PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 18716, 19 August 1924, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE

VAUDE AND VERNE RETURN. Although many devotees of the Princess have failed to reconcile themselves with tho all-raudevillo regime, some compensation to these irrecoitcilables is provided for the temporary absence of a revue company by the general excellence and variety of the fare on oiler, and the current week’s bill is no exception to the rule. Last night patrons welcomed hack Vnude and Verne, whose verve, vivacity, and velocity make their patter turn one of the most unique of its kind. They scamper along at the same old break-neck pace, and their rhythm’ jingles still sparkle with flashes of genuine wit. The much-abused pun in their hands becomes a joy, and armed with this deadly missile and an unerring verbal marksmanship they have no difficulty in hitting the public fancy. ‘Eat More Fruit’ ought to bo adopted ns the official anthem by “go-getting” orclmrdists, and, apart from its intrinsic value as an advertisement, it has more merit than most vaudeville offerings as a mirth-provoker. Their topical commentaries provide plenty of work for idle puns to do, whilst their 'Songs We Used to Sing’ and ‘Cigarettes’ bear the same trade mark and warranties of excellence. One misses Vaude’s old-time nasal illumination, whilst they were hardly ns liberal with their efforts as the applause justified. Jock Mills, his antecedents notwithstanding, is far less parsimonious. He sang * Annie Laurie ’ and one or two lessor-known items, but lin is more a raconteur than a singer. His stories ammt one M'Gregor belonged to a. later vintage than the budget be offered last week, and most of them had the merit of producing a chuckle or two. He ended with a version of tho ‘End of a Perfect Day’ that started on a “sobstuff” theme, hut which ended in the consumption of many “wee drappies” and such like pleasantries. Phil Braushy eau still hold his own with the best. His character sketches are obviously tho work of an accomplished and versatile artist, though a Cockney drawl afflicts all the 'dramatis person®. Uis best achievement last evening urns his clever representation of a would-he Piccadilly Johnny. Frank Wilson tried out half a. dozen instruments before he achieved the hit of the evening. This was per medium of ’Wabash Home,’ played with tremendous gusto on a trombone that had been robbed of its ancient harmonies by a contraption flint assured that every note would cause great dissonance and “shindy”—nr in other words, super, jazz. He can induce, a saxophone to give of its honks and a cornet to behave with some decorum. Altogether a unique musical, turn, if the jazzy palpitations of saxophones and trombones can be termed musical “ Pert and Sassy” describes the lady member of the Lyons and O’More duo. Her ‘‘low” comedy can produce a laugh nr two, and tho turn is of the usual mixed patter standard. It is a, pity that Marcus and D’Arnia could not he prevailed upon to eliminate tho upturned buckets, candle box, tent, well, and other “properties” that litter the stage when they are about for just one week. Their musical turn reaches quite a high standard of excellence, hut it is not helped by converting the stage into a second-hand shop. Tho lady has an excellent voice, and tho work of Marcus is also heifer than most vaudeville audiences expect; hut dragging harmoniums about and finding excuses for it detract considerably from the artistic side of the entertainment. Their musical offerings include ‘Waltz of Love,’ ‘My Mamma,’ and ‘By the Old Ohio Shore.’ Dinks presents some further foolishness, and his pleasing partner sings with her accustomed charm. Dinks’s “fairy dance” is still the best thing that he can offer, but it Is about as fantastic ns anything that has been seen in this line, and Wars repetition. Miss Trixie Ireland’s contribution was “'Wonderful World of Romance,’ whoso dulcet measures were to the liking of those with ears attuned to the sentimental. Ventriloquist turns seemed to have declined, and then fallen hopelessly, but Walter Vernon has certainly demonstrated that this ancient and despised form of entertainment has many merits that wore hitherto hidden from ns. James Stewart is still a “ Fellow of Great Wealth,” but as far as this week is concerned it is not wealth of new items. Ho repeated his last week’s quins and jokes in the same droll fashion, which made patrons regret that ho hasn't a few new ones.

The same programme will bo given this evening.