JOYLAND THEATRE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21391, 6 February 1935, Page 3

JOYLAND THEATRE

"THIRTY-DAY PRINCESS" "Thirty-day Princess," a fine comedy drama, will begin at the Joyland Theatre, New Brighton, to-night. The story tells or the adventures of a girl who is offered a large sum of money to act as a princess for 30 days. The complications which follow are full of amusing incidents. A different but extremely fascinating Sylvia Sidney, free for the time of appearing morbid, unhappy, or frustrated, is seen in this delightful comedy satire. As the little actress who was hired to impersonate a princess, and wound up wishing that she were a real princess, so that she could hold the* love of the handsome newspaper publisher, Sylvia Sidney is refreshingly witty. Heading the supporting cast is Gary Grant, who could overcome any woman's resistance as the handsome, impetuous publisher, Lucien Littlefield, and Vince Barnett.

ST. JAMES* ♦ "A DAY AT THE RACES" The fine reputation Stanley McKay's "Gaieties of 1935" have made in Christchurch is further increased by this week's review, "A Day at the Races." The new revue gives wide scope- to the company's many outstanding artists and the programme is of exceptional interest and variety. Singing, dancing, and clowning are delightfully blended and in addition there are some outstanding novelty numbers. A company so rich in first-class comedians is rare indeed. Frank Perrin teams with Ike Delavale in some very bright numbers, land the former has not been seen to better advantage. "Over the Garden Wall" is a very funny sketch, in which Perrin makes broad play, ably assisted by Dot Arnold, Nell Fleming, Ted Stanley, Ivy Ivel, and Fred Argyle. Perrin is a splendid all-round comedian. Ike Delavale, a Jewish comedian from Australia, who made his first appearance last week, is given some wonderful opportunities, and he makes many others himself. Other good items of the first half are the songs of Rae Foster and Victor Burke, the Irish tenor, and a hand balance act by the two Alexanders. Early in the second half comes a yodelling number by the two Newtons, and later on Rae Foster and Victor Burke combine well in the best-known scene from. "The Geisha Girl." Others who give delightful performances are Cecil Perry, Fred Argyle, Nell Fleming, and tiee and Barrie. Dot Arnold and Ted Stanley are good in many comedy acts, and Esma Roach, a talented violinist, is heard to advantage as a soloist and as an accompanist. There will be a ladies' linen gift matinee to-day at 2.30, when valuable Irish linen quilts, tablecloths, and

other articles will be given free to lucky patrons. A children's gift matinee will be held on~ Saturday next, when a £6 bicycle will away, and each child., attending will .receive a present. The bicycle is noW on view at Jones' Cycle Shop, High j street. • ■,- - -