PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Witness, Issue 3395, 9 April 1919, Page 46

PRINCESS THEATRE

Among the fresh appearances at the Princes Theatre on the 7th the Faynes easily led tho way by the startling originality of their turn. As a • contortionist the male member of the duo was amazing, and hia bones seemed to be made of india-rubber. Bending backwards until he could grasp his ankles with his hands was a small matter for him, and walking upstairs on his hands and feet backwards was as nimbly performed as tho average person could do it erect. His most sensational feat almost appeared to justify the claim of tho performer that he was able to defy the laws of gravitation. Standing on the edge of a table he leant backwards until ho could touch the ground with his head, and then, with a great muscular effort, resumed an erect position on the table. Musical diversions and humour of a quaint type completed this excellent turn. Fred Bluett's irresistiblo drollery made him a strong favourite before he had been on tho stage, more than a few seconds. Victor tho Great and his assistants showed their _ versatility by coming out as " magicians," and their work was certainly adroit and mystifying. A variation of the " cabinet triok" was neatly performed. One of tho assistants, Madame Clothilda, trussed up and placed in a curtained enclosure, rang bells and ratted castanets in a manner which was inexplicable. The two Delavales gave an other laughable performance, and tneir brisk patter and the ludicrous facial expression of the clown, who is a fine comedian, gained them tumultuous applause. Lily Vockler's ballads were sung with this artist's usual success, and Nellie Kolle sang her chorus songs "and played the piano dashingly, her selection of choruses being particularly popular. The singing and dancing of Emerson and Hasto and Oorrie and Baker were bright and clever, and the whole programme kept a packed audience entertained until the fall of the curtain.