NEW ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 402, 10 July 1928, Page 15

NEW ST. JAMES

SUCCESS OF “ARCHIE” From curtain-rise to curtain-fall last evening the big audience at St. James, Fullers’ new theatre, enjoyed the success of “Archie.” After the performance everybody was too interested in the theatre itself to think about going home immediately. “That’s the greatest compliment we’ve been shown.” said Mr. John Fuller, as he watched the crowd filling the stage and standing wide-eyed in astonishment at the lavish decorative scheme of the interior. “If there was nothing there to see the people would not wait behind like this,” he said. “Archie” goes with a happy swing, Miss Elsie Prince, Mr. Jimmy Godden and the company getting: mirth and melody, without effort, from this bright musical show. The story of “Archie” lends itself to interesting situations. Archie Cobb loves his wife, but lie is not strong enough to command real affection from her. Ilis rich uncle, Sir Michael, strongly disapproves of Billie Cobb, and propounds a scheme, whereby he can give her cause to divorce him.

Archie commences to put his foot down according to instructions, even going so far as to strike his wife, but the result is altogether different from what was expected. His wife immediately falls in love with him.

Vivacious, fleet-footed Miss Prince is busy making more conquests since her last visit in ‘‘No! No! Nanette.” Her comedy work is excellent. She has a lightness and a b.rightnes which are as refreshing as they are spontaneous. Mr. Godden has a way with him which is even more popular than on his last visit. The arch-enemy of gloom, he raises a laugh with even the tritest remark.

Miss Elsie Parkes, who dances her way gracefully through tlie show, Mr. George Willoughby, Miss Nellie Dean, Leonard Rich, and Miss Betty Lambert are very happily cast.

Splendid lighting effects and original costuming are features of a well-pro-duced show. Reserves for stalls and dress circle may be obtained at Lewis Eady, Ltd. Grand circle seats may only be reserved at the theatre.