PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19200, 17 June 1924, Page 4

PRINCESS THEATRE.

“The Pickled Porter” is the title of the George Wallace Comedy Company’s new revue which had its premiere at the Princess Theatre when Mr Wallace was here previously, and which was voted one of the best of his repertoire. The piece has undergone a little furbishing at the hands of M r Wallace, and as a result has been materially improved, so that in the argot of the theatre it may be declared “a winner.” It is a show right up to the high standard set during a phenomenally successful season, and \last night it was greeted with many plaudits and much hearty laughter from a packed house Mr Wallace is cast on this occasion as a porter in an hotel, inhabited by a variety of unpleasant and violent persons. From the irascible hotel proprietor to the cook the porter is the butt of everybody, and his misfortunes are the kernel of the abounding comedy that keeps the laughs on the surface throughout. The lion’s share is again Mr Wallace’s, but as in previous pieces the characters are equitably distributed among the clever performers supporting iMr Wallace, who in some of ti'.-i earlier pieces have not had an opportunity with their talent. Here, however, their merits are well recognised and catered for in the roles assigned them, with the result that from tho rise of the curtain all goes as merry as a marriage bell, Mr Wallace introduces an exceedingly clever sketch entitled “The Porter,” which discloses his many-sided gifts and flair for original comedy. He is a constant mine of laughter, and not one of the hundreds of laugh bombs he throws proves a dud. Mr Marshall Crosby appears a« the hotel proprietor, Dan Riley, and gives an excellent Irish character sketch, buttressed bv a capitally sung song, “The Company Sergeant-major.” Mr Tom Lincoln gained considerable kudos for his singing of “The Schoolmaster.” as also did Miss Marie Nyman for her vocal rendering of “Mv Hero.’’ Miss Sadie Tilburn made a bulls-eye hit with her singing of “Bimini Bay,” in which she had the assistance of the Six Rascals. Mr Chas. Lawrence’s vocal effort was “Rose iof the Rio Grande,” which showed that Mr Lawrence has in this number a song which is suited to his voice. There are some bright ballads which wer° well sung by the Six Rascals. In this piece vaudeville patrons will find that the Wallace Company has lost none of its skill as “laughsmiihs.” and with the accessories of pretty and well-caparisoned girls, tho show has it 9 appeal to eye as well as to ear. The first half is rather shorter than usual, but nevertheless the character of the entertainment showed that the four acts were installed in public favour. Mr Bert Harrow, who is billed as a mile-a-minufo comedian, quite lilted up to his reputation. He is absolutely at home on the stage, ami his comical get-up and bright and breezy manner appealed in a way which left no doubt as to his ability to entertain, Some of Mr Harrow’s stories, however. might with advantage have heen left untold, as tho turn is one which possessed sufficient merit without being buttressed by jokes which did not oven have tne saving grace of being new. Mr Harrow’s patter was in most cases clever, and his singing, or what may be more correctly termed monologue work, gained for him many friends. His musical numbers were ■‘Barney Google,” “Hay-o-Diddle,” and "The Cricketer.’’ Mr George and Miss F/lsie Sylvarney appeared in a coined v sketch entitled “Honeymoon Confessions.” which confirmed tho impression previously formed that these two aifists are actors of no mean order. Needless to say. they were vociferously applauded, especially at the close of the turn, when Mr Edwards, referring to wives, gave utterance to the American adage: “Catch ’em young, treat 'em rough, and tell ’em nothing.” The ’three St. Leons wore ns captivating ns over in their acrobatic turn, and were the recipients of no small amount of applause, especially at the conclusion, when tho youngest member of tho troupe, shot into the air as if from a catapult, turns a double somersault and lands on one of the other performer’s shoulders on his feet. Bilton and Max, who have established themselves as prime favourites, made their final appearance last night, Miss Bilton being handed a beautiful bouquet from some of her admirers. There will be two new turns this evening. ’Hie first of these is Takeo and Korna Namba. whose act. is a. mixture of comedy and head-balancing, which culminates in one of the performers iumning upstairs from, step to step on his head, and all the while indulging in enmedv patter. Tho other turn is Jack Martin, who is well and favourably known as the talkative cowboy.