AustLit

Revue.

Described in the Sydney Morning Herald as a 'merry Christmas frolic,' Joy Bells was essentially a revue for all ages. Among its features were the usual revue elements of song, dance, and comedy sketches, with the addition of a miniature circus, acrobatic displays, and musical scenas on the theme of Christmas. The Herald's review also reports that

'A sketch by Jim Gerald and Tommy Dale, in which the life of a busy bee was discussed, was an amusing piece of dialogue rounded off with an entertaining dance. A well-produced scena, "the Doll's Dream," was one of the features of the programme. The ballet and children represented dolls and the turn served as a good introduction for the Three Orlandos in a rag-doll specialty. The act was reminiscent of the old pantomime turn at its best, and deserved the applause that followed. The spectacular "Prosperity" which closed the first part was an ambitious setting representing the Empire. The whole company joined in the tableau, which was well conceived and artistically arranged' (26 December 1933, p.2).

Abdy's Animal and Bird Circus comprised 'performing pigeons, educated cats, trained dogs, dancing cockatoos and a cockatoo mathematical marvel' (Sydney Morning Herald 26 December 1933, p.2).