PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19069, 15 January 1924, Page 9

PRINCESS THEATRE.

An exceedingly good programme attracted a large house to the Princess Theatre last night. The rovuo abounds with jollity and ■wit, and the vaudeville items are one and all most entertaining. The revue suction is in the capable hands of the Sunbeam Revue Company, which is already known in Dunedin for the general excellence of its work and the sterling mirth of the turns it is pleased to introduce to an audience. Mr Doddy Hurl is the leading comedian, and his Dunedin admirers will admit that, with such a comic at the head of affairs, a fast and furious time is assured whilst the revue holds the boards. The title of last night’s revue, played for the first time in this city, waa “Special Mixtures,” comprising a capital collection of comedy, music, and dance. The Five Georges, a party of girls with very serviceable voices, opened the entertainment with a chorus, which was rendered with good effect, after which different momlrers of the quintet came forward with solo items. The comedian then appeared, and Mr Hurl made his way to the stage, not from the wings, but from the body of the theatre, where, arrayed in white jacket and cap, he had been offering sweets to the audience. The rehearsal scene, in which he took a prominent part, served to bring forward a number of pleasing singers. Mr Hurl, in the character of “Priceless Percy,” was the life of the piece, and carried on the fun in_ a way that left no time for wearying. Miss Billy Jones, an attractive soprano, sang “Hugs and Kisses,” and the Sunbeam Six, including several members of the Five Georges, came in at the opportune moment with a graceful ballet and a tuneful chorus. Miss Patsio Hill's soprano voice was heard to advantage in the comedy scena, “Buttercups and Daisies,” in which she was joined by Mr Hurl. There was no end of fun between the pair, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed their pranks and their vocal efforts. Mr Vernon Sellars gave an excellent rendering of “Mother o’ Mine,” for which his baritone voice w'as nicely suited. “A Game of Roulette” was next introduced. Mr Harry Evans was in charge of the wheel and provoked roars of laughter by the adept manner in which be raked in the ecins, to the discomfiture of his numerous patrons. Outside the gaming room, shot afetr shot told, in eloquent terms, the fate of the losers. Mr Hurl was “the lamb.” Like the others who had staked their all to woo fortune, he was reduced to beggary in the end; he pawned everything, oven most of his clothing, and appeared in the gaming den for his final throw in night garments, plus a hard hat. The burlesque of the whole scene was admirable, with nothing overdone and nothing out of place, either in action or word. A bright performance by the Five Georges followed, comprising singing and dancing. The choruses were accorded special applause, which they deserved. Mr A 1 Mack has a gift for comedy, which, added to his pleasing vocalisation, enables him to give some most diverting items. “Too Many Girls” was a splendid song. A male quartet contributed the comedy scena, “Fancy Getting Annoyed,” which gave Mr Hurl further opportunity for funmaking. The closing scene, “Roseland,” waa beautifully staged. It was in this scene that Miss Patsie Hill and Mr Sellars sang the duet “Mississippi,” which evoked storms of applause, the ’Sunbeam Six supplying the chorus, while Mr A 1 Mack sang “Mary Jane” very acceptably. “The Lost Purse” was amusing, containing as it did some of the brightest comedy of the programme. The vaudeville section was greeted with the heartiest applause. Leo Stirling is a clever performer on the cornet and a onestringed instrument producing some pretty tunes, which were listened to with close attention. Lloyd and Raymond were responsible for a clever dancing act. They are now in their second week, and it is certain they will always meet with a spontaneous reception here for their artistic and skilful performance. The Campbell brothers brought down the house with their melodious playing on concertinas. The organ imitation was most realistic, and the audience, which was charmed with (he music, demanded the reappearance of the artists —a request which was acceded to, the musicians appearing with miniature concertinas. on which they played as sweetly as on the larger instruments. Fuller’s Orchestra, directed by Air F. H, Stokes, played wilh the usual acceptance. The programme will be repeated to-night.