PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18762, 16 January 1923, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE

There were two new* turns in the change of programme presented to a moderate attendance of Princess Theatre patrons last night, and they were turns of a quality that enhanced considerably the attractive-' ness of the entertainment. * Without indulging in a comparison that is odious, it may be safe to say that of the two new items one was outstanding in a programme containing much of the meritorious—that of Mr C. E. Vaughan. This entertainer is a contortionist and balancer of very rare ability. Appearing ip evening dress, he' performs feats with a dexterity and neatness that.seldom characterise the attempts of others in the line who favour themselves by disrobing as much as possible. Mr Vaughan is obviously abnormally constructed'; otherwise it would be impossible for him to face the. back of tho stage while his lower extremities are directed towards th© audience—a feat that was accomplished while he sat in a chair. Practice has 'brought his natural gifts to a wonderful pitch of perfection. This was evident early in bis turn, but there was a gasp of surprise and approval when, balanced on a peoestal, he brought his foot over his shoulders and with his toes lit a cigarette in his mouth. The other new act is that of the Reece Sisters. They are prettily formed and prettily dressed, and they sing catchy little songs in a taking way. One also plays the pianoforte, and both indulge in a graceful (rifle in the dancing line. Their turn is ccr-

tain]y enjoyable. As against mention of the now-comers, Shipp and Kenny made their fast appearance, and to-night their place will be taken by a pair called the Brackens, who are styled as “the English sensation.’’ Miss Lola Stantoune, the American violinist who has established herself as a favourite, again delighted her audience with selections from her repertoire played in a way that was evidence of both her versatility and skill. A feature of Miss Stantoune’s playing is that a profound knowledge of muaio is not necessary in order to get from it thorough enjoyment. The quaint methods that Mr Charles Lawrence adopts in order to amuse the auditors always ensures him close attention and much laughter. Last night was no exception. The house was with him from the time he first told about Ids “troubles.’’ through is burlesques, and through Iho human truths that ho distilled to his own accompaniments per medium of a pleasing voice. In either the sad or the cheerful tune Mr Louis Bloy is thoroughly at homo on his banjo, and he received a warm ovation at the close of his turn. Billie Potter and Effie Hartwell, who opened their act with an Oriental scene that was not meant to be taken seriously, were as popular as ever, the head balancing in which the two indulge creating quite a sensation. A clean, bright act is provided by Beresford and Rennie, two people who possess attractive voices and a pleasant stage pro-

senco, Both sing well, the female member especially, and she scored one of the successes of the evening in “Mammy.” The male partner deals in the more rollicking type of song, for which his voice is well suited. Slavin and Thompson Send people away in the best, of humour when they dose the entertainment with some clever cross-talk and general “foolery” of an enjoyable character.