"PRIMROSE."

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18675, 26 April 1926, Page 7

"PRIMROSE."

MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL COMEDY. At the Theatre Royal for a short season of five nights only, commencing on Saturday evening next, J. C. Williamson present the musical play "Primrose." Something quite out of the ordinary in musical comedy is promised by the J. C. Williamson directors in the coming production of "Primrose." What is really an exceptional cast is announced. Margery Hicklin, a famous London comedienne, will make her first appearance in Christchurch. Dorothy Lena, so excellent in "Leave It to Jane," has a fine part in "Pinkie. Peach." George Gee will make a welcome reappearance; also strongly cast is Jack Cannot. The critic of the Melbourne "Argus writes of the interpretation of the play as follows:—"As for the company, it is very happily ca6t. Miss Margery Hicklin plays 'Joan' to the life—she is the central figure in the whole picture, a winsome and finished actress. Miss Dorothy Lena has another chance to prove herself a thorough comedienne, and as the very self-possessed Pinkie Peach she makes a splendid foil to Mr George Gee, whose part is full of 'meat, and who with his excellent fooling carries the greater part of the play on his shoulders. He is ably supported by Mr Hugh Steyne and Jack Cannot, whose distinctive styles of humour blend well with the atmosphere of the play. Mr Leyland Hodgson sings well and acts charmingly as the novelist to whom all and sundry bring their troubles. ,9 n . a of the outstandng features of "Primrose" is its dancing. Miss Reita Nugent and_ Mr Fred McKay more than live up to their reputation as a 'whirlwind team,' and in their 'cat and mouse' number they combine exceptional talent with a true sense of the dressing and lighting required for spectacular effect." Others in a long cast who do yeoman service are Messrs Jack Testro, Harry Wotton, Rosie le Yardc, John Stuart, Winnie Tate, Ivy Parker, Connie Courtney, Gracie Fraser. The company are having an exceptionally successful tour of the north, and a big booking of seats is expected when the plans open on Wednesday next at The Bristol. A news message from Wellington states that remarkable scenes were witnessed at the Opera House on Saturday when "Primrose" was first presented. At an early hour in the evening queues began to form, and every seat in every part of the theatre was filled before the enrtain rose. The "house" must have been a record for the theatre.