PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 46

PRINCESS THEATRE.

The resumption of the revue form of entertainment at the Princess Theatre on the 10th was umiouotedly responsible lor the very largo attendance whicn completely tilled the building, and the warm reception that was accorded Mr Walter George's Sunshine Players was a clear-cut indication that theso bright and picturesque productions still retain their hold upon the public fancy. "Seaside Frolics" is the title of Mr George's first revue number, and, beyond all question, the"frolics" are fast and furious, giving the piece an impetus that carries it swittly forward and bringing the end with an unexpectedness that is the sure guarantee of time pleasantly spent. There is a plentiful supply of good comedy and—what is really the strong point of ttie revue —an abundance of tuneful music, well sung. The company is splendidly equipped with vocalists, and the songs throughout, whether solos, duets, trios, or concerted numbers, are catchy,, pleasing, and melodious, and at the same 'time bright and humorous. Tho bulk of the comedy is suionlied by Mr Walter George (a hypochondriac), Mr George Storey (a coster), Miss Georgie Martin (his wife), and several other guests at the "honeymoon" hotel; and a capable chorus, headed by Miss Polly M'Laren, also has a valuable role to fill. At least three of the male members of the company possess fine voices—Messrs Leslie Jephcoate, Barry Hitching, and Holly Leslie —and Mr George himself sings one good chorus song—while two of the ladies—Miss Hylda Shannon and Miss May Geary—also acquit themselves well as vocalists. Tho new revue company, several members of which are not unknown to Dunedin audiences, already gives promise of attaining no ordinary degree of popularity in this city.. The first half of the entertainment is given over to a series of vaudeville items by many of tho artists who appeared last week, reinforced by the addition of Miss Nellie Kolle. This lady, who will be remembered as the possessor of a strong voice of good quality and a pleasing manner, sings several new war songs, < the sentiment and the melody of which give them so strong an appeal to vaudeville audiences that they usually develop into conceited numbers, and those who are usually listeners become performers. A now sketch, entitled " Sam's Second Attempt," was presented by Arthur Bertram and Rubee Raymond, and it was on somewhat similar lines to its predecessor and evoked just as much merriment. Watson and Smart were again responsible for a very clever little. tui*n, full of brightness and humour, Mr Watson making use of a 'cello to provide much of the comedy. The Balancinos repeated their ncntlv ex~"ufed and skilful feats of strength; and Mr Ward Lear, who opened the programme, succeeded in putting everyone in a good humour.