PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20917, 6 January 1930, Page 8

PRINCESS THEATRE.

A delightful mixture of comedy and drama was provided for those who witnessed the staging of “New Brooms” S', thePriueess Theatre on Saturday night. Mr Wyrley Birch played to perfection the part of the irascible father, and was ably supported by Mr Leonard Doyle, as the son who, with the supreme optimism of youth decided that he could run his father s business much better than the experienced man. Perhaps the most dramatic scene is the one in which the son realises that, after all. his father’s methods were right, and when, expecting the latter to gloat over him, he receives only fatherly sympathy. Mia Leona Hogarth, who had a somewhat difficult role to support, rose to the occasion with a delicacy which acted as an admirable foil to the more spirited parts of the As the contribution-seeking minister, Mr Compton Coutts, kept the audience continually amused, and. indeed, in this be was well seconded by the whole company. The dialogue throughout the play was exceedingly bright and did not lag for a moment. The lighting, effects, the scenery, and the music of the Princess Quartet all assisted to make “New Brooms ” an entertainment of outstanding merit. The play will be presented again this evening. “WHITE COLLARS.” The third of the comedies listed for presentation by the American Comedy Company will be staged at the Princess Inoatre on Wednesday afternoon. “White Collars” is a clever play by Edith Ellis, and audiences will find this play greatly to their liking. It appears that a white collar is the distinguishing mark of the great middle classes, and the play deals with the Thayer family, who come underthat category. The elder daughter of the family marries a millionaire’s son, who to the astonishment of the family settles down peacefully among them and commences to improve them. The action is rapid, and through a series of both humorous and dramatic situations the story reaches a most unexpected and entirely satisfactory climax. Leona Hogarth in the part of Joan Thayer hag a deal of work to do, and she does it witn perfect case. Her full-toned voice is a treat to listen to, and the part gives her many opportunities to display her ability as a first-class actress. Wyrley Birch, as the father of the family, again demonstrates his character studies. Molly Raynor. John Warwick, Eva Dawney Compton Coutts, Mary Curtain, and Norman Wister are the others who contribute successfully to the telling of the story.