VIM AT ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 849, 18 December 1929, Page 18

VIM AT ST. JAMES

POPULAR GERALD CHANGE “THE TENNIS CLUB” Very soon St. Janies Theatre will go over to talkies. It is the only ICO per cent, vaudeville show left in the City as it is. Those who are fond of this class of entertainment could not do better than see Jim Gerald in his latest and funniest potted farce, “The Tennis Club,” together with half a programme of his celebrated “Happy Ideas.” In this pleasant selection of peppy numbers and amusing playettes, Gerald sacrifices none of his punch as a comedian. “The Tennis Club” he correctly describes as “a bunch of joy, laughs, music, pretty girls and dancing.” That embraces everything. Gerald himself still features as The Big Nuisance. First he appears as a downtrodden, but determined, husband with a “sneezy,” bad c Id. His experience in the turkish bath —a scene with a clever impersonation—cures that. Later he joins the Boy Scouts and leads the patrol with the full dignity of the practised general. His corps contributes to some of the fun at the parade ground, while the pretty rural maid, Linda Foy, upsets the leader’s peace of mind just a little. Several little sketches involving the transfer of money reveal some bright Gerald ideas. The Nuisafice joins the Burglars’ Union, after much persuasion, and after expressing a strong preference for the Band of Hope. Even then he is not too keen on his job, till he discovers that his gun is the only one with a bullet in it. Just watch him then! He will tell you all about his goldfish this week, too. All members of the company are in good form. Mercia Elliott gives a vivacious idea of “Stepping Along,” and later sings a little thing called “Anything You Say.” Lily Coburn strikes an early morning note with her sparkling number, “The Sun is at My Window,” and retains the brightness in a little appeal, “Cover Me Up With Sunshine.” Linda Foy appears quite frequently, not only in vocal gems, but in little sketches, or as a contributor to the fun-makers’ happy thoughts. Reg Hawthorne always come 3 back to an insistent call when he yodels his songs. This week is no exception. He takes a prominent part in the comedy, as well, and makes quite a presentable Lord Colic at the Tennis Club. Tom Hale, too, has quite a lot to do, but his worst job of the night was when he sold The Nuisance a full bottle of love pills. It is surprising the damage that man did. Joan Graham and Ronnie Shand, aptly described as the “popular pair,” were seen last evening in some effective eccentric steps and a little melodramatic scene, while each performed individually with great credit. Essie Jennings and L.etty Craydon took their share of the work, and the Twinklers, the rhythmic ballet, came op with new frocks and original steps, supporting always Ihe true spirit of the show. For every turn they had new frocks and new steps. They are an essential part of the Gerald equipment. “The Tennis Club” and its attendant numbers form an extremely worthy Fuller show this week.