THE KING’S THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2996, 16 August 1911, Page 69

THE KING’S THEATRE.

The vaudeville-loving public of this city is certainly well-catered for at the hands of Messrs Fuller, and that they recognise this is demonstrated very tangibly by the largo numbers which invariably fill the theatre on the night of the weekly change of programme. At the King’s Theatre the essence of an enjoyable vaudeville entertainment is variety, and in this respect the new bill initiated on the 14-th is eminently successful. Great diversity is exhibited in tho nature of the turns submitted, and this added to the versatility of the performers entirely precludes any suggestion of weariness, Avhile thoughts of the outer world are completely relegated to oblivion from the rise to the fall of the curtain. From the opening chorus onwards the minstrel first part Avent with a fine swing last night, and t)ie audience fairly revelled in catching 'songs and graceful dances, while anon it laughed heartily at the really witty sallies of genuine comedians and clever end men. Two new faces behind the local footlights Avere Freda NeAvrick and Brightie Carlisle, and, at the conclusion of their respective turns each received a full meed of appreciation. Mr E. R. Martin, a talented bass vocalist, made a welcome reappearance, and was accorded a very favourable reception. Other contributors to the success of this part of the entertainment were Will Rhodesbury, the Willis Sisters, George Jones, Mabel Lynne, Sam La Mert, Ettie Williams, Arthur Elliott, and the Elliott Sisters., The second half of the programme is especially good, and the feats executed by Karle’s troupe of performing animals comprise one of the most novel and interesting turns ever staged locally. There are five dogs and a goat, and one and all display a remarkable of intelligence in a A r ariety of evolutions which at first must have presented considerable difficulty to the animal mind. One dog achieves some leaps of surprising magnitude with apparent ease, and the rest do a number of intricate tricks vyith an accuracy born of patient instruction. The feats of a small dog who perambulates the stage balanced on a round ball is also worthy of special mentiop. _ The performance is concluded by tho introduction of a sedate-looking pony called Fritz, and membera of the audience who feel disposed are invited to try and retain their seats on its hack, being alloAved to hold on by the reins. With the endeavour to mount the trouble' begins, but barely has it done so ero the termination comes swiftly and rudely, as after a few ungraceful and futile endeavours to “stick on ” the rider is gently but firmly , deposited on the floor. The other items were made up of Miss Maud Fanning’s everpopular coon impersonations, some clever patter by Jones and Williams and the Rhodesburys, and a selection from “II Trovatore ” whistled very musically by Sam La Mert. Mr Stokes’s orchestra rendered the accompaniments and incidental music in a highly capable manner.