AMUSEMENTS

North Otago Times, Volume C, Issue 13146, 29 August 1914, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

lIARRY LAUDER, ' 1 ■ i ". There was,a large and enthusiastic audience in the Opera Ilouse yesterday afternoon to welcome the one and only: 1 Harry Lauder and his clever Company. Mr Lauder received a flattering recep- i tionj'for his wholesome humour,- his pleasant and- homely manner and liis infectious laugh soon established his, , claim to being one of the leading laugh-ter-makers of the day. The problem of analysing the performances of the chief perforiner is difficult, but most of those who heard him yesterday afternoon will remember With the greatest satisfaction the laughter which transmitted itself to the audience immediately upon Mr Lauder Veiitry. It seemed tlmt iuV had only to lift an eyebrow and the audience was convulsed. The songs he sang were mostly well-kiiowfl, 'out they came with a new.flavour from the originator. The first number .was "Tobermory," an account, of the a Iventures of tk singer and oiie MeKic at Tobomory. At intervals the singer wiusod, overwhelmed with'mirth, and ac such times the audience joined in heartily. Mr.Lander has a tuneful ami powiyfiii voice, ns he demonstrated, in recounting the behaviour of McKic, ho sang witiiout accompaniment. a verse of "Rocked in the Cradle of the, Deep." Without leaving the stage lie went ■on to sing'' She's the Lass for Me.'' Thou came the inimitable "Saftosf, of tlio Family," an item which has.been made familiar in New Zealand by interpreters of smaller ijceomplishnicW's than Mr Lauder. It is the antics and by play more than the song which, makes tlie performnace, and Mr Lauder's picture of the "saft" but boyishly, erudite schoolboy was splendid in/its detail; even to the fishing of miscellaneous articles from various pockets and recounting how, hp came by thorn. Needless to say the audienco was delighted, and gave voice to its approval in vociferous applause. It was a clever piece of characterisation and showed Mr Lauder's wonderful versatility. Next came "She's ma Daisy," a song in which.Mr Lander appeared in the humorously incongruous rolqfof a moiinteiNkflly with top boots and spurs, over which' he stumbled and staggerod beneath his kilt. This, and "I Love a Lassie,'' by' which it was followed, sustained the ex-j cellcnt impression made up to that, point. By special request Mr.Lauder sang 'The Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond," and he received enthusiastic applause. It is said of Mr Lander that he never fails to make his audiohces participate in his chorus work, "yesterday afternoon was no exception, and by-gen-tle persuasion he made the whole audience join heartily in the chorus of "A Wee Deoch an' Doris." This was Mr Lauder's crowning effort and lie left the .itage amid loud and continuous applause. Two special-features marked Mr Lauder's items. His costumes were excellent, while the orchestration gave his songs a frcshuess and distinction which was pleasing and satisfying, First of the supporting artists was Jack Ark, a diabolo expert, who demonstrated that lie game which was in such popular vogue a few years ago can be reduced to a .science. His tricks were remarkably clover in ■••everal instances, and the apI'liuwo ut ith which he was rewarded was vvull earned. Mr Sulwyn Driver, who «a:; down on the programme to provide humour at the piano, did so, wliilo Mr Ernest Scwell, living manonettist, did sonic very clever sleight of hand work. Miss Ireue Bercseny played several cymbal solos, assisted by Yoska, a violinist, and was well received; The Three Hassans were responsible for the Tango Duet, the Dance de Apache, and Tourbillon Dance, and displayed remarkable agility, while Miss Ivitty Ryan, the Irish ballad singer, was popularly received when she sang "Come Sing to' Me," A word of praise is due to the orchestra; which under the clever condiicJorship of Mr Horace Sheldon, played no unimportant part in the conspicuous success of the matinee

At tlie conclusion or (lie performance tlfe. company lol't, by spoeiiil train for Tiniaru.