NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19612, 7 May 1929, Page 15

NEW OPERA HOUSE.

PAT HANNA'S " DIGGERS." MELODY, MIRTH, AND DANCING. For their fifteenth programme in Chriitchurch Pat Hanna's "Diggers" are presenting an entertainment, first-class in every particular, at the New Opera House this week. For those who enjoy melodious solos there are the latest song "hits," well and artistically sung; for those who delight in graceful dancing there are sparkling ballets, and for those who want a real hearty laugh there are comedy sketches and clever and original comedy items by Joe Valli, Sam Stern, and other members of the company who are associated with them. The programme opens with a spirited opening chorus, "Never Mind Dull Care," after which Mickey Phillips tells of her new love, to the strains of "He's Mine, All Mine." In a Japanese cameo, "April Blossoms," Adeie Taylor and Ernest Kopke contribute a pleasing duet, followed by some Hawaiian selections by Norman Scurr and his steel guitar. Other musical numbers in the first half of the programme include a ballad offering by Ernest Kopke; a popular song "hit" by Iza Crossley and ballet; a clever child impersonation by Mickey Phillips, and a very effective duo bj Hilda Meadows and Jock Thomson —"We Will Never Growd Old." Miss Meadows also contributes a sparkling pianoforte solo. Comedy sketches in the first portion of the programme include: "The Anniversary," the story of how a husband celebrated the fifth anniversary of his wedding; "The Long-Lost Son." a merry burlesque by Joe Valli and Stan Lawson; and as a rousing finale the audience is introduced to the famous "Boosy Jaiz Band," under the mirth-provoking leadership of Joe Valli.

In the second half of the programme a particularly pleasing fantasy-ballet ig featured. "The Story of the Wiliow Patterns," in which Thelma Pittard and Stan Lawson appear as eolo dancers, with the ballet providing a colourful background. Hilda Meadows and Jessie Meadows again present a selection of melodies, well and artistically played, and Adeie Taylor and Jock Thomson are heard in meritorious vocal offerings. The comedy sketches include "Lipstick," a domest*j affair; three potted plays—"The Prescription," "My Mistake," and "Washed Up by the Sea," the finale being "The New C 0.." another of those highly original military playlets which have proved so popular during the "Diggers' " Christchurch season. Sam Stern and Sadie Pepper present their second edition of "Footlight Flashes," a cleverly-arranged musical comedy turn, worthy of special mention npt only for the excellent manner in which it is presented, but also for its sparkle and originality. As usual, the ballet and orchestra do sterl->£ work throughout the performance, affording a strong support to the various performers. The K3tne programme will be presented nightly this week, with the usual matinee on Saturday. Tho management announces the early reappearance nt the New Opera House of George Wallace and his company, who are nearing the end of a phenomenally successful season in Auckland. The company, will probably open in a fortnight's time with a series of musical playlets and sparkling revues entirely new to South Island theatregoers.