiles on the Western Front.” Smiling and jesting begin from the rise of the curtain, and is kept going at full speed throughout the two and a-half hours of enjoyable entertainment. The singing and dancing still maintain the high plane which has been the feature of all Frank O’Brian’s productions. The settings of the various acts are excellent and equal an}- musical comedies which have been seen in Auckland. The playing by the jazz band and the solo work of various members of the band, is a pleasure to listen to. As usual Frank still leads the show and his w-ork as a raw recruit and until he is demobilised, keeps the house in a continual roar of merriment. Miss Janice Hart, playing opposite to Frank, pleases immensely with her snappy dancing and singing. Eric Masters, Joe Hudon, Marie Ward and Ernie Brooks all help to make the production go with a snappy swing. The ballet, with its clever dancing, had recall after recall, and fully deserved them. Its novelty act, a dance sketch, toy dolls, was exceptionally well done. The band, under Tiny Douglas, is as popular as ever with its splendid renderings of well-known jazz pieces. This production will be staged again tonight.