PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 16626, 8 January 1918, Page 4

PRINCESS THEATRE

Again last night the seating accommodation in the Princess Theatre was insntficient for the number of people who attended that popular house on the occasion of the weekly change of programme. Thu Johnson Musical Revue Company began their third week with ‘The Gramophone Girls,’ a revue which proved one of the most successful of the series played on the previous visit of the company. There are many good things in 1 The Gramophone Girls.’ notably the ju-jitsu dance by Ernest Lashbrook and Lydia Cam, a tango by the Three Starrs, a pretty swing song with colored light effects, and patches of real good comedy. Gus Franks, back to his congenial work, was Issy Cohen, a plumber who intrudes himself at inopportune moments looking for a leaky gaspipe. Ho also arouses hearty laughter when, disguised as a most unmilitary-looking colonel, he describes some wonderful feats of arms. Lola Hunt was also in good form last night, her acting in , the soda-fountain stunt, when she is supposed to be affected by a chocolate drink into which alcohol has been surreptitiously placed, being particularly good. Ernest Lashbrook as Bill Lager, in a state of comic inebriation throughout the piece, sustains the character without causing boredom—not an easy thing to do. Lydia Came has exceptional chances to display her versatility, and grasps them with both hands, and,’it may be added, with both feet. Her dancing was very fine, her singing quite good, and her impersonations of well-known vaudeville artists—especially that of Wish Wynne—really excellent. Walter Johnson was as energetic as usual. There was nothing, however, in his orchestra-con-ducting stunt to warrant the time and trouble involved in an excellent make-up as Sousa. The other principals all helped to keep tho fun going, and the thorns girls, of course, were bright and breezv, singing and dancing with their usual vim. The revue is in three scenes, and would stand “cutting,” if only to allow the show to conclude at a reasonable hour. Three vaudeville acts preceded the revue. A new one this week is that of Harris and Gold, “two boys and a piano,’’ who sang several songs—mostly of the inevitable ragtime variety—and duets in a stvle that pleased the audience immensely. The principal vocalist of the pair has a good voice. Maude Courtney and Mr “ C..” now in their fourth and final week, fully maintain their popularity. Last night they made fresh offerings in song and story, and went as “big” as ever." Tho Three Carrs, juvenile entertainers, also won further approval with a new turn.