PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19011, 6 November 1923, Page 10

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Of the three revue entertainments set upon .the jtage by the “Stiffy and Alo” Revue (Company at the Princess Theatre, the public generally will appraise last night’s exhibit—" The Lords”—as the most entertaining, both as genuine fun and as regards tho all-round excellence of the production. Last week “fftiffy” and “Mo” figured as plumbers, this week they figure as noblemen, and if they were misfits in the plumbing trade they are even more ludicrously out of fonts as "aristos.” How they entwine themselves into the affairs of Alajor Porter and Airs Porter, not to speak of those of fiord Snazzell and Lord Brancaster, makes for the heartiest laughter. One ludicrous contretemps succeeds another so fast that the auditors are glad of the short respite afforded by the song numbers, dances, etc., and incidental diversions which bulk so largely with this big and clever company. Altogether it may be said without any dilution of simple fact that this is a lirst-rate show—one admirably calculated to display the gifts of the principals and agile ballet —one from which (hey extract 100 per cent, value. The scene is laid at a* fashionable watering-place, and the plot—or what there is of it —permits of ample scope for the talents of most of the members of tho company, and tho principals especially. Roy Rene as “Alo” and Nat Phillips as “Stiffy” have not been seen or heard to better advantage than they were last night. As the pseudo lords, Phillips and Rene fairly convulse the audience, .whilst Dan Dunbar as Alaior Porter and Gladys Shaw as Airs Porter play up to these lords in a manner which leaves no doubt as to their histrionic capabilities.. Kpitli Connelly as Willie (a knut) was equally clever, while Peter Brooks and Alike Connors, as the real lords are given full scope for their abilities. The revue itself is decidedly clever, but its value is- greatly enhanced bv the musical numbers introduced. “Stiffy” and “Alo” contribute “The "Lords”; Alike Connors "Wabach Blues”; Keith Connelly “Women”; Queenie Paul “All By Alysolf” ; Peter Brooks “Beautiful Beach” and “Destiny.” These songs, as well as others, are capably sung, and- the ballot lends valuable, assistance

The revue is prefaced by an nnsually .good vaudeville programme of five turns, every one of which is practically a star item. Leo Martin, -who is billed as a jaz» specialist, does some excellent work on musical ' instruments, which include a cornet and a violin. His best performances, however, are done with hand-bells, when he contributes “Annie Laurie” and on about two dozen bottles with a couple of sticks. The “missing word competition,” in which he gives the skeleton of a story in words and fills in the missing phrases with a few bars of well-known ditties piayed on the violin, was decidedly novel, not to say clever. /Needless to say fa« was warmly applauded. The other new turn was supplied by Trent and Sadie, who are responsible for an act which met with very general acceptance. The female performer contributes fun of a boisterous type, but is inclined to overdo it at times by the introduction of the Sydney type of slang. Nevertheless, her turn was an amusing one and drew forth warm appreciation. Trent, attired as a military officer, not onlygang well but acted the part of the colonel in a manner which left no doubt as to his ability to entertain. His rendering of “Colonel Wilkinson, D. 5.0.,” was very acceptable. Nat Hanley, who is quite at home equally in song, story, and pianoforte work, was especially clever in hig representation of the inebriated Johnny, his singing of “My Umbrella” being quite a feature of this part of the performance. Fred Keeley and Ivy Aldous. in song, patter. and dance, are installed as prime favourites at the “Princess” and quite maintained the good reputation they have earned.

The same programme will be repeated this evening.