PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19349, 9 December 1924, Page 11

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Three new acta were presented to patrons at the Princess Theatre, last night by the Lecardo Brothers (pantomimic acrobats), Lena Jooste (comedienne and soubrette), and Frank Wilson (English instrumentalist) respectively. All the new-comera ore extremely clover in their particular lines, and thir turns were hailed with expressions of the most cordial appreciation by a large audience. It may be said without fear of contradiction that they are certain to win a large number of admirers during their stay in Dunedin. The other members of the company have already established themselves as warm favourites with patrons, who ora not slow to recognise that their abilities are of a high order. The programme presented last night was of a high standard, and every performer met with a reception that must have afforded a great deal of pleasure to those concerned. The Lecardo Brothers, two in number, were accorded a very hearty reception, and they were undoubtely entitled to all the applause bestowed on them, for their contribution to the programme was one of the best of its kind seen here for a- very long time. They gave a wonderful display of acrobatic feats, requiring a very high degree of ability, and all their -work was done with such apparent ease that it wasall the more attractive. The couple are decidely original in their display, convention being totally disregarded, and apart from their neatness and cleverness they invest the turn with a degree of humour that appealed to the audience, the performance being accompanied by almost continuous laughter. Miss Lena Jooste, who hails from Africa, possesses an attractive stage presence, and a rather sweet voio. She was quite successful in her two songs; “I Thought I’d Die” and “Somebody's Darling,” and achieved additional success by a clever display of barefoot dancing, which was very cleverly executed. Altogether she made a very favourable impression, and should bo very popular during her stay here. Frank Wilson, whoso last appearance at at Princess Theatre will no doubt bo remembered with pleasure by many lovers of instrumental music, was accorded a splendid reception, which he thoroughly deserved. He played on seven or eight different Instruments, and appeared to be quite at home with them all. His playing was quite a treat to listen to, a high standard being attained on every instrument. His performance was one of the moot enjoyable given during the evening, and the liberal applause bestowed on him showed that his efforts were highly appreciated. Of the artists who had appeared previously, the most successful were probably Vaude and Verne, who presented a really clever turn Their opening song, “Mother Eve,” was followed by a choice and very humorous collection of topical parodies, in which the names of several well-known people were introduced meet appropriately. Some clever patter, in which reference was made to a number of the AH Black footballers, was the source of a good deal of merriment, and another parody to the tune of “Cock Robin” formed a fitting conclusion to one of the best turns of the evening. The ideas were undoubtedly clever, and were brought out in such appropriate words that the audience showed its appreciation in a very hearty manner when the artists left the stage. Jock Mills presented an entertaining budget of Scottish song and story, which delighted those present. His principal contributions were “The Trousers My Father Used to Wear and “A Picture of .Hame,” in which he acquitted himself very well, and his anecdotes were also highly amusing. John Moore contributed “The Ragged vagabond,” “Tho Sweetest Flower That Blows, nnd“A Chip of the Old Block,” in a manner that gained the full approbation of all present, and also related some comic stones which wore full ,of genuine humour and were heartily . received. Calland Hooper’s songs at the piano were splendidly rendered, and the clever couple did their full share in the way of contributing to the evening's enjoyment. Miss Lilas_ Birt and Mess Jenny Roy were rewarded with hearty applause for their vocal contributions, which were presented in a very pleasing manner, and the Megan Brothers gave a fine display os comedians, dancers, and instrumentalists. As usual, the orchestra rendered valuable assistance to all the performers.