PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 19919, 16 July 1928, Page 5

PRINCESS THEATRE

GEORGE WARD ARRIVES SNAPSHOT NEVUS COMPANY Judging from the quality oi the opening performance presented by George Ward and his Snapshot Revue Company at Fullers’ Princes Theatre on Saturday evening wo can assure Dunedin vaudeville lovers that they are in for another period of rattling good entertainment. Mr George Ward, otherwise known as “ Little Hemic,” has a reputation for being an uncommonly droll wag, and this visit of his to Dunedin certainly shows that his star of humour has not waned. Hut one of the most pleasing features of; the present company is that the central personality, George Ward himself, does not follow up the precedent of many revno leaders by monopolising tho whole show. Ho knows holms many good artists to support him, and ho gives them plenty of work to do. And they enjoy doing it. This is why the Snapshot Revue Company can bo classed as an all-round success.

The first half of tho programme con* (ained eleven 'quick-firing items, the substance of which ranged from comical patter to classical music—a stimulating mixture that won spontaneous appreciation from the bumper honstn Tho second session was devoted entirely to the staging of an amusing military playette hearing tho catchy title ‘ Behind tho Front.’ Fim.n the spectacular point of view the entertainment as a whole left nothing to bo desired, for it was evident that, as regards appropriate scenery, neither trouble nor expense had been spared. The orchestra, under the conclnclorship of Mrs George Ward, was a big factor in the rendering of captivating musical numbers. If only" for the appearance of the Four Little Kellys, a quartet of_ girl instrumentalists of exceptional ability, the show must stand out ns something to be talked over afterwards by patrons. Miss Mickio Kelly, at tho piano, attended to time rind other matters with judicious accompaniments. Miss Leone was first violinist, and a most talented one. too. Miss Bernice proved herself n capable performer with tho ’cello; and Miss Daisy, tho baby of the family, knew well bow to extract melody from tho small violin which was her_ allotted instrument Commencing with _ animated selections from ‘The Gondoliers,’ including ‘Take a Fair of Sparkling Eyes’ and tho cacucha. dance, the players, with exquisite feeling, carried the audience away into the spiritual realms of that haunting Maori melody, ‘ Wainta Maori.’ This was followed by tho popular ‘ Waiata Boi ’ and some classical selections. Each violinist then gave an attractive solo, ami the quartet sot tho listeners’ feet a-tapping with the rhythm of modern jazz. A recall was positively demanded by tho audience. Advantage was taken of tho opening chorus to introduce tho members of the company, tho result being that tho beholder was at once favourably impressed with tho personnel. The singing and dancing, always in unison, was carried out in the approved style, and one could not, help noticing that the Snapshot Six constituted a ballet of unusual charm and ability. Gns Dawson (whom wo all know) and Jean Keith wore pleasing in a bright duct, ‘ i-fy Rainbow.’ Boiled Mutton’ should have been the title of an amusing sketch in which Colleen Hope, Harry Hulcy, and Harrv Abdy took part. A dainty young soprano, Curlcv Sherwood, who had about tier tho air of a true Parisienne, gave a pieplant rendition of 1 Lu Lu. Clearness of enunciation and rare hariniinv were attained by Kathleen Ward am! Joan Keith ; • an Item which-they had all to themselves. George Ward iiad an enthusiastic reception when, in the well-simulated rote of a genial fat man of doubtlul intelligence, he joined Charles Sherman in some clever [latter, including many laughable lingual twists. Colleen Hope amf Gus Dawson cadi appeared again in tastefiillv-sung vocal numbers. ‘Two in a Flat’’was the title of a sketch in which Harry Hulcy and Bessie Bent were the “ two.” Ib started well, lapsed a little in the middle (through being a trillo too rough and homely), and "(ini-shed very satisfactorily with an excellent song. 1 Behind the Front.’ a military _ fantasia in three scenes, gave practically all the members ol the company a chance to show* thou* ability in this class of entertainment. And all along tiic line it can lie said that success was achieved. George Ward, as Little Hevmie. the new recruit (subsequently a general, through mushroom-like promotion). provided many a laugh, chiefly as a result of his ludicrous interpretation of military dogmas. Harry Huley instilled the correct Cockney touch into the part of Old Bill, and Harry Abdy as his pal ’Erb was quite convincing. Charles Flicrman, Howard Hall, Jean Keith, Colleen Hope. Curley Sherwood, Bessie Bent, ami tbe Snapshot Six were ail very pleasing in their respective spheres. Apart from the enjoyment derived from the show on Saturday night the patrons fell an added sense, of warmth and physical comfort. Tho reason for this Is that while the theatre has been closed down tho management has been busy improving the heating arrangement*. This includes extra, stage heating. which spreads through (ho whole of the building's interior.