PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19966, 7 December 1926, Page 15

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Patrons of the Princess Theatre were presented with a double attraction last night. Not only was there a new programme, but several artists with reputations as clever entertainers made their initial appearance before the footlights in Dunedin. There was a large audience, and judging by the enthusiasm with which the performers were received the programme for the current week should rank as one of the most popular given at this well-known house of entertainment. The performers who appeared for the first time created a very favourable impression, and it is safe to say that they will have lots of admirers of their artistic abilities before they leave the city. The programme is sufficiently varied to meet all tastes, and can scarcely fail to meet with the cordial approval of anyone who seeks a pleasant entertainment to pass away an evening. Paul de Bur, who is aptly described as “the Paper King,” and who has come out from London, made hjs initial appearance in vaudeville. His dexterity in the manipulation of paper, from which he produced a remarkable variety of articles, was an outstanding feature of the entertainment,, and created an excellent impression amongst tnose present. Amongst his creations were “the ladder of- eucess,” “the tree of knowledge of good and evil,” and the centipede. In a clever and artistic way he also produced numerous articles, beautiful and useful, from pieces of paper. His performance was followed with keen interest, and when he had completed his turn he was rewarded with enthusiastic applause in appreciation of what was recognised as a great effort. ,He was assisted by an attractive lady, and the interest in his turn was increased by a running comment of a highly humorous nature. Huley and Bent, a pair of English comedy artists, also made their first bow to a Dunedin audience for a period of several years, and fully succeeded in putting themselves on good termo with the gathering right away through the medium of a very clever turn, which was received with the appreciation merited by it. They appeared in a sketch in which a semi-inebriated diner took the principal part, and there was a lot of clever patter between the pair, in which the audience was greatly interested. The turn was concluded with a topical song which met with much favour. Another new artist was Sam Stern, who is described as a Jewish character impersonator in songs and stories. He was greeted with hearty applause on his appearance on the stage, and soon proved his ability as an entertainer. He presented three items in an attractive manner, and was rewarded with hearty applause when he finished his turn. Stompy and Stella, coloured comedians and dancers, who installed themselves as warm favourites last week, appeared in a new sketch entitled “ Thanks for the Buggy Ride.” They sang some attractive songs nicely, and gave a clever exhibition of dancing. The dialogue in the presentation of the sketch was diverting, and left the audience thoroughly amused. The second half of the programme was taken up by Elton Black’s- Town Topic Revue Company, which presented its fifth production, ■ bearing the title “Get a Move On.” This is a really clever production, and is probably one of the best of-its kind seen at the theatre for a long time. Theer are numerous musical numbers, all of which are well sung. The most attractive were “My Old Shako,” sung by Percy M'Kay, “ How They Walk,” by Charles Sherman, assisted by a bevy of attractive girls, “ Sometimes,” by Arthur Clarke and Alice Bennetts. “All the Girls,” by Elton Black, and “For the Two of Us,” by Charles Megan and Neva Carr-Glynn. The piece is full ot crisp dialogue, chiefly of a most diverting nature, and it kept the audience in roars of laughter from start to finish, sending them away in splendid humour. The bulk of the comedy fell to Elton Black, who acquitted himself in a way that left nothing to be desired, his numerous witty sayings being quite a treat. He was well supported by a clever and well-balanced company. As usual, the musical programme presented by the orchestra waS of a highly enjoyable nature. Another performance will be given to-night.