“EASTWARD BOUND”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1939, Page 8

“EASTWARD BOUND”

STANLEY McKAY’S GAIETIES. MARVELLOUS BALANCING FEATS BY GEORGE HURD. “Eastward Bound,” the revue presented by Stanley McKay’s Gaieties of 1939 in the Masterton Opera House last night to a well-filled house, gave rise to plenty of laughter, with seme real thrills as well for good measure. The performance went with a swing from start to finish and judging by the way in which the audience received the many and varied items, the programme was heartily enjoyed. By far the best number of the night was that given by George Hurd, who performed the most difficult balancing feats with comparative ease. Some of his accomplishments were amazing. One of the most spectacular was that in which he hoisted a revolving tub into the air balanced on the leg of a chair, which was itself supported by the business end of a broom standing on his chin. Not satisfied with this balancing feat, he proceeded to make the chaiy revolve. More maryellous still was a feat in which he balanced from his chin a tray of glasses perched upon a tall stand and above them a tray of real eggs. Suddenly, he gave a’ whisk, the top tray flew out and each and every one of several eggs fell into the glasses .Tennis balls were made to do almost anything the performer desired, rolling up one arm, around his neck and down the other arm while others jumped from his shoulder into his eye and stayed there. Three billiard cues became almost- human in Mr Hurd’s hancis, one cue being made tp db all sorts of eccentricities in the air. The San Remo Bros certainly gave something out of the ordinary in their hand balancing feats, their strength and adroitness winning admiration from one and all. Their act has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Other splendid acrobatic turns were provided by Assam, Pekoe, Souchon and Congo. Stan Foley, Alec McKinnon and Max Reddy were responsible for raising most of the many laughs of the evening. They appeared to be quite at home in their roles as fun-makers, though they seemed to be unable to get away from a risque basis for their jokes. No doubt there are certain members of the audience who like this highly-spic-ed humour but it must be remembered that there are many others who look for something better than a succession of somewhat coarse jokes. Other performers to win the plaudits of the audience were Scotty and Dolly, dancers; Miss Stella Collier in song scenes with the ballet; Nellie Kolle, male impersonator; Gerry Keogh and Snowy Towers, dancers: Stella Lamond, personality girl and Elvie, violinist. Mr Max Reddy, on behalf of the management, thanked those present, for their attendance and stated that besides a special gift matinee this afterhoon, an entirely new programme would bo presented this evening. He hoped that those who had enjoyed the evening’s entertainment would tell their friends.