THE VICE-REGALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 July 1921, Page 5

THE VICE-REGALS.

NEW PLYMOUTH SEASON.

A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT.

The Vice-Regal-, who opened a threenights’ season at the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, last Slight, did not belie the reputation that had preceded them as entertainers of exceptional merit. Laughter was the keynote of their performance, and from the orchestral overture to the final ringing down of the curtain there was not one dull moment. The Vice-Regals’ fund of humor seemed endless and their jokes were always mirth-provoking, original, and entirely free from any semblance of vulgarity. Whilst the entertainment was mainly in lighter vein, variety was afforded by a well-selected number of musical items by individual .soloists and by male and mixed quartettes, -and, the audience showed its appreciation by encoring every item, double encores even being demanded on several occasions. The company was assisted by a splendid orchestra under the conductorship of Mr. A. C. Southey, with Miss M. Donneas pianist, and Mr. Bert Hunyard, who charmed music from a bewildering array of instruments.

The rousing opening chorus, “Carry On,” put the audience in a bright mood for the remainder of the performance. Will Crawford and Norman French then appeared and delighted the audience by their lively patter and clever repartee. As a comedian Will Crawford is in a class apart. His ludicrous figure and ever-changing facial expression, allied with his illimitable supply of humor, secured for him instant appreciation. In one scene where he appeared as a parson' and read “lessons” from the local papers, which had reference to topical happenings and local celebrities, he had the audience convulsed with laughter. The change from gay to grave was made with dramatic suddenness, and Will Crawford’s gripping story of the' “Hell Gate of Soissons” was a gem of elocution. Three comic sketches provided great amusement. The first, entitled “Demobilisation,” was presented in two parts. In the first part we see a most sympathetic general expedite (Will Crawford), whose sole aim in life seems to be for the welfare and safe repatn* ation of the “diggers,” with whom he is on the best of terms. This sketch is demobilisation “as it can be.” Immediately afterwards we see an exceedingly snappy and short-tempered general expedite bustling through the work of investigating the soldiers’ complaints at an alarming rate—this, we are told, being demobilisation “as it usually is.” The dream of a “New War,” in which G. P. Hanna and Will Crawford play the leading parts, is also a highly amusing skit.

The company is augmented by the inclusion of three ladies, Misses Jessie and Hilda Meadows and Rosa D’Arcy. The Misses Meadows were first seen in a revel of .harmony with piano, violin and song. A[iss D'Arcy, the possessor of a charming soprano voice, completely captivated the audience in her solo numbers. The Vice-Regal male quartette, consisting of Syd Exton, Chris. Kilnei;, Bobby Pearce and Roy Simpson, made a very favorable impression with their numbers, their voices being very harmoniously balanced. A mixed quartette consisting of Misses Jessie Meadows and Rosa D’Arcy and Syd Exton and Roy Simpson gave a rendering of the novelty number “Mandy,” and here again a high standard was achieved. The male soloists were Bobby Pearce (baritone), Roy Simpson (bass) and Syd Exton (tenor).. That they found instant favor with the audience is shown by the fact that they were all doubly encored and cheerfully responded. Johnny Marks gave the audience “a few funny moments,” and his original method of provoking merriment kept them highly amused. G. P« Hanna s popular sketching work was exceptionally clever and he produced some life-like impersonations of several members of the audience with rapidity and ease. The concluding item was the military burlesque “In Hospital,” in which we see “one of our poor boys” (Johnny Marks) being bombarded with silly questions from a doleful member of a cheer-up society, who proves to be an undertaker (Norman French), and by an inquisitive lady visitor (impersonated by Norman French). . The Vice-Regals appear again to-night and to-morrow night, and a different programme will be submitted, at eac 1 performance.