PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18768, 23 January 1923, Page 10

PRINCESS THEATRE

Inspired by a crowded and appreciative audience, the artists appearing at the Princess Theatre last night gave a sample of entertainment that must rank high in the records of vaudeville in this town. The bill is a particular!}' strong one; every item is different from its predecessor. Yet through the whole programme there runs •« thread of connection which is the means of producing the entertainment in the shape of a diversified and interesting whole. Laughter is the main aim of most of the entertainers, and that they succeed in attaining that aim no one could doubt who was within earshot of the peals of mirth t..-t echoed outside the theatre. There are three new turns on the programme. Connor and Beechnm are a pair of English importations who are something electric in the way of cross-talk comedians. The rapidity with which they “put it across” each other is a revelation in speed and triteness. One impersonates as the dapper entertainer, conscious of his abilities, and the other, in the form of an eccentric, engages him in a trirftof wits, the exhibition being highly diverting. Another importation appears in Lcyland Hodgson, who has the distinction of having played the leading parts in such productions as “Get Rath Quick Wallingford” and “Broadway Jones.” Ho sings mtties playful and pathetic. Possessed of a captivating smile and an airy stage presence, he soon had the audience’s sympathy and attention. The item in which the name of the celebrated Jules Caesar was called upon to supply unexpected climaxes was a particular success. The programme was brought to a happy conclusion by Marzon and Florence, who perform equilibristic feats in a decidedly artistic way. The male of the duo is splendidly developed, and some of the difficult poses show him to lie the possessor of great strength. Aided by lighting effects, this turn made a very favourable impression, from the distinctly now to those who still bold warm favour, although their appearance was first made some little time ago, is not, artistically speaking, a far cry. Those who have “stopped over” are people with a capacity for entertaining which is not without hearty appreciation in this centre. That they are known and that they are recognised at their true worth wore shown by the resounding applause that greeted the appearance of each old (the term is purely comparative) turn. Potter and Hartwell will be remembered for their whimsical and clever patter, and last night they did not let their admirers feel that they had exhausted their stock of fuu and stories. During the ton minutes that they held the centre of the stage they kept the sad microbe at more uia.n arm’s length from their audience; in tact, so amused was the crowd by their witticisms that the pair had difficulty in making their escape. Charles E. Lawrence is a solo man and a comedian of a different but just as acceptable a stamp. He is assisted by a pianoforte (which he plays himself), and between the very animate Lawrence and the instrument a fund of drolleries and “true to life” sketches—with a saving element about them—are provided. Mention of-the wonderful work of Vaughan, the contortionist, has been made already at some length, and sufficient at the present, time is it to say that this week his turn is new in nil except the performer. Last night ho held the audience one minute breathless with expectancy, the next spellbound by the feat—then came the applause which betokened recognition of a master in his art. The Brackens, comedians the

Roeci* Kistcr?, Loin Stantonno. and fMavm and Thompson made up the rest of an enjoyable entertainment between them. Ihe Brackens are comedians who are worthy of a high place on the list of favourites, and the pleasing little songs of the Reece Sisters, with their pretty lighting and dress effects, are something ’to be remembered. Lola Mtanlonno played the violin, if anything, even beuor than on previous occasions.