NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19258, 13 March 1928, Page 13

NEW OPERA HOUSE.

FULLERS' FOLLIES IN A SPARKLING PROGRAMME. Brightness and sparkle are the dominant features of the new programme that Fullers' Follies submitted last night to a numerous and highly appreciative audience at the New Operu Hotise. From the opening chorus to the final item there was not a dull moment, and whon laughter did not hold sway, warm applause waa greeting the different performers. The charmingly disconnected items that made up the rovue were so admirably rendered that the absence of any plot, or story, was hardly noticed. Considered generally, last night'a programme undoubtedly is the best that this combination of clever performers has given. The warmth and frequency of the applause testified that the items and the manner in which they were rendered strongly appealed to the popular taste. The opening chorus, "The Follies Say Hello," waa given spiritedly, and the number which followed,, "Hugs," fittingly introduced clever Iris Ackworth and the Six Dainties. "The Peacemaker" was a humorous skit, in which Winnie Edgerton, Eric Masters, and Stud Foley created much merriment. William Beresford's pleasing voice was heard advantageously in "The Song of the Clock," though greater dramatic effect was attained by him in "Have You Forgotten Yvonne," a realistic wartime sketch, in which Decirua McLean, Eric Masters, Harry Gould, and Eddie McLean appeared, and in which a dream effect was artistically managed. Lulla Fanning pleased with her rendering of "Hello, Culie," and she waa equally successful in "My Idea of Heaven." A hilarious interlude was the discussion on

"Spots," in which Nat Hanley and Eric Masters exchanged experiences of " 'orribly 'ot and 'umid India," and was itself one of the bright spots of the programme. Winnie Edgerton was warmly applauded for her interpretation of "Sometimes You'll Remember." A side-splitting farce, "In the Future," was presented by Stud Foley, Rene McGuire, Harry Gould, Little Iris, and Lulh. Fanning, who demonstrated the manner in which lovemaking will be done a hundred years hence. "A Love Game" featured the' new waltz, "Twilight Dreams," danced by Dccima and Eddie McLean. The inimitable Nat Hanley's antics and acrobatics at ihe piano, in burlesques of grand opera, kept the audience simmering with laughter. "A Trip to the South Seas," with songs by Lulla Fanning and Winnie Edgerton, and dances by the full strength of the company, was s colourful and successful item.

An outstanding featuro ot the second part was the sketch "The Caretaker," in which Harry Gould represented to the life a ginsoaked character, and sang "A Woman of Very Few Woids" (written and composed by Eric Masters) most successfully. "The Bulls Won't Bellow," 6ung by Eric Masters in the character of a country bumpkin, was given very realistically. Stud Foley ind Little Iris appeared in a rollicking sketch, "We're in the Navy Now," which was characterised by sea yarns and an artistically excuted sailor's hornpipe. The Six Dainties, who during the evening appeared in many dances, all gracefully executed, gave a dancing novelty, which was warmly applauded. Nat Hanley and Lulla Fanning gave a humorous duet pleasingly, and Winnie Edgerton sang "Cover Me Up with Sunshine" very successfully. Stud Foley was good in the sketch of the gay young spark who was under the necessity of "Seeing the Old Dad Home." "The Invisible Man," ft humorous skit, concluded an excellent ailround programme. The orchestra, under. Mr Jack Aldridse, contributed in no small measure to the evening's entertainment.

La?t night's programme will be given during the remainder of the week, and at the matinee on Saturday.