KING’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1418, 28 June 1917, Page 30

KING’S THEATRE.

“THE PRINCESS OF PATCHES.” The new Brandon-Cremer Dramatic Company have caught on with King’s Theatre patrons, and with their choice of plays are likely to remain in firm favour for some time. “ThePrincess of Patches” was received with unstinted approval by largeaudiences on Saturday afternoon and evening, the story having much beyond the ordinary melodrama to claim attention. Nettles, who for obvious reasons calls herself “The Princess of Patches” runs away from her cruel master, Judas, an ex-slave, and is sheltered by Col. Robert Silverthorn, a gallant old soldier. It happens—as it invariably does in good melodrama fiction —that Nettles really an heiress, the tracing of whom X

would mean the routing of the villain, Lee Silverthorn. From this a highly sensational story is evolved, but there are many bright spots to illumine it. The title role was admirably sustained by Miss Clarice Warner, who made the character lovable through all its vicissitudes. Mr. .K-enneth Carlisle was cool and crafty as LeeSilverthorn and had his work cut out to pit his wits against the vigilant Judas. The latter was vigorously represented by Mr. Charles Archer. Mr. Fred Coape, as the philosophic,, helpful tramp, evoked hearty laughs

and the remaining characters were in good hands. Th,e scenery called forth many approving comments.

“ONLY A SHOP GIRL.”

Next Saturday commences the 38th week of the season, when “Only a Shop Girl” will be presented. The story, which bristleis with intrigue and humour, hinges on the fate of a woman wronged. The leading positions in the play are filled by Miss Clarice Warner (the Shop Girl) and Mr. Ronald Riley (Arthur Thornton). The callous adventurer, Jim Froney, will be portrayed by Mr. Kenneth Carlisle, and Miss Beatrice Esmond will be seen as the tigress. Mr. Frank Reis, besides directing the production, will appear as Nobby, “The Kid,” a London paper tramp. Special attention is being paid to a setting showing shop girls and customers in a department store.