MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 32, 15 February 1935, Page 5

MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH

AKING the masses weep is a comparatively simple matter; making them laugh is an entirely different proposition. A play may bring forth the old tearprovoking theme again and again-and it never fails in its object; if the same ,mirth-making theme is handed out a second time the laughs it raises would make the Sahara seem more like a laughing gallery. The man who would make the public laugh must strike away from existing standards-must make his own characteristics and interpretation the reason for laughter, Yathér than the words he uses. There are numerous examples of this type of comedian. on the stagu_to-day-George Robey, Leslie Henson, Laurel and Hardy, Eddie Cantor, George Wallace-and everyone has cultivated his own inimitable style of humour. In another column to-day we announce the engagement by the Broadcasting Board of Harry Thurston, the famous English comedian who, as ‘Ole Bill,"’ became one of the most famous characters in the history of British comedy. Mr. Thurston hit on a topical sub-ject-the middle-aged, good-hearted old groucher, suddenly transferred to Flanders-and he swept England with his success. New Zealand listeners who are constantly calling for more humour in the programmes should greet the announcement of Mr. Thurston’s en: gagement with joy.