PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19691, 19 January 1926, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE.

The season of the Jim Gerald Revuo Company has now drawn almost to a close ■ —to-night the teason will end, and the company will leave on the following day. for Sydney. Last night, when the company staged a new piece, “Once Aboard the Lugger.” the theatre was packed to the doors, and after the final curtain Mr Gerald, in returning thanks for the splendid reception his company had received during its slay m Dunedin, stated that it had been wprten by Mr Reg Hawthorne. He also sii he desired to thank the orchestra am! t!io stage staff for the willing assistance :• • - s given him, and he hoped to return b uedin in the not far distant future "u, a new repertoire of revues. The plot ol the now revue —a slender one —deals with the love affairs of a white girl. Mee Sing, rescued when she was a baby from a wrecK on the coast of China. The fearsome-look-ing guardian of the girl, Mah .Jong, has had the girl betrothed to him, but along comes a Prince, travelling incognito (Mr Ernest Crawford). He falls in love with the girl—a Princess, as it _ turns out- —and comes back with a man o war from the State of Ruritania to rescue her front the Chinese mandarin. Mr Jim Gerald is the admiral of the man o' war, and Mr Reg Hawthorne his trusty sailor friend. What armed foe could prevail against this doughty pair when out to rescue beauty in distress"? They frighten off the haughty Mandarin, and all ends happily. Mr Gerald, in a grotesque make-tip, shattered all preconceived ideas of the dignity which hedges round an admiral. The audience, however, were not concerned one whit about that phase—they wanted to laugh at and with the very popular comedian, and Mr Gerald fullv met their wishes. Indeed, the laughter grew to uproarious hilarity at times as the burlesque admiral unfolded his whimsicalities to the audience. Air Gerald also sang two very diverting songs in inimitable stylo-“He’s a very nice fellow to speak to” and There amt no flies on auntie.” Mass Mona Thomas made a charming Mee bin.g and sang “When My Ships Come Sailing Horae” in acceptable style. She also joined with Mr Crawford in a nicelysung duet, “Mnonlight and Roses. Hawthorne did not have a great deal to say as the sailor man. His part was to look the trusty supporter of the admiral, and ask at time to be permitted to make a suggestion. IVIr Crawford sang There s a Song Down Every’ Roadway” in a manner which won the full approval .of the audience, and altogether made a manly Prince; Miss Linda Dale sang nicely and acted charmingly as Ting Ling, _of the mandarin’s household; and Adelaide Taylor, Howard Hall (the mandarin), and Lance Vane capably’ filled their respective parts. Miss Polly M’Laren and the Six Twinklers were seen in some attractive ballets;; the scenic effects were well done, and the atmosphere of the East fullv observed. A' very fine first half was presented. Mr Harold Walden, pianist, vocalist, and raconteur, has quite won the favour of local audiences, and last night he had to give several encores before he was allowed to leave the stage. ' He has a good singing voice, and his patter is also new and very clever. Morris and Cowley’ provided an amusing singing act, especially when, as two old men, they joined in snatches of some of the old songs they used to sing. One of the pair also gave a fine character sketch of on old soldier w’ho had been in the Crimean war. Farrell and Massey’, dancers, made a first appearance, and thoroughly deserved the applause they received for their graceful dancing, both concerted and solo. Their soft shoe dancing was particularly effective. A double turn was staged by the Musical Weatherley’s. They first presented a musical programme featuring singing, the playing of various instruments, and later in the evening three of the girls were seen under the name of the Atlantics in a remarkable acrobatic and contortion act. Each one of the trio appeared to be absolutely without joints, judging by the manner in which they twisted their arms, legs, and bodies. Seldom, if ever, has anything better been seen on a local stage in this particular form of entertainment. As stated, the Jim Gerald Company will make its final appearance to-night, and it is assured of a great send-off. SNAPSHOE REVUE COMPANY TO-MORROW. With the Gerald boom over, the Fullers are placing in the Princess Theatre to-morrow night a show eminently worthy to replace it, and one, it may be prophesied with confidence, that will secure equal favour. Indeed, a glance at the personnel of the Geo. Ward Snapshot Revue Company shows it to have more artists of eminence in its composition than any preceding company one can remember. Mr Geo. Ward himself, a very clever and original Dutch-American comedian, will be pleasurably remembered by revue patrons for his “little Hermie” studies when he led another company, and Mr Bert Le Blanc takes pride of place among all the Hebrew comedians we have seen. With these are associated such sterling and popular artists as Carlton Chase, Vernon Sellars (an admirable vocalist), Yorke Grey, Dot Browne. Daisy YaYtes, atsy Hill, and Dorrie Tointon, with a real beauty ballet to set off a distinguished cast. The firm has provided a - fine ey’de of snapshot revues to feature the manifold talents indicated in the personnel, and all the shows are elaborately staged and costumed. The opening production for to-morrow night is “The Legend of the Ring,’ a piece abounding in fast comedy, lilting lyrics, and gay ballets. The plans are at the Bristol.