“PRIMROSE” A MERRY MUSICAL COMEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17836, 3 May 1926, Page 13

“PRIMROSE” A MERRY MUSICAL COMEDY.

FULL HOUSE SATURDAY; CATCHY SONGS AND REMARKABLE EFFECTS.

Productions that come under the caption of musical comedy are among the most popular forms of theatrical entertainment. One of the best, and what promises to be one of the most popular, musical comedies presented in Christchurch of recent years—and there have been a good many—is “ Primrose,” which was played here for the first time at the Theatre Royal an Saturday night by the J. C. Williamson Company, headed by the everpopular comedian, Mr George Gee, and Miss Margery Hicklin, a dainty English actress; who is new to this part of the world. The attendance was a

particularly large one, there being hardly a vacant seat in any part of the theatre, and the reception which the production received was most cordial and must have been highly gratifying to the company. There is not much of either story or plot about “ Primrose,” but these are not missed amidst the wealth of catchy songs, tuneful airs, dances, comedy interludes and all that goes to make up a firstclass musical comedy. In the essentials of this class of entertainment, “ Primrose ” is more than usually well endowed. The result is that in the w’hole production—and it is a long one—there is not a single dull moment. Full measure is given in “Primrose.” The dressings and mountings are particularly well done, and some marvellous stage effects are introduced.

One of the most wonderful pieces of stage artistry ever presented in Christchurch was put on in the third act. The audience saw the actresses and actors change before their eyes. One minute they were white people dressed in white garments, and then in a flash they were changed into negresses and negroes attired in parti-coloured costumes. It was just as if some magician had waved his wand across the stage. When the change was first produced there was a gasp of astonishment from the audience, and no doubt many rubbed their eyes to see if they were awake. The short spell of bewilderment was followed by rounds and rounds of hearty applause from every part of the house. The astounding and mystifying change was made several times, and the general question was “ How ever is it done?” The company entrusted with the presentation of “ Primrose ” is a very strong one, and it includes many old favourites.. Mr George Gee is always good, and in “ Primrose ” he has a part that suits him down to the ground. He takes the part of Toby Meopham, the scion of an English aristocratic family, who is always getting into scrapes, but whose worst escapade seems to be the one which results in him becoming engaged to a young lady rejoicing in the name of Pinkie Peach. The part of Toby Meopham is one that offers many opportunities to a clever comedian, and needless to say Mr Gee makes the most of them in his own inimitable style. The bulk of the comedy work fell to him, but it was in capable hands, and he had the audience in roars of laughter nearly all the time that he occupied the centre of the stage. One of the most successful songs of the evening was “ The phams,” sung by Mr Gee, Miss Dorothy Lena and Mr Jack Cannot. It dealt with the history of the Meophams, a distinguished family who came over with the Conqueror, and who, it appeared, were always handy wlyn “ trouble was brewing ” or when “braving was doing.” It was an admirable piece of fooling and the audience evidently enjoyed it immensely. Another very humorous song was “ Mary, Queen of Scots,” sung by Mr Gee and Mr Hugh Steyne. Mr Gee also sang “ When Toby is Out of Town ” and 1 “ What Love Means to Girls Like Me.” Miss Hicklin, as the leading lady of the company, had a lot to do, but undoubtedly she did it well. She is a fine actress, and she has a sweet voice, which was heard to good effect in a number of songs. Her songs are probably the most tuneful and haunting in the production, which is very well provided for in this direction. In the first act Miss Hicklin sang “ Somebody Loves Me” and “Some Far Away Someone,” and they instantly established her as a warm favourite with the audience. “ All Alone,” in the second act, was another sweet' number sung by Miss Hicklin, and with Mr Ley land Hodgson she sang the duet “ Wait a Bit, Susie,” a song with a fine swing and admirably rendered. Miss Hicklin was the principal in the lightning change scene already referred to. In this she sang “ Blue Hoozier Blues.”

Miss Lena as Pinkie Peach, otherwise known as Madame Frazeline, filled an important part well. She is a capable actress with a decided gift for comedy work. In “Primrose” she has many opportunities for displaying her ability in this direction. She made a great success with the song “ Boy Wanted,” in the second act. Mr Cannot did not have a very big part to play, but what he had to do he, as usual, did well. He took the part of Michael, the brother of Pinkie Peach Mr Hodgson, as Hilary Vane, a novelist, who writes the sort of love stories that are supposed to appeal to women Mr Hugh Steyne as Freddie Falls, Mr Harry Wotton as Sir Benjamin Falls an irascible old gentleman, who has a distinct leaning towards spiritualism Miss Rosie Le Yarde as Lady Meopham, and Miss Reita Nugent all carried out their respective parts i n a capable and finished manner. A striknux??'?®r A in th e third act was the ballet L Amour d’un Faun.” The S ar j he was taken by Mr Fred M Kay, and the other principals were Misses Mavis Sayer, May Harris and Rene Murphy. The ballet was presentea with fine stage effects and the dancing was graceful and well d f. n ®« The incidental music was supplied bv a capable orchestra under the baton of Mr Cass Downing. to-nteht^ 056 * WiU bc P resent ®d again