FRIVOLITY AT FULLERS’

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 7

FRIVOLITY AT FULLERS’

HECTOR ST. GLAIR OHGE AGAIN HAPPY iHTRODHCTORY PROGRAMME At the present moment speculation is rife as to the ultimate effect of the talkies iijjon the legitimate drama, and more especially upon the lighter forms of entertainment. But whatever state of perfection the much-discussed talkies may attain there is no gainsaying that they will never actually supersede flesh and blood in theatrical presentation. Since the advent of the speaking hints theatregoers in Dunedin have had little opportunity of comparing the respective merits of these two mediums of entertainment. The popularity of the talkies is, of course, well marked. Because of this, _ perhaps, considerable interest was manifested in the reopening of the Princess Theatre last evening, when Nat Phillips’ revue company, of which Hector St. Clair is the bright particular star, commenced a short local season. The performance was, for the most part, refreshing and enjoyable. The company is strong, and put over its material with the greatest vim. There wore certain crudities in the production, but tiicsc, it would seem, arc inevitable in a show of this kind. Ignoring these, one left the theatre in a very happy frame of mind, for the unrestrained hilarity of the evening was really infectious. The programme constituted the popular pot-pourri of song, dance, and story, dominated in this case by the ! breezy personality of Hector St. Clair. This happy character his not changed .much since his last appearance in .Dunedin. His droll style, quaint mannerisms, and touching conversations with himself were all potent factors in his undoubted success. He simply brought the house down with Ins old Ti from Iron’ turn, the thunderous comment as to ins own ability as a violinist startling, as over, everyone in the audience, St. Clair roamed aimlessly through the majority of the sketches, and, though .some of them wore quite pointless, succeeded in making all very laughable. He was ably assisted by Nat Phillips and Jack Kellcway. The latter was most happily inane in all lie did and amused the audience irnmensely. Kitty Stewart, a particularly vivacious soubrette, infused groat spirit into her singing of ‘ Nebraska.’ and was well cast in the sketches. Of attractive presence and style, Stella Lamond delighted everyone with her ultra-syncopated singing, especially in ‘ The Rhythm King.’ Bcsse 'Blake was the outstanding vocalist of the company, her singing of 1 The Pipes ot Pan’ and ‘Memory of a Song ’ being altogether charming. A! Alack and Ces. Scott, two very pleasant performers, lent to the programme by singing bright numbers with appropriate spirit. The former also demonstrated that he is dancer of no mean ability. Prank Wilson, a rather versatile musician, played a number of weird instruments with equal success and effect. One of the most striking features of the first section of the programme was tiic presentation of the ‘ Painted Doll ’ seen a from ‘ The Broadway Melody.’ the music of which has apparently been gifted with, immortality. The doll characterisations in this were exceptionally good. The elimination of a ratherTloubtful touch at the end would , have made the presentation more attractive. The second half of the programme was devoted to ‘Mixed Methods,’ styled by the producers a “ musical comedy burlesque revue.” ft was certainly* a wild mixture of everything. Matrimonial complications formed the original theme of the sketch, all the mem,heis of the company participating. Hector St. Clair was a most amusing “dame,” his broad comedy arousing much laughter. Several attractive songs and dances wore introduced, and all wont over well. Not the least attractive feature of the was the ballet work of the Radio_ Six. a sextet of charming young ladies who graced proceedings with their delightful presence and (.lancing. This programme will be continued until Thursday evening, when ‘ Buying a Business ’ will be presented.