FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17740, 17 April 1923, Page 13

FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

VAUDEVILLE AND REVUE.

Every "week sees something new at the Opera House, either new faces or new items, and a pleasurable anticipation of what changes are to come may always "be realised on a Monday evening*. liast night the large audience assembled had no fault to find with the attractiveness of the programme or the quality of the work. Both were up to the high standard of efiort, which one, by virtue of past experience, associates with any oi the Puller performances and tho evenings pleasure passed all too rapidly. A P?the Gazette, the latest number issued, provided a good introduction to the first part, P lC * tures were shown of the Prince of Wades inspecting the personnel of a military school and witnessing the _ recreations indulged in at that institution. Striking views of the rock fortress of Gibraltar and some of the many operations carried on there were also shown. The departure of the former Sultan of Turkey from his seraglio on the Bosphorus to the less izscinating, but more secure haven on a British battleship was also included in the number. The historic ceremonies # connected with the formal opening of Parliament by tho King in state were lavishly depicted and tho bulky and ornate state carriage which so many New Zealand soldiers inspected when visiting the stables Bit Buckingham Palace was to be seen in all its grandeur of movement. A squad of Beefeaters, those quaint figures who keep watch and ward at the Tower of I/ondon, formed a pioturesqu© section of tho bi<j procession. A naval pageant at Brest, the Portsmouth of France, was of particular interest, for the pictures shown carried one back vividly to the days of the galleys with their long banks of oars and the later days of the wooden walled battleships, tho fighting Temeraire, and such. A burst of song followed the pictures. Thi3 was provided by Mis 3 Louie Duggan, an Australian trained soprano, and a credit to her country. The cultured quality of her voice was made manifest in "The Garden of Roses," which was iollowed by ''Sympnthy," and finally by "Mending Nets for Feyther," a song which has a pretty refrain and one illustrated by aTm actions of fv particularly engaging nature. It looked aa if the lady was catching flies, but ono cannot believ© that tho actions meant this. The Hilo Trio, bards and- minstrels from enchanting Hawaii, produced their native instruments and played and sang the sweet and plaintive melodies. Miss Elsa Lewis, a lady of Samaria, played classical and other music on her violin, and proved herself a most capable artist. She also whistled an item, but one liked her violin playing better. -Mr Harry North, the oonoertina swaggie, showed what can be done by that humble instrument when operated by a master. His playing was indeed a revelation, and what added to its charm and effect was the very unostentatious manner in which the work was performed. Some musicians speciaiise so heavily in properties, trappings and affectatipns that they have litlte else left to offer. Mr North is not one of these.

Afer a proper interval, tlio "Walter George Sunshine Revue Company appeared and held the stage with their musical melange "Oh, Nell" for the remainder of the evening. The ability of this oompany to malice 8* great deal out of nothing was never better exemplified than in this production, for around a motif of little promise they contrived to spin a fabric of many charms. Thn comedy art of Mr George Storey is well known, and in "Oil, Nell" hs lived and acted in- a manner all up to his most entertaining standard. Mr Frank Perryn was well in support, likewise waa _Mr York Gray, who in comedy parts is irresistible. Mr Robert Raymond, the leading exponent of dapperdom, carried all before him with his singing and acting. Miss Hazel Fuller, the new member of the company, was prominent in the vooal work, and in, other directions also. Miss Vera Sewell, the premiere danseuse, was seen in an Danse do Cleopatra, and in a Powder Puff item, the latter a most dainty offering. Various ladies provided an ensemble and a setting for the solo. The ballet work generally provided many periods of brightness, and the ladies responsible arg entitled to every commendac tiofi. The orchestra, with Mr Albert Bidgood in control, were, as always, most efficient and helpful. TKe programme will be repeated to-night.