HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10107, 22 October 1918, Page 6

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

The inclemency of tlio weather last evening did not deter a large number of patrons from attending His Majesty's Theatre, whtn a complete change; of programme was presented by Fullers' Vaudeville Company. Unfortunately, owing to the late arrival of the Sydney boat Madame Sa-Hera, billed as "The Woman of Mystery," who is credited with reinarkablo telepathic powers, was unable to appear. This evening, however, Madame Sa-Hera will commence her New Zealand season. The first part of the programme last night was somewhat of a novelty entertainment, being an elaborately staged and brilliantly lighted minstrel show entitled "Pun in a Cabaret," which was splendidly produced by Mr Ern Delavale. Partaking Somewhat of the character of a rovue, the innovation, however, dispenses with all semblance of a plot, the individual members of the company! merely contributing items at the request of the host, Mr Deluvale. After the opening chorus Miss Winifred Lumley afforded much pleasure with her soubrctte ditty "Noisy Boys," and supplemented it with a neat dance. A tremendous success was scored nest by Mr Charles Dclavalo with his monkey song "Aba Dabit" and an exceptionally clever eccentric dance. ''The Garden of My Heart" was sung so effectively by Miss Ruby Kennedy, soprano vocalist, that she "was required to add "Give Me All of You." One of the best items on the bill was Mr Warwick Lumley's "Will You GoP" Mr Lumley's effervescent humour and quaint comicalities «nsure his popularity. Miss GwenA Hasto's song, "Sing the Ting-a-lihg," was enthusiastically encored. Her subsequent dancing and high-kicking evoked most hearty plaudit" An American wnr-srrag decrying the hyphenated Hun, "Don't Bito the Hnnd," scored an unmistakable hit for Mr E'rncst Delavale. The recitation, "Nurse Cavell," by the same performer was capably rendered, and found ready appreciation. Miss Merle Stewart and Mr Reg. Moore gave a artistic interpretation of the duet. "Unso of My Heart," and their voices also blended sweetly in the encore duet, "Beneath thy AVindow." A great favourite, Mr Walter Emerson, was responsible for the laughable numbers. "Do you Want us to Lose the War?" and "Puddin', Puddin'." His patter also was exceedingly mirthful. The chorus songs, "When Your Mother says Good-bye" and 'Bow Woif" caused Miss Lily Vockler to bo npplaudfd to the- echo. Mr Ward Lear's inimitable mannerisms and his-humour-ous song, "Only a Man," gained him a well deserved recall. He also introduced a patter turn, which was provocative of much laughter. The export torpsichorcan skill of Burns and Lo Clore was demonstrated in agile buck and clog dances. In the second part, the sweet contralto voice of Miss Mariorie Alwyn was heard to advantage in "All the World Will be Jealous." "One of These Days," and "Pinsy Hidgc." A newcomer. Mr Hugh Ogih-ie, who lies a tuneful voice and a Scots accent:, pleaded everyone with his chorus song "Cheer Up" a:>d flhnnut ditiv. "I'm Looking i'< - ■ :■[•'." His recil i-j-ir... "Tl>- P'rty K .-;:.jor," was a stirring contribution.