PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20918, 7 January 1930, Page 13

PRINCESS THEATRE.

“New Brooms,” which has now entered upon the closing stages of its Dunedin season, continues to attract large audiences to the Princess Theatre. The plot is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, and the_ principals are granted varied opportunities to display their talent. In the role of the irascible father, whose knowledge of the world had made him suspicious and cautious, Mr Wyrley Birch gives a masterly performance, whilst the part of the son who knows everything dnd who disregards his father's advice is admirably portrayed by Mr Leonard Doyle. Miss Leona Hogarth’s performance in the role of Geraldine March is little short of brilliant, her vivid personality and delicate charm captivating the audience completely. The lighter side of the production is splendidly dealt with by Miss Molly Raynor, whilst Mr Compton Coutts is undeniably funny in the clever part of the eccleaiastical humbug who is never without his subscription list. Throughout the play the dialogue is exceedingly bright and does not lag for » moment. The play will be presented this evening for the last time. “ WHITE COLLARS.” “White Collars” is the next play to be staged by the American and English Comedy Company at the Princess Theatre, and it will be presented there for the first time in _ New Zealand to-morrow, when there will be a matinee. “ 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 under that 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 humor, ous and dramatic situations the story reaches a most unexpected and entirely satisfactory climax. Leona Hogarth, in the part of Joan Thayer, has a deal of work to do, and she does it with perfect ease. 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.