THE VICE-REGALS.

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 144, 21 June 1922, Page 3

THE VICE-REGALS.

The change of programme presented by the Vice-Regals at tho Grand Opera House drew another large and enthusiastic audience last evening. In contrast with the general note of fun and humour, there was one sketch which merits special mention, namely "Poppies," a memory of Flanders. The scene is a ruined church in the war zone, and the characters in the playlet are Marie, an orphan peasant girl (Jessie Meadows); a French priest (Chris Kilner); "Bert;" a digger (Norman Fi-ench), and "Chic," Bert's pal (G. P. Hanna). The contrast in the nature of the two soldiers is striking— on© matter-of-fact and careless, the other serious. The subject was one calling for careful and delicate treatment. Norma-n French and G. P. Hanna achieved quite an artistic success in their respective parts. The concluding scene—the playing of a sweet soft air on a mouth organ- by "Bert," gave a touch of real pathos to the sketch. Another feature calEng for special mention was the fine singing of Bobbie Pearce. Claude Dampier, of course, was the leading fun-maker. After i^sponding to several encores last night, he had again to make a, polite little cpeech in excusing himself from further efforts. One of the most popular contributions was the re-appearance of the marionettes, representing1 ' certain wellknown prominent New Zealand public men. The Vice-Regals will repeat the programme to-night, '