OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17343, 3 January 1922, Page 10

OPERA HOUSE.

Heading: the new band of entertainers who made tlieir inaugural appearance before it orowded patronage at tho Opera House yesterday wae Miss Flora Cromer, an English character comedienne. Miss Cromer ia well endowed for the effective presentation of the class of work in which she excels. She has a clear, tuneful voice, a piquant stage manner, and a- capacity for achieving humorous effects which stamp her as an artiste of lew-ling ability. She came on almost direct from tho completion of a long journey from another centre, but the freshnee3 of her work appeared to be in no way impaired. She opened with "Lucy," n. stutter song, with much more in it than tho better known "K-K-Katy," more in the music, more in the words, end much more in tho hum--0111. The house rocked with laughter on hearing her. This initial success was followed by another most entertaining song, "Sydney," sung by an English bride seeking an Australian "digger." The burlesque effects in this item were splendidly produced, and Ihe recital of tlue- pretentions mid nomenclature of the missing Lothario caused again, unbounded merriment. A monologue, "Mother," quite a different typo of item, followed, and showed Miss Cromer <is an able exponent of pathos as well us humour. In reply to insistent applause mid for a final "item she gave the original version, of "Abe, My Boy,'" 51s conceived by the author when the song was written, and this marked something quite different from the ordinary interpretation of the song. A neat little speech of thanks for the kindly greeting extended to her was given by the lady before she finally disappeared. Two tiny children, a girl and a boy, "Toots and Tootles," also appeared for the finst time. _ They sang and danced and their quaint little efforts were full of promise and heartily enjoyed. Their open/ing duet was "I Do Love You," a most charming item. The little girl then gave a dainty demonstration of toe dancing, and the boy followed with a pierrot dance. Tho culmination of their turn, however, was in a combined dance scene. The girl came on as a white chicken and 'danced accordingly. The boy followed as a black cat, and his steps were suited to the part. A little tragedy was then enacted between the cat and the bird, and the development could be clearly followed by the steps and actions of the two little performers. The turn was received with prolonged applause. '"Baron," the rentrifoquist, who, with his com:a'Je "Nobbier," created; such fun at the Opera. House 'during their former visit, put in a reappearance, to the gratification of everybody, and entertained all with a. new series of wordy encounters. Tubby Stevens, the queer figured English' burlesque artiiit, who made so fine an impression, last week, presented a new turn. Ho tang a most amusing parody on "Asleep in the Deep," and gave a most laughable representation of picture pantomime. Another good item which raised hearty laughter was "Jenny," but he was seen, at his best in his character as a Roman centurion, c, most remarkable burlesque, which gave him many splendid opportunities. Granville and Fields, "The vVop and the Dancing Girl," varied to Bome extent tlieir turn of Inst week, as also did Hal," the comic conjuror. Keating and R&23 put on another bright and vigorous turn, in which were featured two very fine items, "In Mexico," a toreador burlesque, and "Khaki or Blue." Mr J. G. Taylor and Mi® Dorothy Summers, two noted artists from the Coliseum, London, were again seen in another new turn of outstanding merit. Mr Taylor's comedy songs, "I Want My Two Bob Back," and that relating to tho plight of a man with a 'double family were most successful, likewise an arresting monologue by Miss Summers, "It's Funny How iou Alter Your Ideas." Miss Marjorie Russell and Mr W. E. Fro6t gave further' iemon&tr&tions of up-to-dato dancing, including the tango fox-trot. There will be a natinee this afternoon, and the programme will be repeated to-night and every evening ■hi*