NEW NOTIONS

Evening Star, Issue 20138, 1 April 1929, Page 7

NEW NOTIONS

the league scores again TUMULTUOUS RECEPTION TO OLD FAVOURITES Enthusiasm that knew no bounds greeted Mike Connors and Queenie Paul upon their appearance in the Princess Theatre on Saturday evening. It was a reception accorded but few artists in the world of revue, and must have been indeed gratifying to those happy collaborators. That such enthusiasm was evident, however, was scarcely surprising, for the quality of the “League of Notions” revues is a byword in theatrical circles. Their success does not lie solely in the excellent material of the shows;. it is the style and personality of the co-pro-ducers that make the deeper impression. Both Mr Connors and Miss Paul have .that indefinable asset, that very desirable quality, known as “itJ” Personality is undoubtedly one of the greatest factors in tho success of any show, and there they score decisively. Then, again, they are backed up by a splendid band of entertainers, of whom tho one and °nly Syd Beck is the bright particular star. A packed house on Saturday evening attested to the popularity of the whole company, and each item was heartily endorsed. The seating capacity of the theatre was sorely taxed, one section of the overflow being accommodated in the orchestral well. Variety in its brightest form distin guished a singularly pleasant evening’s entertainment. The company got off to a flying start in ‘Turn Your Face Towards tho Sunshine,’ a snappy chorus sung with considerable vim, the squad work being executed with precision and effect. The appearance of Alike Connors and Queenie Paul was the signal for an outburst of applause, and, after entertaining the audience for a few moments, they gave way to the extravagances of Syd Beck, who romped on in tho most impressive “bags” ever seen in tho Princess Theatre. The inimitable ’Orrie, with his appalling mispronunciations and lugubrious style, was ably seconded by Ernie Paulasto, of the depressing countenance. From that moment Syd Beck was a man of many parts, and made a delightful mess of everything ho did. Ho sidled aimlessly through many diverting sketches, and, in response to the adroitleads of Alike Connors, amused the audience vastly. His delightful inanities even disconcerted Air Connors, who was forced to give way to hopeless laughter ’Orrie revelled in ‘ The Latest Indoor Sport,’ in which lie, Queenie Paul, and Alike Connors played a rather doubtful game of literal strip poker. The loser in each draw was required to divest himself or herself of some article of clothing or forfeit a stake, the denouement being both startling and suiprising. Another scries of sketches that scored heavily was ‘ Impossibilities,’ in which Syd. Beck and Alike Connors demonstrated how a policeman stood drinks for a whole bar at the hour of 6.-30 p.m., how a traffic “ cop “ insisted that a collision was entirely his fault, and how several other pleasant absurdities could not possibly occur. Syd. Beck was in his element in a very clever burlesque dealing with the art of conjuring, and eclipsed his previous efforts by appearing in amazing feminine garb and complaining bitterly that he was “just a sailor’s sweetheart.” Alike Connors and Queenie Paul scored the hit of the evening with their songs at the piano, Linn Smith providing sparkling accompaniments. Their engaging stylo and novel interpretations delighted the audience, and they were insistently recalled after each number. They commenced with ‘High Up On a Hilltop,’ and then sang ‘ Aly Blue Heaven,’ harmonising one very effectively with the other, ‘Bridget O’Flynn,’ of course, brought tho house down. ‘That’s Aly Weakness Now,’ very brightly sung, concluded their performance. Audrey Lewis, a charming young newcomer, sang ‘ Under tho Clover Aloon ’ most attractively, and figured prominently in ‘ A Night in Holland,’ in which she gave a pleasing specialty dance with Bert Itayne. A mass clog dance by the company in the Dutch scena was most effective. Gladys Shaw gave a demonstration of her remarkable whistling in ‘ Littlo Bluebird,’ which was sung with spirit. Phyllis Baker infused _ plenty of dash into all her work, particularly in ‘ Alarvcllous ’ and 1 Who's That Knocking at My Door?’ in tho latter she was associated with Gerry Connelly. a likeable young artist with an engaging style. Queenie Paul led the whole company in ‘Just .Like a Afclody Out of tho Sky,’_ a colourful scena in which the men's chorus work was especially notable. The humming accompaniment was very effective. AA illicit Berosford, tlin 1 pleasant, singer of pleasant songs, received a very cordial welcome. Linn Smith and his merry musicians rounded oft the entertainment with a number of tho latest hits. Skilful playing and novel characterised their performances in ‘ That’s Afv Weakness Now.’ ‘The Tlnssmu Lullaby,’ ‘The Wabash Blues,’ and other catcliv numbers. Their playing was wholly delightful. The Exquisite Six contributed in no small measure to the pleasure of tho evening, their graceful dancing being a feature of the show. Tho League of Notions, a, show to be recommended, will lie presented nightly tin’s week until Friday, when there will be a change of programme.