THE STAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 50

THE STAGE.

Contribution! from the Profession ahronleUaf •eir movement* end doings ere invited. All auaicatioas to be addressed "Pasquin.” OUig» Witness Offioa. PRINCESS THEATRE. Fuller’s Vaudeville. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. December 26 to January 11. — Allan WilkieJanuary 11-18.—Louis Bennison Company. February 12-17.— J. C. Williamson (pencilling) February 19-24. —Band Competitkirs.

theatrical and musical NOTES.

Bl PAiQCIR

Thursday. A Shakespearean season was opened by Allan YYbikie Co. in His Majesty s Theatre on Tuesday evening*. The season was looked forward to with the keenest interest by all lovers of Shakespeare’s works, and despite the fact that the performances are being given during the holidays, when many people are away from town, the audiences so far have been very satisfactory, lhe season was opened with A Midsummer INight s Dream,’’ a delightful fantasy aftei the characteristic manner of a dream, and full of irresponsible gaiety and good humour, lhe company gave a very fine interpretation of the piece, a feature of the performance being the splendid enunciation, ivir Wilkie, as Bottom, the weaver, was responsible for most of the ban, being irresistibly absurd, while many deft original touches effectively increased the humour. Miss Frediswyde Hunter-watts, who was the leading lady when the company last m S u^ et i l* un<K^n > has unfortunately been in ill-health lately, and is at present 'unable to appear. Miss Hilda Dorrington i s now the lady, ancl took the part of Helena, the lover of Lysander. Her opening work seemed somewhat cold, but she became more expressive and convincing later on. The other characters were in capable hands, and all the performers did their full share in giving a highly creditable presentation of the piece. The audience was highly appreciative, and at the interval and at the close of the performance the artists were accorded prolonged applause. Ihe play chosen for the second performance was the well-known “Merchant of Venice,” which has always been a very popular work. There was a large audience, who followed the play with the keenest interest and approval. The part of Shylook, the merciless Jew, was taken by Mr Wilkie who gave a very fine interpretation of the character, probably his greatest triumph being in the trial scene. In the character ot Portia Miss Dorrington did some fine work, possessing the dignity and fine stage presence necessary for a successful portrayal As m the previous performance, the other characters were ably filled, and the members of the. company have every reason to be satisfied with their efforts. The bookings are such that the company may be reasonablv assured of a very successful season. The programme at the Princess Theatre this week bonsists entirely of vaudeville items, which have met with a splendid reception from large audiences. A very high standard of merit is attained, and the artists fully merit the enthusiastic applause with which their turns are received. Probably the most sensational feat is that performed by the Staig Sisters two in number. The turn is entitled “The Globe of Life,” and in the course of the performance one of the sisters loops the loop on a motor cycle ridden at high speed. Ship and Kenny created an excellent inpression as a song and patter duo, and a wonderful exhibition of balanc-, ing is given by Marzon and Florence, who are equilibrists of a very high order. Maurice Sterndale is'a clever violinist and presents a number of very pleasing melodies, and Louis Bloy gives a delightful performance on the banjo. Sam Stern presents a number of character sketches, and in that direction he is one of the cleverest artists ever seen here. Craydon and Mack’s turn contains songs, lively talk, and clever dancing, and the Andros (an adult violinist of the comical order and a boy ventriloquist) also gave a performance that wa s full of merit. The success of (he performances given so far is such that large audiences mav be expected for the rest of the week.