PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 18626, 6 May 1924, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE

BIG, BRIGHT BILL. A good, bright, entertaining bill at the Princess this week. There were two new acts last night, and both were warmly received. Tho big- act was that of Rice and Elmer, and their work ou the triple bars fairly hold up tho show. Beginning with a bit of quiet dumb comedy that aroused curiosity _ and laughter, "they lit orally bounced into the real act, and continued bouncing to the end. Triple horizontal bars wero placed over tho trampoline, and the pair did some wonderful stunts on these, bouncing from the big springy mat to the bars and catching by tho feet, bouncing again to a sitting or standing position, and Rom these working some sensational swings and tricks. Comical contacts and falls wero brought about in mid-air, too, and tho finale, in which tho men, locked together in a “ feet at both ends and heads in the middle ” position, bounced rhythmically from one set of feet to tho other, was rewarded with tumultuous applause. A good stirring act, this, and one that will retain tho popularity that it won with such decision last night. The other now act was Slavin and Thompson. They put over a mixture of song and patter that pleased Iho audience and rnade them laugh heartily. The theme was largely that of domestic infelicity, hut it has been proved time and again that “rows” between stage husbands and wives are always hailed with delight. Tho more libellous tho remarks the heartier the laughter. Tho male partner sang a good song concerning women’s weaknesses, while the lady warbled nicely of the stories her mother told to her.' Finally the lady sang the choruses of several popular songs, and her partner capped them with some rather clever parodies. Tho house made it plain Hat. it could have stood more of Slavin and Thompson. Miss Lillian and Gins presented another nentivdressed and melodious act, the playing of all three instrumentalists being verv fine. Well-known ballads, such as ‘ Aly 'Hero ’ and 1 Leave Ale Witli a Smile,’ were featured, and tho curtain dropped amidst loud applause and whistling from tho gallery which meant “We want more.” Charles Sherman’s _ popularity does not diminish, and last night his offering of song, story, and piano stunts again went well. lie, ton, rang in some clever parodies, and altogether his act was one of his best. Curly Sherwood smiled and dimpled, and incidentally sang a song or two and told some yarns._ Her song about ‘ A baggie, Come Upstairs,’ was now and good. Con Moroni and -his band of merrymakers had something ne\y to offer in the revue ‘Catchem and Robbcm.’ If. would bn futile to try and tell the story: it doesn’t matter a jot, in fact, for the fun yas independent of any plot-. And fun there was in plenty, provided mainly liv Con Moroni, who was effectively aided and abetted by all the rest. Con war. Ginger Catchem, a partner of Dan Robbem (Dan H oldon), and the pair purported to he members of tho theatrical profession. Robbem, a typical broken-down actor, certainly had an extensive reporloiro of Shakespearean ([notations, and strung a number together in a smart medlev. This caused Ginger to remark : “ ’Ere,’ cut out Shakespeare and talk English.” Ida Leggat was a, charming hotel proprietress, who pretended to be poor so that she might bo “loved for herself alone.” Ginger showed appreciation of the situation, and gained tho attractive bride. Winnie Egerton was Flo Ja-nnis, also in search of n. husband; and, though roughly treated by Catchem and Robbem on one occasion, was compensated later. Dolly Yami was a lovesick slavey, and she looked it. It was n part that suited her undoubted ability as a comedienne, and she did well. Alex. M'Allister went back to a dame part, Les Austin was a, dude, Will Kenny a detective with a. moustache, and Harry Aloreui Alyrtlo’s nice clean-looking brother. As usual, tho musical numbers were highly attractive. The best was Ida Leggat’s ‘Love’s Sweet Kiss,’ which she sang very sweetly. Winnie Egerton sang a tuneful little thing called ‘ Some Sunny Day ’ very nicely indeed; while Con Moroni’s patter song about (he twins was a scream. Con also assisted Alev. ABAllister in a duet- called ‘ The Girl That Aten Forgot,’ and Harry Moroni sang ‘ Evergreen Eve,’ and Dolly Varni ‘ Don’t,’ Another duct, ‘ Aloon Afaid,’ was well sung by Ida Leggn.t and Dan Weldon. A pretty dance called tho 1 Oakland Waltz ’ was done by Alinnio #ildbe-rg and Les Austin, and a burlesque of this by Con Aloreni and Alex. AFAlHster was highly amusing. Tho Brunettes shone repeatedly in now dances and now clothes, and were welcome as tho sun in Alav.