John F. Sheridan at the Opera House.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10450, 21 September 1901, Page 2

John F. Sheridan at the Opera House.

" Fun on the Bristol."

An overflowing audience in the downstairs portion of the Opera House last night participated in the ever-green and always welcome "Fun on the Bristol," and although perhaps there were, many amongst those present who had v witnessed it previously, there was just as much enthusiasm evinced as if it was an— altogether new performance. _ Mr Sheridan, on. making his appearance _ iis the "Widow O'Brien, -was greeted, in such a hearty manner that) there was no room loft for doubt as to the eatima- _ tion in which he is held as a footlights, favourite, and from the rise to the fall of tha curtain, the fun was fast and , furious, unrestrained laughter at times culminating in uproarious mirth. More _ especially was this the case in"the second act—the saloon of the s.s. Bristol — * where the individual members of the - ■- Company vied with one another in ex- " traotiim every particle , of amusement , from the particularly large number of absolutely side-splitting scenes and -situations. Apart- from, his acting and" I singing, Mr Sheridan is' to be complimented 'op. the excellent manner in which he costumed tha part, and indeed .the Company's .wardrobe throughout is .far and away ahead of what, generally obtains with travelling actors and actresses. The two girls, Nora and Doraj->, aa played respectively by Miss CeliiS/* Mavis and .Misa.Florrie- Barns, were 'thoroughly- good portraitures,, and Miss Florence Fanin? scored an nnmistakeable' -Kit as' the "black slavey, Bella Thompson. Mr -,Fred^ Wentworth was seen to advantage as John Whafiles (alias Count Menaggio); Mr Edmund Duggan » made" ail irascible Captain, Cranberry, Mr Tom Edwards managed to evolve- a lot of dry humour out of • the, part of the steward, and other characters were capably filled by Messrs Frank Crosaley, Bert Bradley, Bert Hermann, and Charles Ashley. The specialities introduced in the concert aboard 'the steamer .went with an amount of "go" that was irresistible in its effect on the audience, whose applause" indicated in no unmeasured manner how thoroughly pleased) they were with the- 'many -efforts jut forth to please- and entertain. Tne burlesque Scena "D. Trovatore," must be seen and heard to be appreciated, and the , living , pictures were really first-class. ■Tun on the Bristol" is to be repeated thid evening, and those who desire to drive dull care' away and enjoy a really hearty laugh, should not miss the op- > portunity. 61 view of the crowded house anticipated, seats should be secured at the earliest, so 09 to prevent disappointment.