PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19260, 26 August 1924, Page 4

PRINCESS THEATRE.

A pnrtieularly fine bill presented at the Princess Theatre last night was the moans of attracting a particularly good attendance; in fact it was ns near an approach to a full house ns it was possible to bo. It does not often happen that tiro such good nets as were presented last night should supplement sneji an excellent programme as was current prior to the advent of the new comers. Foremost among those appearing on the hill for the first time was the Itev. Frank donnan. for whom Princess patrons always have a warm regard. The fact that lie is affectionately known throughout Australia and New Zealand ns “The Singing Parson” is in itself an evidence of the high esteem in which he is held. His having been able to retain Ills popularity on the stage over it period of years is proof that he has sincerely won his way into vaudeville patrons’ good graves. With his unique gift of soug and his pretty wit and pointed stories, not to speak of his charming personality, he has endeared himself to many who are not regular attenders at the Princess. His re-appearance last night was the signal of an outburst of applause, and at the conclusion of each item he was so undeniably encored that ho had to appear again and again. Uls vocal offerings were;—“Oldfashioned Sweetheart,” “itock-a-bye Ma Honey,” “Granny,” “Sing Along Sambo,and “Ail the Same.” His patter, too, was particularly good, and most of his stories were new and were greeted with the applause they deserved. There is no doubs that Mr Gorman’s re-appearanee after a somewhat lengthy absence will prove a veritable magnet. Hartley and Wright, who are billed as EngHsh musical comedy artists, contributed what they termed “Odds and Ends of Vaudeville.” and succeeded in gripping an appreciative audience. Their singing in solos and duets was decidedly good. Their voices blond well, and their concerted work was a great deal above the average. Their patter and jokes wore both new and clever. The songs rendered included“ Blue Hoosier P.lucs,” “Hear Old Pal of Mine,” and “When the I.caves Come Tumbling Down.” Another pair of new-comers wore Fiery Jackson and Partner. Thcir’s is a most unique turn, their principal object beingto burlesque almost all sorts of sleight-of-hand and juggling. This is practically wholly performed by Jackson, who succeeds so admirably in showing how a thing ought not to be done that he has his onlookers fairly convulsed with laughter almost from start to finish. He has a happy “knack” too of slipping on the carpet, "but all to some purpose. His repertoire of “properties” is extensive, and there appears to be nothing in (bo burlesquing of juggling that Jackson is not capable of doing, and doing well. Another performer of note is Eilas Birt, who is billed as an English character comedienne. She appears on the stage with her “grip,” and narrates, per medium of song, how she came to pack up her grip. Her next offering was “Not Another Baby in the World Eike Ours,” her final effort being “Back to the Farm.” The latter was cleverly sung, and demonstrated Miss Birt’s undoubted ability as a character singer. Needless to say she was well received. By no means the least of the now turns was that given by Ronald Knight and Sheila Brady-, both of whom are the possessors of good singing voices. Mr Knight, in his clear tenor voice, gave a splendid rendering of “Mother of Pearl” and “Honolulu Blues,” and Miss Brady more than delighted her honrers with “Are Maria” sung as a solo, her partner accompanying her on the piano, and In company with her partner, gave as a duet “I Ain’t Nobody’s Darling.” Straight songs are by- no means common on the vaudeville stage nowadays, but when they are rendered a* these two artists know how to render them they are very fully- appreciated. Of tm» “stop-overs” Jock Mills was one of the lenders, and succeeded in delighting his hearers with vocal renderings of “Roderick M'Kenzie” and “New Year’s Day.” His patter, too, was well received. Vaude and Verne, both of whom are possessed of considerable wit, appeared in a fresh bunch of topicalities, and scored a distinct success. They also met with a good reception for their vocal efforts,- which included “Song Names” and “Money in the World.” Eyons and O’Moore again gave a good exhibition of dancing and singing, the latter including “On the Nancy- Dee.” James Stewart, the original tramp at the piano, did not vary his turn greatly, but nevertheless amused his hearers immensely with a burlesqued impression of Paderewski, also some quaint patter. Frank Wilson, who Is an expert instrumentalist, again met with a good reception. The same programme will bo .repeated this evening.