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LAUGHTER ROCKS TIVOLI
Jim Gerald Scores As "Mum"
For rapid wit of a mirth-provoking
nature it would bo extremely difficult
to surpass tlie new Tivoli show, "Oil,
Mum!", a domestic revue, in which Jim
erald fills tlie role of "Mum."
Melbourne audiences have always appreciated
the remarkable aptitude of
Jim Gerald for "dame" roles, which
eem to bring out the most comical eleents
of (his versatile actor's ability. In
his production his efforts compare more
han favorably with any of his past
uccesses.
His "Mum" would grace any revue
antomime. She is not exactly unique
s a stage representation, but Jim Gerald
is endowed with a gift of originality
which never fails to give a commendablo
newness to his impersonations. Jim
ladles out the fun in serves that over,
flow. "Muni" is responsible for a spon
taneous laugh merely for the way she
dressed. Her "strut"—it can hardly
termed a walk—her accomplished
style at tlie wasli-tub; her talented
neighborly gossip; her squabbles with
her daughters; her chastisement (phy-
sieally and orally) of them; her disappointment
when asked a particular
question; her kitchcn manners, seasickness
and preparation for sleep in a bunk
on a yacht, arc only a few of the incidents
that evoke screams of laughter.
The song "The Garbage Gentlemen's
Ball" is given its full comic force by
"Mum" and her daughter Kitty (Lily
Coburn). Miss Coburn is splendid
throughout in both song and character
representations. Frieda Bonning and
Heather Jones as "Mum's'' daughters
and Vilma Kayo, their friend, achieved
similar success.
Reg. Hawthorne is responsible for an
amusing portrayal of a landlord. Tom
Dale and Howard Hall again demonstrate
their usefulness to an exceedingly
well balanced company. "Oh, Mum."' introduces
also a number of particularly
bright choruscs.
The high standard set in previous
shows by The Twinklers, as the ballet
is popularly named, js maintained
throughout. Every week is emphasised
the discriminating selection of this happy
band of entertainers. For gracc of
movement, beauty of contour, and adaptability
they reach a high degree of excellence.
A spectacular scene in which is interpolated
a drum dance by Thelma Duff,
a comical soldiers' dance by Jim Gerald
and Lou Cottam, and a bright song by
Reg. Hawthorne, is concludcd by an
attractive tableau.
Will Perryman is an asset to this type
of revue. His singing is superb. In particular,
a romantic character representation,
"An Old Guitar," earned him the
plaudits of the audience.
On Friday, .Tim Gerald will continue
the fun in "Don't Toll the Wife." in
which he takes the part of an inebriated
husband who conspircs to defraud
an heir. Many opportunities for
doing the wrong thing present themselves
in this plot, and Jim Gerald is an
adept at giving them the comical twist.
It should be one of his best shows.
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