PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 19665, 19 September 1927, Page 4

PRINCESS THEATRE

ANOTHER ATTRACTIVE REVUE Another dip by F, Gayle AVyer into his prodigally-stocked “band box” produced a rare least of mirth and melody for two crowded houses on {Saturday, and judging by the cjuality of tho goods on offer, there should be a steady tramp, tramp, of hosts of revue patrons to tho Princess during the week. The clevex* little company (one of the most capable and versatile seen hereabouts ior a long time) fairly revels in a bewildering whirl of rollicking episodes that the live wire producer lias fitted out with both point and punch. The staging, a matter which revue producers arc apparently giving more attention to, adds polish and brightness to tho show. The ball was set rolling with a. ‘Psychological Cocktail,’ in which Messrs Norman, 'Ward, and other members of the company presented a number of “slight impressions” of ‘Smarty,’ that merely served as an intimation ; of better tilings to come. A complaint bv Miss Heather Jones to the effect, ‘ I’ve Got a Cross-eyed Papa,’ was followed by ‘The Vampire,’ a characteristic Wycr sketch, in which a, fearsome Theda"Bara person figured prominently, some excellent comedy being served up while tho inexorable vamp was preparing to swoop down upon such innocents as Messrs V 1 ard, AYycr, and Co. After the whole affair had blown up with rattier a feeble pop, Miss Gordon, whose voice had Icit pleasant memories, as the result of her previous essays into song, piped soothingly, and Mr Lear’s far from robust vocal chords did their best with ‘ Down 'Where the Henna-haired Babies Grow,’ the chorus participating with its ■ usual eclgl. ‘ Ain’t That Just Like’ a Wohiiin ’ was one of the most enjoyable sketches of the evening, and served to ‘give Mr Norman further opportunities for showing his undoubted'talents as a comedian. He was ably assisted in this joyous little matrimonial pleasantry by Miss Vera Benson, a lady with heaps of pep and personality, and a voice of seductive charm, to boot. The theme of tho piece was rather a frayed and tattered one, even for a revue, but it provided tho two artists concerned with an excellent _ medium for _ displaying their entertaining capabilities, at full length. Mr Norman, in particular, was delightful, and once more lie showed that ho is a comedian of considerable promise. That vivacious littio lady, Miss Scott, pleased with her ‘ I Knew Susie AY hen She Was a Child,’ being aided and abetted in this number by the chorus, each of tho gushing and blushing ladies being called upon for her version of the piece. One of the most boisterous contributions was made by Gayle Wycr himself, in a theme dear to tho hearts of tho now almost forgotten suffragette. Another complete revue was staged in the second half, this being described as ‘Over Night,’ those participating being Messrs Sam Ward, Ward Lear, Billy Bovis, Charles Norman, Misses Ena Gordon, Heather Jones. The garrulous and dictatorial night clerk (Sam Ward) was always in tho picture, and was responsible for much of the bristling gaiety of the piece. However, it was tho mirthful doings of two honeymoon couples who * had becoiho hopelessly mixed up, prior to their arrival at this topsy-turvy hostelry, that mattered most- There were heaps of screaming situations, the plottings of the intriguing couples producing some really hilarious situations. Mr Norman again carried off most of tho honors, though all the others made it comparatively easy for him to rake in the applause by their excellent assistance. There were a dozen vocal numbers, one of the best being "Ward Lenaand Heather Jones’s ‘Tell Me a Bedtime Story,’ while Miss Benson pleased with her two offerings, ‘ Every Night T Cry Myself to Sleep ’ and ‘ Just An Old Love Song,’ Heather Jones crooned languorously, and danced ecstatically, the"latter being a picturesque affair. The production will ho staged a grin to-night and throughout the week.