17 MAY 1946, Page 12

THE THEATRE

" Sweetest and Lowest." At the Ambassadors.—" Can-Can." At the Adelphi.

THE third version of London's brightest and most successful revue, Sweetest and Lowest, is as good as its predecessors, of which it retains one item, the delightful ballet scene between Hermione Gingold and Henry Kendall. This is saying a great deal but not too much, for Hermione Gingold maintains her extraordinarily high level, and her appearance as a Picasso figure is one of the best things she has ever done. Apart from her indubitable and acid talent and the aplomb of her partner, Henry Kendall, both artists owe a great deal to Alan Melville's witty text and lyrics, which are much above the average. Also they are happy in always having gay and appropriate music ; but it is perhaps chiefly the sense of style which pervades their shows, starting from the small, picked chorus and the tasteful dresses and settings to the fantastic apparel of Miss Gingold herself, which gives these revues their very special quality and makes them so attractive to ear and eye.

" Can Can" has no sense of style but abounding vitality, and Offenbach's music is melodious and effective. Clifford Mollison

sweeps everything along with tremendous gusto, and the lively choruses arc well sung with an infectious zest. Mr. Mollison is ably seconded by Leo Franklyn and Elizabeth French. An enter- tainment that will greatly please those with a nostalgic interest in