FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19062, 26 July 1927, Page 13

FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

MIDNIGHT FROLICS

The Midnight Frolics last nigkt entered upon tlto last week of their season at the Opera House, and they presented a. programme of more than usual splendour. There was a very large audience present, and the proceedings throughout were moat enthusiastic, Mr Clem Dawe, who, during Hie season of the company, proved himself to be one of the beet comedians to appear in vaudeville- in Chriatchiirch, again undertook the lion's share of tho work, and he was in every wcy a. host in himself. Some new and highly diverting comedy sketches were introduced. "The Toy Shop" represented the interior of a toymaker's emporium, into which (altered, with others, two email, noisy boys (Messrs Dawe and White). They led the proprietor a pretty dance, and dispiaved a remarkable ingenuity in contriving trouble for others,. Pacification methods adopted roused the patrons to high hilarity. Ai'other sketch of an unusually mirthful nature was "Our Parochial Gathering," which depicted the enactment of a parish concert. The resilient vicar (Mr Clem Dawe) presided, and he waß supported by a dignified curate (Mr White). The parishioners were all assembled, and in turn gave of their terrifying best for the entertainment of the other 3. The vicar exorcised a virile control over the proceedings, and thumped a collapsible table with great heartiness. A passage at irrns between him and the sexton over a matter of "language" added a new gaiety to the comedy. "Cook Your Goose." was another excellent little comedy, in which a wife (Mi3s White) assumes the office of the cook (who had left on short notice) in order that a dinner entertainment arranged by her husband for a friend might not be ruined. The friend (Mr Clem Dawe), all innocent of the real statueof the lady, carries on with a freedom most, distressing to the husband (Mr White), and throws that gentleman into a frenzy of terror by relating, before the p3eudo cook, many past gallantries •in .which the husband had conspicuously figured. Tho cook listened with rising feelings of anger until the recital became too much for her, and she "fired off" at ber distressed spouse and brought the dinner party to a calamitous conclusion. "A Musical Court Scene" was very reminiscent of Gilbert's "Trial By Jury." The action was the same, namely, breach of promise, and there were the usual parties and a jury of ladies. The proceedings were sung, and many present-day popular airs were employed for the settings. Mr Dawe made a splendid comedy judge, and Mr Lea White, as a 'moribund Court orderly, was ylso an entertaining character. "Fun In tho Cabaret" was the big closing comedy, and Mr Dawe, as tho waiter, was again the life and soul of the party. A notable guest at the cabaret was a patriarchal gentleman (Mr Edgley),who in confidential conversation with the astonished and alarmed waiter, related his association with Lord Nelson, George Washington, Julius Csesar, and Nonh.

There was a strong niusical clement throughout the ' programme. Mr Gregory Ivanoff, the eminent -violinist, played in bia customary accomplished manner, and his offerings comprised a fantasy based on a Negro Spiritual and other airs, arranged by himself, a "Valse Bluettc," and other numbers. Songs were contributed by Mr Regan (haritono), Mr Beck (tenor), Misa Nell Mc(xiiire, Miss Dorothy White, and Mies Violet Lester. "Fireside Melodies," by the combined company, proved- most popular, and the audience clamoured for more. Miss Phyllis Amery delighted everybody by her dainty dancing. The Frolics' Jazz Band ■played a pot pourri of operatic and jazz melodies, also the "Poet and Peasant" overture. A two-piano duet by Mr Ronald Stafford and Mr Albert Bidgood was brilliantly played. The programme will be repeated to-night.