ST. JAMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 567, 21 January 1929, Page 15

ST. JAMES

“HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS” An entirely new style of entertain- ; ment is presented at the St. James Theatre this week by the inimitable George Wallace. Instead of the revue with songs and sketches, Mr. Wallace is presenting a musical comedy, which occupies the whole of the programme. This is entitled “His Royal Highness,” and is by far the most ambitious project George Wallace has attempted in Auckland. “His Royal Highness” is a musical comedy with an interesting story, and even that is helped along with some of the singing and dancing for which this revue company is justly becoming famous. The story tells of a poor piecart attendant in New York who is mistaken for the abducted king of a Balkan country. He is placed on the throne, but his recent environment has produced manners which were unpalatable to his subjects, and as a result of a dark plot he was forced to abdicate and return to New York. Needless to say, George Wallace as Tommy Dodds, the New Yorker, is irrepressible. The attempts of the court officers to teach him to act in keeping with his rank proved as mirth-provok-ing as any scene ever produced in the St. James Theatre. Marshall Crosby, Jim, Romaine, and Evelyn Dudley, all appear to advantage in the production, as did also Si Meredith and Bert Tucker. Singing honours again fall between Marie Nyman and Marshall Crosby. The Six Rascals introduce some new steps, and dance them with gusto. Maida Jones and Jack Scott appear with the ballet on a number of occasions.