“BRIMSTONE AND TREACLE”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22023, 4 August 1933, Page 11

“BRIMSTONE AND TREACLE”

VARIETY AT HIS MAJESTY’S “ Brimstone and Treacle,” a medley of song, dance, comedy, and music, was presented for the first time at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The production is being staged for the purpose of raising funds for the Mayor’s unemployment relief fund, and all the artists gave their services free. It was a most varied programme that was presented, and all tastes were catered for. The production will be repeated on Saturday evening, and those in search of a good variety entertainment could do a lot worse than spend the evening at His Majesty’s Theatre. Chief among the attractions is the oneact play by members of the Dunedin Repertory Society, who present Neil Grant’s clever sketch "On Dartmoor.” The players are Miss Dessa Stabb and Miss Pennie Marshall, both of whom give a very excellent account of themselves in the roles of enlightened young ladies who have exceedingly advanced views on the subject of the “ persecution of poor convicts” until they are themselves the victims of a robbery. The production is excellently produced and for this the audience is indebted to the unusual ability of Miss Bessie Thomson, who presents a lively little sketch in the most attractively lively way. Mr Desmond Greenslade, Mr Clarence Paine and Mr Kenneth Stewart are also in the cast and contribute to_ the success of the piece. Another splendid item is the appearance of Mr Knight Barnett at the piano in revised versions of “ Annie Laurie,” a highly popular number which was followed by a vocal presentation, “An Old-fashioned Girl,” an original and daring comedy hit which found instant favour with his audience. The show opened with a chorus, “Lifting the Lid Off Hell,” which wag followed by a humorous character study, “ Levinski at the Wedding,” by Mr Percy Smith. Then came Stan. Lawson’s ballet, which acquitted itself very well, aftei which Mr Ted Andrews rendered two very delightful xylophone solos. Miss Laura Bain’s dance number, “La Danseuse,” was well received, and Miss Florence M. Gillies played “La Polka de la Reine ” (Raff) very much to the liking of the audience. Several negro spirituals followed and were a great success. Among the numbers were “ The Cabin with the Roses at the Door,” “ Fat Li'l Fella Wid His Mammy’s Eyes,” “ Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” and “ In the Evening by the Moonlight.” The interlude, “ Weight and See,” was well done, and Mr E. Ottrcy was enthusiastically applauded for his singing of “Muleteer of Malaga” and “A Bachelor Gay Am I.” “ The Villain,” a short sketch by Mr Percy Smith and Mr R. I. Douglas, was well received, and then followed the_ finale, which was characterised by genuine life and zest. The orchestra, under the direction of Mr T. A. Maunsell, did more than its share towards the success of the evening. Its youthful conductor led it through a highly-crcditable performance which included “ Orpheus in der Unterwcldt ” (Offenbach) as an overture, and “Danse de Phrynee ” (Gounod) us an entr’acte.