PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18687, 17 October 1922, Page 6

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Patrons of the Princess Theatre are promised a run of the revue form of entertainment, which is a relief from tho purely vaudeville programme, as the latter is a pleasing change after a few weeks of revue. Kvery revue must have a name, and the present one is styled 11 Tho Wishing' Well/’ after the first scene. There- is absolutely no plot about tho extravaganza, nor any pretence of one, but it consists of three separate sketches, connected, so to speak; by musical interludes. Hurl and Evans have got together a company of girls who Ijick nothing in attractiveness of face and figure, and who also have pleasing voices and have been well trained. The costumes are picturesque and well made, and, if,in one or two of the scenes, they are somewhat scanty, that is looked for in a revue, and they arc by no means aggressively short—not even as striking in this respect as many ball room dresses. The piece is interspersed with catchy choruses and songs, all of which are. well rendered, and in this respect the company is much stronger than the majority that visit our city, 'the opening number (“June Time’') is one of the most pleasing ones, and immediately places the company on good terms with the audience. “Caroline,'’ sung by Patsio Hill and the Sunbeam Six, is another item (hat is certain to prove popular, and “Sally,” sung by Patsy Hill, Vernon Sellars, and a few Sunbeams, is a tuneful duet and chorus. Not less pleasing is “Why Don’t You Smiles'” by Bilbo Jones and chorus, but all the musical numbers are catchy and pleasing. There :» always a chief comedian in a revue company, and Uoddy Hurl occupies that position* in tfyo present company. Ho has a stylo of his own, in which the lachrymose plays a not inconspicuous part. lie is essentially a laughter-maker. Ilis jokes never hang fpo; they are shot out frequently with the speed of rapid patter, but always effectively. Tho result is ? that he has the audience in a continuous roar of laughter. Before the laugh caused by one lunnyism has subsided a now one is raised by some other comicality, until his hearers’ sides ache with the exertion caused by tho enforced merriment, 'this was particularly the case with his song, “ Bidding Goodbye,” and the accompanying patter, and while this item was in progress there was not a single moment’s cessation from laughter. In “ Tho Rest Cure ” and " ’lire Quick Lunch ” he was equally successful. In Harry Evans he has an admirable foil — a comedian of a. totally distinct type, and one of considerable versatility and capacity lor quick changes of costume and features, as was shown by his appearing in “The Rest Cure” in three distinct characters—a doctor, a jovial fireman, and an undertaker. Vernon Sellars is tne possessor of a robust baritone voice of moderate range, which he uses with discretion, a fact that -was perhaps best shown Oy his singing of “Up from Somprsot.” Dave M’Gfil has a light baritone, also of -pleasing quality, and ho was heard to advantage in “Sally in Our Alley” and | (with Billie Jones) “April Showers.” Vic Dyer, Chris Johnson, and Madeleine Dormer complete the list of principals, and all fill their parts well.. Dolavale and Vockler opened the vaudeville proper portion of the programme with a turn described as “an entirely new vaudeville cocktail,” in which tho extravagant costume, and make-up of the lady member of tho duo helped materially to raise a laugh. Hyman Lcnzer, tho young violinist, did not take himself too seriously in his first selection, which consisted mainly of what, for want of a more accurate term, may be styled tricks, tho most effective being (he almost simultaneous playing of pizzicato and spiccalo. He produces a very good tone, but more suppleness in his bow wrist would enable him to achieve greater success as a player. Nevertheless his rendering of the “Intermezzo” from “Cavalleria Rnsticana” proved very acceptable. Little Lorna met with another enthusiastic reception. She is a clover sonbrotte for a child, but. undoubtedly her best work is in mimicry. Her imitation of Daisy Jerome was a particularly good one, the peculiarities of that, favourite comedienne being taken off with wonderful fidelity. Most juvenile performers, however clever their turns may ho, arc evidently imitators of (heir instructors. Little Lorna is a natural mimic, and catches tho peculiarities of those she represents in a manner that shows she thoroughly understands what she is doing. She should go far in the profession. Edward J. Ford is a facial artist, of Ihe first water. Without any assistance whatever from make-up, he alters the expression of , his face by merely controlling the muscles, so that his appearance is totally different under a dozen varying representations. He is also a clover raconteur and an effective reciter. Taken altogether, the present programme is certain to attract big houses.