THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18682, 4 May 1926, Page 13

THEATRE ROYAL.

"PRIMROSE" ; BUi SUCCESS. Again hist night, a crowded house welcomed the bright musical show ''-Primrose" at the Theatre Royal. J. C. Williamson ami Company are to be congratulated on having secured such a talented band of English performers for the benefit of the C'hristehurch publie, which, for a long time, has shown the greatest favour to musical comedy. Any company that has Mr George Gee in its ranks is assured of an instantaneous success in this city; and its success is doubly pertain when ho has, as his leading lady, a person of such grace, charm, and eminence as Miss Margery llicklin, who played in the original produrtion in London for twelve months. He is also admirably assisted by the very popular Miss Dorothy Lena, who scored so well with the public when she was seen not so long ago in "Leave It To Jane." Mr Jack Cannot, another old favourite with Christchurch theatre-goers, is with the company, and does a great deal to make it the success it is. For it is safe to say that "Primrose." which is one ot' the most delightful musical feasts that have yet come to the Theatre Koyal, is a big success. Written by George Grossmith and Guy Bolton, the book is exceedingly bright, and one must be very attentive not to miss any of the "many good jokes, which follow each other smartly. Miss Minnie Everett is deserving of credit, for the magnificent display the ballets make. The music is catchy and tuneful, and proved most popular with last night's large audience. Some of the sparkling numbers are, "Somebody Loves Me," "All Alone," (which is now flooding the music-stalls), "Wait a bit, Susie," and "Blue Hoosier Blues." In the final sceno, the ballet, "L'Amour d'un Faun," is remarkable, and the dancing excellent. Applause, frequent and spontaneous, made (he theatre echo, and when the last curtain was rung down, fho patrons departed, highly pleased with their evening's entertainment. "Priniro.se'' will be repeated to-night.

"THE NEW ALADDIN." "The \e«- Aladdin" is the J. C. Williamson loaii pantomime, from the Palladium Theatre, London. Jt is claimed to have maguiticent stage settings, . and wonderful costumes, executed by J. C. Williamson's Modes, Ltd. The company is headed by Bruce Green, described as one of h'ngland's leading comedians and pantomime dames; Gus lilttctt, a clever Australian, who has come to the front rank of comedians; Floie Allen, another versatile talented Australian artist; Koiuu Phillips, a charming singer; William A. Hassan, the well-known animal impersonator of many pantomimes and many lauds; Dave Loffman, a fine baritone; Keg. Huberts, a well-known musical comedy comedian; Grafton Williams, character actor; Leslie Donahey, the diminutive comedian; The El Radiants, in a unique electrical novelty; tho twelve Williamson Girls, in a thrilling novelty act. Lucile Lisle, and Dorothy Dewar. Sadie Pepper, Lilian Nightingale, Harry Moles, and the Williamson beauty chorus and ballet are also included. The book is by Krncst Rolls, and was produced by him at the Palladium Theatre, London, and His Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne. He is the author and producer of many successful pantomimes in England. The music is by Hermann and Max Darewski. Tho orchestra will be under the baton of Harry Burton. The season will commence on Saturday next, May Bth, and is limited to seven nights only. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday, May 12th and 35th. The box pjans will open nt The Bristol Piano Co. on Thursday, May 6th.