PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18295, 12 July 1921, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE

Although only one newcomer was added to the personnel ot the company at the Princess 'theatre last evening the entertainment tuhy maintained us recent level ot merit, and in the cosy atmosphere ct comfortable seats and artificial heating all went "merry as a marriage bell. The clover little band of Australian diggers, who have been apiieanng with so much acceptance for several weeks past, were at the top 'of their form in their new sketch, "Adieu iMirm," and this ottering proved as happily conceived and as ably earned out us its predecessors, attording genuine entertainment to the large audience present. The merry young soldiers were again suited with characteristic roles which gave them full; opportunity to display their varied talents as vocalists on the one hand and as comedians on the other, The plot is concerned with the tact that George is already married in Australia, but ho has promised to take a little French girl home with him. Her father comes on the scene to seek his blood, but it all works out to a satisfactory conclusion and provides as pleasing a vehicle of humour and melody as could well be imagined. “Adieu Mnni” should do not a little further to enhance the popularity of the Diggers. On the vaudeville side the new-comer was Clivalli, who ro-appeared with his three canine associates after an extended absence. Under his direction the dogs individually and collectively performed a number of astonishing tricks which called forth the highest admiration for their _ sagacity and for the skill and patience which 7 musc have been devoted to their training. One feature which did much to enhance the attractiveness of the turn was contained in the fact that Clivalli hud an original backscreen of his own, which, with its appropriate design, provided an effective entrance and exit for his two principal associates, But tire outstanding success ot the evening was that attained by “The Singing Parson,’’ ihe llev. Frank Gorman, wno appears to have won an unassailable position in the estimation of Dunedin vaudeville patrons. His initial appearance was welcomed with . cordiality that was unmistakable, and th. audience refused to part with’ him until he had contributed his customary quota ot fully half a-dozen songs and regaled them between fvhiles with his amusing stories (old in anecdotal vein. Mr Gorman will be much'missed when his Dunedin season comes to an end. Newman and Wynne, the pair of clever English sketch artists, presented a new and original comedy offering entitled “The Postman,” which commenced with one of the latest walht songs sung by the female member of the duo, after which the pair indulged in some quick-lire repartee widen proved highly diverting and earned them much well-merited applause. This was undoubtedly one of the best turns cf the evening, and it will no doubt be much admired during the remainder of the week. Bellora again presented a number of bird and animal imitations varied by a few others of everyday life, and was accorded his due meed of praise. ’ Daisy Cooke again walked on the slack and tight wire, and later, with her male partner, performed a number of gymnastic and balancing feats, taking her usual share of the ground work, whic,, is rather unusual for a woman. The same company will appear during (ho remainder of the week, and should bo the means of adequately entertaining large audiences.