PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19218, 8 July 1924, Page 8

PRINCESS THEATRE.

“ Lack of tho Village ’ is the title of the George Wallace company’s new revue, which won warm favour at, the hands of the la’g-o attendance which witnessed its production at the Princess Theatre last night This is another entertainment strung round the unique comic personality of Mr George Wallace. The scene is a village, and tho plot relates to the misadventures c-f one Mnrphv I,co, air inferior of small towns where tho pickings are easy. Unfortunately for this gentleman’s schemes m tins particular village he enlists the amateur services of Brutus lo ho a lure of the towjr in the guise of a millionaire. Hi atus s perspicacity by no means equals his good —or in this case bad—intentions, with the result that the swindler’s _ got-rich-quick scheme flops rather badly. Needless to say, Mr Wallace handles the role of Brutus, and an exceedingly amusing piece ho makes of that rather dense rascal. It is an exceedingly adroit and excessively clever portrait, ranking with’ the very best Mr Wallace has given Dunedin —one could give no higher praise. ' The support afforded tho principal, whose original sketch. Just a Few Minutes With,’’ which, by the _ way, is a comic caricature in the best vein, is more than adequate. His right-hand man, of course, is Mr Marshall Crosby, who plays the role of tho village storokcepei, Mi..o Shannon He is a wonderful team mate to the versatile Wallace. Mr Crosby’s song—always a, feature —-was on this occasion “The Stoker.” Miss Mario Nyman was an appealing figure in the oast and scored heavily in her vocal rendering of t'uaker Girl ” in which, she had the assistance of the Six Rascals, suitably dressed in Quaker attire. Mr Wallace is not so much the centre of the show as actually the showitself. Withoi’J; his comic genius it would be just an ordinary miscellany of song and dialogue; with his presence there is added just the little bit—and how much it is that stamps it current coin. The work of the oilier principals and of the ballet was exemplary, and tho frocking was again of high standard. . , , , , , The vaudeville was provided by four acts, two of which were new and proved most acceptable Mr Tommy Armstrong, who l-.a.s many triumphs to his credit in Dunedin made his reappearance, assisted by Miss June Rose, in a bright sketch entitled “Now I’ll Tell One.” There is no disputing Mr Armstrorig’s ability to amuse, and it°is done in a manner which is quiet and attractive. His singing ,of a parody ot •• Yes We Have No Bananas was particularly well done. Mias Rose was very successful in her rendering of “ Little Boy Blue” and assisted by Mr Armstrong, contributed “Tho Wedding,” both performers being deservedly applauded. The turn was a decidedly good one, and Mr Armstrong and his partner may be said to have mide bull’s-eye hit. Mr Chas. Lewis, the breezy Fn'dish comedian, created roars ot laughter on”his recital of stories, some of which, rlthourir net new, had tho merit of being well told. His vocal efforts were “They Love It ” and “ My Gal’s Face,” both of which were sung ‘ n - Vjl ' Lewis’s own inimitable style. Adrian’s dogs and monkey were again "a great attraction, and the spirit with which the animals entered into the fun was a treat to witness. The clover performance of the dogs na_ balancers, jumpers and skinpers was little short ot marvellous. It was, however, tho antics of the monkey which appealed the most, anti fairly brought down the house. The turn is an excellent one, and the zest with which it is performed by all those taking part at once nuts it in the front rank of vaudeville turns." Athas and Collins, who aro equally at heimo in song, comedy, and dance, give a very clean performance. Athas sang Crack-a-Jack Johnny’ very capably, and Miss Collins contributed ‘•The Dancing Man” most creditably. The two gave a delightful impression of old-time actors, ami Athas earned rounds of applause in his eccentric dancing turn. As usual Fuller s Orchestra, under the able direction of Mr F. 11. Stokes, rendered capable nssistar.ee, the rendering of the entr’acte “If Winter Comes” (fox trot) being greeted with a round of applause. The same programme will be repeated tills evening.