More pretentiously staged than any Capping show for years, the 1933 Extravaganza was very favourably received by the Press and the Public.

It consisted of three short plays, all of which were well acted and intelligently produced.

First on the list was a slow moving play. "The Gully Trap." Those who expected some reference to the recent Cricket Tests were well astray in their guesses, for this was a satire on Communism and the Soviet.

Admirably produced and well acted, there was nevertheless far too little action, and not near enough laughs for a long period at the commencement. of this skit to cause the audience to become really enthusiastic. The long solo speeches given to "Vera" certainly gained the required atmosphere, but at the cost of entertainment, and the arrival of the Policeman and comrade O'Sloggerty on the scene was very opportune.

In contrast with this play, "Great Caesar." a snappy, "wise-cracking" play (as the Americans would have it), shone with added lustre. Splendidly cast, this was the high spot in the evening's entertainment. To any Latin Scholar this must surely have appealed, and there were enough laughs in it to cause even the "Non-Latin's" to commend it.

Then followed "Mr. Galahad." Featuring the host girls' ballet yet seen in a 'Varsity show, introducing several original and very clever catchy tunes, belter dressed than any other 'Varsity performance for years, this was nevertheless not as good as the author's "Hoax and Coax" of last year.

The girls' ballet was not used near enough, considering their ability. There was not enough movement on the stage, and there were far too many times when, with two characters only on the stage, long breaks of not too humourous dialogue caused the audience's attention to wander to thoughts of the last ear home.

Despite that, however, it had its high lights. Redmond Phillips played Tanagra as he played Emma last year, really well, and since he had written the play, well deserved the plaudits he received. The Rotary Club Members were priceless, and their song one of the hits of the evening.

The girls were well cast, and it would be invidious to single any one out for praise.

It is easy, indeed, to criticise, and, indeed, very difficult to get results when asked. But these few suggestions are offered for what they are worth. In past years the Men's Ballets have always been the hits of the Extravaganzas, adding as they do to the burlesque atmosphere of a 'Varsity Revue. Witness the success of the "He-Houris" a few years ago. There were no men's ballets this year.

During the breaks in the plays it would add much to the entertainment value of the evening could the performance be kept moving by having one or two actors before the curtain, either singing, giving a short skit, or doing burlesque dances. The Weir House ballet on the last night are to be heartily commended for their little interlude.

The essential of Revue is quick movement. Then the audience is kept from thinking of the inherent weaknesses of the play, should it have any. The main fault of 'Varsity Revues seems to be that there are either too many on the stage or too few.

However, as we have said above, the 1933 Extravaganza was a distinct success, and it seems that we should be able to look forward to future extravs, with confidence. We have now had two really successful shows on end, and there is no reason why we should not produce an even better one next year.