PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18898, 26 June 1923, Page 9

PRINCESS THEATRE

What is aptly described as a “mammoth Egyptian novelty” forms the main portion of the new bill at the Princess Theatre, and provides an endless current of merriment to those, who delight in vaudeville, 'and it must be admitted that their name is legion. The Egyptian novelty is what may be described as “side shows,” which, though they are not an integral part of tlie revue or comedy, add very considerably to the value of the .performance as a whole. The Oriental atmosphere was effectively created bv Mies Vera Sewell, a princess of ancient Memphis, and the languorous music of the opening chorus. The scene was changed to a street in Cairo at the present day with modern trippers and what not, and the ancient Egyptian repose and picturesque surroundings. There was also introduced the hustle and gaiety and with it the fun which is essential to a revue. At times one is inclined to think that there is rather a short supply of comedy in “The Scarab” — for that is the correct title of the extravaganza—and the energetic George Storey (a valet) had to work overtime to fill the gaps. Mr Storey does, however, introduce a large element of good comedy into the piece, which lifts it well on to the level of good musical comedy. The playlet also has a of romance, and there are some serious lines woven into the story, which concerns a young man named Charles Chalmers (Robert Raymond), who, in order to account for overdrawing his allowance, informs his uncle that he is married. This is not true, though Charles has intentions of marriage with Miss June Summerbloorn (Miss Hazel Fhller). In desperation he contracts a 24-hour alliance with Miss Ann Teek (Miss Georgie Martin), and also becomes entangled with a French girl of bewitching manners, when uncle appears on the scene. As on© after another of these ladies are presented to him as Mrs Charles, he is at first puzzled and is then wrathful, but is finally made amenable to persuasion, and so Charles’s difficulties are at an end. The revue is produced hv tiro Walter George Sunshine Players, and the principal parts are taken by Messrs Walter George, George Storey, Robert Raymond, Frank Perryn, and Yorke Grey, and Misses Vera Sewell, Georgie Martin, Dulcie Milner, Dorothy Claridge, and Hazel Fuller. The music of “The Scarab” is pretty in a degree and is, generally speaking, well sung. There are several really line numbers in which the principal members of the company all take a share and do it capably. Th© first half of the programme is purely vaudeville, and is bright and attractive throughout. A new act is that supplied by Ernest Krake and 00., who are described as English comedy acrobats. There are three men in this turn, which is a particularly clever one. A very fine representation of a tramcar is shown on one part of the stage, and the other part is fitted up with horizontal bars, on which the performers do some specially clever acrobatic work. This is intermingled with "bright, clean patter, and the whole combined is responsible for endless laughter; in fact, there is not a dull moment during the full 20 minutes that these performers occupy the stage. The turn is something entirely out of the usual, and is go skilfully presented as to make the audience wish it were even of longer duration. Ernest Krake and Co. ares sure of a good reception during the currency of their season in Dunedin. Of the ‘stopover” turns, the Stagpooles, in comedy, patted, and burlesque, created a deal of merriment in a new turn which they have introduced. Plat and Paula Hanson also come in for _ a large share of applause in their eccentric dance and song turn, and Jack Btrchley, the contortionist, is enthusiastically received. The programme as a whole is a good one, and cannot fail to be appreciated by patrons. It will be repeated this evening.