PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20384, 16 April 1928, Page 13

PRINCESS THEATRE.

“ KEEP SMILING* r

A full measure of enjoyment was awaitiug the large audience in the Princess Theatre on Saturday night. It was the night of change, and there was plenty ot evidence that the change was looked forward to with the pleasant anticipation of spending a very amusing evening, and in this, no disappointment was experienced. There was one sketch alone that was “ worth the money,” and that was “ Ringing the Changes,” in which the performers were Ida Newton, Ira \ anda, Gus Dawson, George Correlli, and Joe Brennan. While all took a share in the sketch, which was of the description known as “ button bursting,” Brennan was the mirth-maker all through, and anything more amusing than his Terfy Kemble (an actor of comic stage cut and pattern) is inconceivable. There is a love affair, an obstinate mother, whose daughter is wooed by an ardent, but despairing lover, and an actor, wiiose object is to impress the obstinate elderly lady aristocrat with the idea that the lover moves in the very highest circles. It is of course, “a put up job,” and Joe 8., otherwise Terry K., is first announced ns a great military man with a high-sounding title that very nearly causes mater to collapse on the couch. His next role is equally imposing and effective. It is that of a great admiral of the British Navy, whose mere appearance very nearly sinks the enemy. But just when the battle appears to be won it is lost through an unfortunate contretemps. The idea is that the third impersonation must be some great political light and the name suggested to the impersonator is Sammy Bruce. Brennan, however, reappears decked out in a garb, half of which belongs to the Highlands of Scotland and half to the time of the old Roman Empire, and explains at the end, with a great deal of dramatic gesticulation, that he thought his employer wanted Robert Bruce for the third and finishing impression. The fittest description of the sketch that could be given is a scream.” Other sketches are “ The Inaudible Actors,” which is not new. “ The Woman Over the Road,” “ Catch as Catch Can,” “All Aboard,” in which there is some very good dancing, particularly by Maisie and Keitha Somerville, and “ Joe’s Wedding,” for which a more suitable title would bo

“Steak and Kidney Pie,” the di;’ by means of which a bride, “ fresh from her mother’s side ” as the fond and doting young ’husband describes her has apparently already got rid of her three previous selections. “ Joe’s Wedding ” is perhaps the next most amusing sketch to “ Rmging tho Changes,” but all aro well impregnated with humour and are real mirth provokers. There was. of course, a ercat deal of solo and duo work and dancing by six young ladies, who would have been described by Artomus Ward as “six of as slick young gals as over ho saw.” The dancing is a loading feature of the Brennan—Northcoto Company. The ballots are bright and attractive, and the dancing, which is on modern and up-to-date lines, is exceedingly good. There are one or two good male dancers in the company, but for spectacular effect, patrons turrt thm gaze upon tho ladies. * One dance duo that was especially enjoyable was the Du-ch clog dance by Dell Barnes and Hus Hawson. Brennan, who was a rather noted local elocutionist bore at one time, Rave several monologues very cleverly. Gyru Northoote puts in some effective work m a wrestling scene and “ makes his weight felt” The company includes a tenor singer George Corelli, who sings pleasingly. but takes some liberties with operatic airs Corelli is a very useful member of tho company, and can evidently fill 7 vacancy quite creditably. Thout - tioning everbody contributing to tlm cess of “Keep Smiling,” Peggy Sharpe s name should not bo omitted. This lady sinox and dunces very nicely. The same programme will be presented this evening.