ESSEX v. NEW ZEALAND
A Rur.ning Commentary on the match by the F. H. GILLINGHAM
Relayed from
- Essex C.C.C. Ground, Leyton
(See- pages 264 and 265.) THE LONDON Radio DANCE BAND. directed by SIDNEY FlRMAN

Two hundred years ago to-day was born Thomas Gainsborough, the greatest of the great band of English portrait painters of the eighteenth century; the painter of Mrs. Siddons and the Duchess of Devonshire, Derrick and Chatterton, and that famous 'Blue Boy' whose sale to America was the sensation of our century in the art-collecting world. Mr. H.H. Wilenski, the art critic of The Evening Standard, and a well-known connoisseur, will tell tonight of the artist and of his art.

(Picture on page 266.)

The Sonatas of Beethoven

On June 20, 1923, Captain O'Brien sailed from Dublin in the ketch Saoirse, 37 1/2 feet in length, with no auxiliary motor and a crew of two. Exactly two years later he made Dublin again after a voyage of 31,000 miles, via Pernambuco, Cape Town, Durban, Melbourne, New Zealand and the Horn - which the Saoirse is one of the smallest boats ever to round. Needless to say, such a voyage provided him with abundance of strange experiences, some of which London listeners will hear tonight.

SANDY ROWAN (Scotch Comedian)
ED. LOWRY (Keep Smiline)
CYRIL SHIELDS (Comedy Conjurer)
GLADYS MERREDEW (in Character Songs)
LUCILLE BENSTEAD (Soprano)

A good concert party is like good champagne. It has kick and sparkle and because it is light it has no after-effects,

'The Gang' A New Concert Party. Saturday May 14.
Dorothy Hurst, the Musical Comedy Actress. Don't fail to listen, if you want to hear something new.

In the last four years the B.B.C. has given its listeners samples of many good vintages, but in future it is to have its own brand. Tonight this new Concert Party is to be introduced to the listening world. You may have heard it before, though you did not know it. On Tuesday last week, you may remember, you overheard a musical party in a London flat. 'Who were they?' Now: you know. Tonight you will hear them under their own name, 'The Gang.' Don't miss it, for it is a new thing and likely to make a stir in the world.

Here are all the members of the team. From time to time they will be reinforced by shooting-stars from the outer firmament, but these five will twinkle regularly. First comes Geoffrey Gwyther, composer of some of the brightest and most tuneful music that ever came across the footlights. Theatregoers will remember his music in Tiptoes and Patricia; listeners have heard him at the piano in those most successful Saturday Night Revues. Then Donald Calthrop - no need to say more about him; his whimsical humour and distinctive personality are well j enough known in the theatre and on the air alike. Rex Evans is a newer star. His songs at the piano have made him, in record time. one of the outstanding names of London's most famous cabaret shows. Next we have Ethel Baird, who brings to this venture all her experience of musical comedy and revue in the West-end. And, finally, Carmen Hill, a singer who has been a favourite with listeners ever since broadcasting began. That is 'The Gang' which tonight will have the assistance of Miss London, 9.35.