WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 52

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS.

Br Peter Paw. May 8. Dear "Pasquin,"—Miss_ Nan Taylor, who did splendid work during the epidemic, has been re-engaged by J. and N. Tait to play a leading part in " Old Lady 31," a new play to be produced shortly. Miss Taylor was with the "Peg o' My Heart" Company when the "flu" put a stop to the companys tour. Miss Minnie Hooper, J. C. Williamson's ballet mistress, during her stay in Wellington, received many requests from aspirants for special instruction in stage dancing, but the accomplished lady had to refuse them, as she is too busy with the firm's work. It was a flattering testimonial to Miss Hooper's art. The record season* of the Royal Comics concludes this evening, much to the general regret. Enormous business has been done, and the season could very profitably have been extended for a couple of weeks. It is to be hoped a return season will be played, for there are many who would like to witness " Maytime" again. There is a strong bill at His Majesty's just now. Two clever French people, Rieuse and Rogers, have danced their way into the good graces of the audiences, and Brightie and Carlyon are as popular as ever. Nellie Kolle has returned, also Ward Lear and James and Selma. PRINCESS THEATRE. The accepted mode of entertainment at the Princess Theatre, which has of late developed into a short selection of vaudeville items followed by a revue, finds its sanction of .approval in the large audiences which it invariably attracts and in the demonstrative enthusiasm which it unfailingly evokes. On Monday this same progression was followed, and after the audience had been properly attuned by several good humorous turns the Walter George. Revue Company presented " Seaside Frolics," the revue which will be remembered as one of the most successful of ihs many pieces staged here previously by the same company, and, aa it has been amplified and improved, it represents a really admirable evening's entertainment. The plot is of an amazing simplicity. But, fragile as it is, it provides a sufficient peg upon which to hang an embroidered tapestry of mirth, music, and dance, and it serves to lend sufficient cohesion to the story to endow it with a definite interest. The various parts are so constructed as to provide the characters in the revue with ample opportunities for funmaking, and these are availed of to the full by the capable members of the Sunshine Players Company. Jolly John Larkin opened the vaudeville part of the entertainment by singing a song or two, telling a couple of funny stories, and rollicking^boisterously off the stage. Miss Jose Baptisti, rather less Bohemian than usual, played several violin selections quite acceptably and retired with warm applause. Fred Bluett, the only other performer, was again a host in himself as he discoursed of the troubles of a " family" man, and ho still rides on the crest of a wave of popularity.