"Salient" has asked me to give my ideas of the prospects of this year's Extrav. Item "The Vikings." This is rather like asking a trainer who has entered a horse for the Melbourne Cup what its chances are. Now "Salient" is always truthful, so it will not expect or print the blurb which is the usual advance publicity given as a quid pro quo for generous advertisements. Here, then, is my honest opinion of The Vikings. It is a well-written and, as far as burlesque can be, a logical script. It is a topical and caustic satirical comment on recent events in Europe. To some extent humour and wisecracks have been sacrificed so that the point may be clearer.

The heroes of the show so far have been the musicians. Dick Hutchens and Phil Marsack, who have written outstanding original tunes or skillfully adapted old ones. Some excellent work has been done by the costume and property department, and the ballet mistress has devised some clever numbers. The cast, apart from the Easter break, has worked consistently and with enthusiasm. If their efforts are in keeping with those of the others I have mentioned, then the show should prove acceptable to the public and. I hope, worthy of Victoria College.

—Ralph Hogg.

"Adam in Wonderland" is proceeding in the usual Seven Pillar manner which has now become traditional. The authors, like all craftsmen of the highest order, never consider their work is done, so each rehearsal brings forth new jewels of wit and stinging shafts of trenchant satire.

Following upon the Extrav, which swayed the General Election, the Seven Pillars show what might have been If "Adam Baba" had not been conceived.

The cast is throwing its weight into rehearsals and as the gross weight must run into tons, the producer is sincerely thankful that rehearsals are on the ground floor of the gym. This brings us to the point that the show will undoubtedly bring the house down.

Like Sir Harry Lauder, the Seven Pillars are bound to retire again this year. So don't miss the third farewell performance of these brilliant young satirists.

The cast will gladly forward a Free autographed photograph on receipt of £1/15/- to cover postage and incidental expenses.

—Jack Aimers.