ST. JAMES’ THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 403, 11 July 1928, Page 15

ST. JAMES’ THEATRE

AMUSING SCENES IN “ARCHIE”

Well, what would you do if you were a young wife and your husband’s pink pyjamas were found in the bedchamber of a young and fascinating widow? But what if all the men in the house wore pink pyjamas; would you trust your man till the terrible truth was revealed? No, you wouldn’t. And that’s just what happened in the case of “Archie,” a delightful two-act comedy now showing to packed houses at the new St. James Theatre, Auckland. Every man on the premises—even stern and gouty Sir Michael—was condemned —until it was proved that the whole thing was a frame-up to secure for Archie his divorce.

The playwright saw to it of course, that Archie did not want liis divorce after all, and everything went all right after he had preached the “treat ’em rough" doctrine, and after they had commenced their second honeymoon.

There is not a dull line in “Archie,” and throughout its four cleverly arranged scenes, musical and vocal numbers are interspersed with highly pleasing effect. Miss Elsie Prince, the popular principal of “No, No, Nanette,” was well received by her big audience last evening, and after her comedy acts with Mr. Jimmy Godden, she was insistently recalled. She connot rest a moment; her light feet are ever moving, and in happy turns she is at her best. Mr. Godden will never grow old; his high spirit and delicate sense of humour always will keep him young. As Archie, the husband-worm-turned, he kept a constant bubble of laughter rippling over the crowded theatre, and after proving, in his own words that “’Tis a long worm that has no turning,” he carried most of the humour of the show. The two principals are supported by a company of clever artists, with pleasant voice, fleet foot and creditable stage presence. The musical numbers are catchy and melodious. “Under the Cairo Moon,” was the hit of the evening for Miss Prince and Mr. Godden, “A Lane in Spain,” “There’s Everything Niqe About You,” and quite a few others adding spice to the general musical effect. “Archie” will play till the end of the week, and after that “Sunny” will commence its Auckland season.

Steady progress is reported on “The Bellamy Trial," in production under the direction of Monta Bell. Beatrice Joy plays the leading feminine role while Kenneth Thompson, George Barra ud, Margaret Livingstone, Anita Page, Eddie Nugent, Margaret Seddon and Polly Ann Y'oung are included in the supporting cast. The entire action takes place within the four walls of a courtroom, and Bell made a thorough study of courtroom etiquette before beginning the production on the new picture.