"SINBAD THE SAILOR" AT THE PRINCESS THEATRE,

Otago Witness, Issue 2102, 7 June 1894, Page 37

"SINBAD THE SAILOR" AT THE PRINCESS THEATRE,

The company which is heralded by the loudest nourish of trumpets is not always the best, and that whose coming is modestly announced sometimes turns out to be above the average* The arrival of the Brisbane Gaiety and Pantomime Company in Dunedin was not accompanied by any special fuss, and very short notice of its appearance at the Princess Theatre was given ; but that did not necessarily imply that the combination was not worthy of support. The members of the company opened their season here on Monday night, and received a cordial welcome from a large audience, and the great majority of those present were, it is safe to say, very agreeably disappointed with the programme presented to them. The public had not been invited to form very high expectations concerning the company, and the expectations which were formed cannot but have been in nearly every case more than fulfilled, the fact being that the company includes an unusual proportion of performers who, as specialty artists, are entitled to take high rank. The title of the entertainment presented was "Sinbad the Sailor," but the performance virtually resolved itself into a series of "turns" by the leading members of the company. The entertainment was an exceedingly good one of its class, which it will, of course, be fully understood, is not the most refined, and every item without exception was received with demonstrative expressions of approval. Foremost among the performers was an old favourite in Miss Priscilla Verne, for I whom young Dunedin has a decided liking, and who displayed as much vivacity as on any of her previous visits ; while the fact that she retains her ability to successfully take her "turn" was evidenced iv her sketch, "Mash- [ ing the Band," for which she received a treble encore. Miss Florrie St. Claire, a piquante actress and graceful danseuse, created a favourable impression, and bids fair to win considerable popularity. Her singing voice is sweet, and its singular weakness did not prevent her scoring an encore for her rendering of " Silly Fool," and her skipping rope dance was a clever and taking contribution to the entertainment. Dancing is, indeed, a strong feature with the company, Misses Lampriere and Ponsonby giving a butterfly danee — in which a very pretty effect was gained by the skilful manipulation of many-coloured voluminous skirts — and the ballet, consisting of half-a-dozen young ladies, very nimble and graceful in their steps, giving " Dear little shoes and stockings " in such admirable style as to secure an enthusiastic encore. Mr John Tudor and Mr Jake Friedman we have seen before in their tin-can specialty ; but each gave separate items, which pleased the audience, the former being encored for his Irish song, while the latter had to repeat portion of his jodelling song. Mr J. S. Parlatto acted very cleverly as well as amusingly ; Mr T. C. Callaghan proved himself to be a performer of distinct ability ; and Mr W. H. Cowan also did good service. The jugglery of Mons. Provo — exceedingly clever, as the Danedin public know it to be — is not less' noteworthy because its merits are recognised, and in the Connor Brothers the company includes three of the most successful exponents of the tumbling, jumping, and balancing business there have been in Dnnedin. Never has this kind of work been done here more cleanly and neatly than it was by the Connor Brothers, who were freely applauded, until with their culminating act when, having erected a pyramid, three men high, they fell sideways to the stage, which they severally reached with a somersault, they fairly brought the house down with a roar of applause, which was only discontinued after the acrobats had twice bowed their acknowledgments. There are various other items on the programme which, if space permitted, might be favourably mentioned, but those who are able to appreciate the kind of performance submitted by the Brisbane Gaiety Pantomime Company may, be best recommended to visit the theatre and see for themselves. The company as we have said, includes an unusual proportion of specialty artists.