PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 18532, 15 January 1924, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE

A BRIGHT REVUE. The fourth local production of tho Sunbeam Revue Company, ‘Special Mixtures,’, is one of the best attempts yet made by Doddy Hurl and Harry Evans and their fellow entertainers to glut tho rather Gargantuan tastes of modern vaudeville evotees. Though there is no attempt at coherence, a fact, by the way, which eliminates a great deal of superfluous talk, tho piece proceeds at a joyous pace, and gathers such momentum that it is able to surmount without difficulty some of the rough spots in its path in the shape of occasional indifferent staging and dressing. But, like other productions of those who «havo gone before, the comedy element is, after all, the mainstay of the piece, and noddy Hurl is n funster of such originality and versatility that ho requires few adventitious aids in the process of bantering his way to tho hearts of his auditors. The range of his talent is well tested in the present piece, and, whether as the buffoon with a walrus mnstachio, who is subjected to various indignities by sundry rude people, or as tho frisky personage in the opening scene, he never tails to provide an abundance of sunshine. The game of roulette provides some excellent entertainment, even if the unfortunate gamesters ate inordinately had pickors, and “lose their all” with the same pamful rapidity. In this “ frightful scene of depravity ” Hurl does some delightful work, and his “’plunges ” on the “wrong ’uns” create abundance of amusement. Harry Evans, as the comedian’s chief henchman, puts an abundance of vigor into his efforts which carries him through; whilst the other half-dozen principals add their weight to tho rapid propulsion of tho vehicle. Amongst the many tuneful melodies, ‘Mississippi,’ sung by Patsy Hill and Vernon Sellars, assisted by the ballet and a pretty scene, was quite one of the most pleasing of the! evening. The Five Georges do not attempt anything very ambitious, hut they' whirl themselves about the stage in quite an unwonted manner for such petite young ladies, and their venture into acrobatics was heartily appreciated, AI Mack appeared anxious about the supply of beautiful girls lasting out, and his ditty to that effect was in his best style; whilst Yemen Sahara was equally insistent anont ‘ Mother o’ Mine.’ A welcome change was provided by a lady from tho chorus who sang a neat little, song, whilst Billie Jones and Patsy Hill favored the audience with their best. The revue was brought to a conclusion with a farcical scene, in which Doddy Hurl, as the officiating minister, added a few more laughs to his already heavy tally. The first part of the programme was opened with an excellent Gazette, with a wide_ sweep of topical interest. Leo. Sterling entertained per medium of a cornet, one-string violin, and a trumpet, and interspersed his musical efforts with some vocal pleasantries. One of his best efforts was his hunting fantasia ‘ Oh Dear, What Can tho Matter Be!'; whilst his several comet numbers were rendered with a minimum of unnecessary “blare." In striking contrast he gave a sentimental monologue, ‘lf Wo Were Only Understood. Tho Campbell Brothers demonstrate the remarkable gradations in timbre of the concertina, and they regaled those present with a number of delightful selections, ranging from ‘ Asleep in the Deep ’ to ‘Leave Me With a Smile,’ and it was with great reluctance that they were allowed to depart. The ocarina and concertina duet was a pleasing novelty, whilst their medley on two miniature instruments was also pleasing. Lloyd and Raymond introduced a few novel patter stunts, but made rather a hurried exit. The same programme will he given this evening.