THE GREAT NICOLA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 February 1939, Page 2

THE GREAT NICOLA

NEXT WEDNESDAY'S ATTRACTION AT THE REGENT. The Great Nicola, world famous magician, witli his now troupe of mystifiers arc to appear at tne Regent Theatre, Masterton, for one night only. Wednesday, March 1. Nicola is accompanied by a score of assistants and technicians and over 150 tons of illusions and scenic effects. Although Nicola retains some of his old favourite tricks, in the main, his programme consists of almost all new mysteries and novelties, and his scenic effects are claimed to be the most lavish ever seen with a show of this description. and compare very favourably with the big West End musical extravanganzas. To enumerate some of Nicola's new features, he mentions as the supreme achievement of his entire life, a magical playlette entitled "The Wizard's Dream,” no less than a dozen bafflingillusions are crowded into this one scene with such swiftness and deftness, that even close students of magic art have been unable to fathom it.

"Jigsaw Masterpieces,” “The Prison Escape.” "A-B-C Mystery Blocks,” "Iron Maiden” and "Magical Surgery” are some of the highlights of Nicola’s new programme. Nicola is supported by a very brilliant cast of capable entertainers, all of them making their first public appearance in this country. Among the outstanding, Nicola mentions Miss Lucila Roberts, a psychic marvel known as “The Girl with the X-ray Eyes.” so penetrating that it is claimed that she can read one’s very thoughts, her predictions of world events have created a furore throughout the world. Al De Clercq, billed as the “Last of the Hollywood Hillbillies” presents the cream of his repertoire, that have made him famous in many of the big Hollywood productions. Big Ben “The Pig Comique,” presented by Sherry and Alf, is without exception the most clever and laughable bit of tomfoolery in the programme, a most distinct departure from anything ever seen in stagecraft and one of the most popu-

lar items in the entire programme. Of course, there will be "Dobsky,” as the Nicola show would not be complete without this awkward assistant, but this time the part is played by one of Broadway's top comedians, Alf. Berg, who is said to keep the programme full of laughs from start io finish.