LONG TACK SAM.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19887, 16 May 1936, Page 10

LONG TACK SAM.

EXHILARATING ENTERTAINMENT. CLEVER COMPANY IN HAMILTON. “Clever, these Chinese!” said Long Tack Sam as the audience broke into enthusiastic applause at the end of some particularly clever act at the Theatre Royal last night, when the company commenced a Hamilton season. The remark was more than justified, for the Chinese seen on the stage were decidedly clever. In a georgeous Eastern setting they did the most amazing things with the greatest ease —head to head balancing, horizontal bar work that must be seen to be believed, acrobatic tumbling, contortion work, balancing on top of a pole that reached to the top of the stage, diving through a narrow frame surrounded by sharp knives, and many other acts which held the tense interest of the audience. They did it all, too, with smiles and gay cries, as though they were enjoying themselves tremendously. At times the stage was a whirling mass, as these young Orientals —male and female —displayed their cleverness in varied ways. It was all very exciting and exhilarating. Long Tack Sam was the guiding spirit in this part of the programme, and his merry patter and genial personality kept everyone in happy mood. At intervals he proved his ability as an Illusionist, making things disappear, re-appear and change into something else in a bewildering fashion. He is a master magician. Miss Nee Sa Long, Mr Long’s charming daughter, sang, danced and played the violin when going through difficult contortion work.

Several European performers contributed to the first part of the programme. The four La Salles are remarkably clever skaters, and their act proved very popular with the audience. They danced gracefully and defied death in theh* acrobatic work, culminating in Madame La Salle looping the loop in dramatic style. Paul and Leon gave a tap dance on skates with even more ease than most performers would , do it in shoes. The dancing of Mas- • cotte and Maurice —ballroom, jazz and acrobatic—was delightful, combining grace, agility and strength attractively. • Miss Dora Lindsay sang of Mrs Nosey j Parker and told tales of her neigh- ! hours which kept the audience chuck- ! ling, and finished with a child study that was as funny as it was clever. Astor fulfilled the billing as “a surprise,” with broad burlesque, amusing stories and “straight” melodies, closing with an exhibition of double-voice singing. Jandy, the French clown, obtained music from unexpected places —his flger-tips, various parts of his body, bottles and rows of bells. The j ! orchestra, with Miss Doris Burt at the 1 ’ piano, gave great assistance. |; A matinee is being given this after- j i noon, and the season will close to- ! night. j