NEW ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 395, 2 July 1928, Page 15

NEW ST. JAMES

“ARCHIE” ON THURSDAY GALA PERFORMANCE The throwing open of the doors of St. James Theatre on Thursday evening is being looked forward to. The grand gala performance of “Archie” will be an historical event. Distinctive in story, setting and score, with spontaneous comedy, alluring frocking and unique dancing, “Archie” has all the essentials for appealing to modern theatregoers. Presented by Sir Benjamin and John Fuller’s London musical comedy company, “Archie” is headed by Miss Elsie Prince and Mr. Jimmy Godden, two accomplished artists, who have captured the hearts of Australia and New Zealand with their brilliant and versatile work. “Archie” is described as a “matrimonial burlesque garnished with delicious frills of humour, melody and dancing.” It revolves around the adventures of Archie Cobb, one of the harmless sort, who allows his wife, Billy, to become unduly extravagant in dress and action. “Keep up with her!” says Archie of his vivacious spouse. •I’ve as much chance as a tadpole with a tin hare!” With Miss Prince and Mr. Godden in these dominant roles, the result may be imagined, for each is an expert in comedy characterisations, with deft touches of originality. One of the biggest vocal hits of the piece is their dialect skit, “Cairo Moon,” a gem of song, humour and dance. Mr. Charlton Morton has an inimitable role as Toby Kerwyn, and Miss Kellie Dean appears as Lady Violet, with Mr. George in an excellent character study. The light, sentimental plot is threaded through with lav-ishly-staged scenes that scintillate with gaiety and radiance, and evoke riotous laughter and unbounded applause from the colourful first curtain to the exhilarating finale. From the glowing accoLints that have preceded the performance, “Archie” shoLild. indeed be a fitting play to mark the momentous opening of Auckland’s newest and most ambitious theatre, St. James, on Thuisday evening. . . For reservations, attention is drawn to the particulars advertised in this issue. Two other musical comedy successes, “SLinny” and Mercenaiy Mary,” will be produced during the season. In conformity with its policy of complete service to all theatre-goers, th© management is inaugurating what is a new policy in New Zealand——the right to reserve seats in the grand circle (i.e., the upper circle). This means that every seat in the St. James can be reserved. Booking for the grand circle may be made from to-morrow morning.