HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10896, 10 May 1921, Page 2

HIS MAJESTY’S.

• SPLENDID NEW PROGRAMME 1 . The new programme introduced ty Fullers’ Vaudeville Company at His. Majesty’s Theatre last evening proved eminently enjoyable. There was a numerous audienoe. New arrivals included Miss Maine Ilka, who made a favourable impression some time ago as leading lady in “Tiger Rose.” Miss Ilka, assisted hy Mr Leslie Woods, staged a playlet last evening entitled, “Tears.” The piece proved a poor vehicle for the undoubted histrionic talent of . both performers. The playlet involved a domestic disagreement between a sobbing wife and a reproving husband, who upbraids her for her extravagance. The theme is threadbare, but both artists made the best ‘of it, and were fairly well received. Another new act, which was provided by Newman and Wynne, a coster domestic sketch entitled, “ ’Arif a Quid,” though less pretentious than “Tears,” made a great hit. These clever performers figured as a coster and his wife, respectively, and quarrelled over the neglect of the latter’s brother to repay ten shillings which he had borrowed from her husband. A neat little song “ ’Arf a Quid” ■ served as tho basis of the episode, and some smart typical dialogue of a mirthful character' was interspersed, the .final phase having a to&ch of pathos. The coster impersonations were exceptionally well done and the couple were rewarded with prolonged applause. Probably the best “turn’’ yet presented by ICeeley and Aldous was their new offering which embraced tuneful singing, crisp patter and excellent dancing. Mr Fred ICeeley’s ‘Tough Dance,” in which he gives a okilfull example of a larrikin’s dance, brought down the house. Almost continuous laughter ufas provoked by the humourous dialogue and ludicrous acting of Huley and Bent, the London comedy couple, who made their reappearance. Miss Lilas Bert added to her popularity with the character songs “The Lady Doctor,” “Finiculi,’’ and “When we Came to See the Show.” Miss Birt excels in character work, and her efforts were, thoroughly appreciated. Topical verses which scored well, and up-to-date local allusions in their patter ensured the success of the new act by Vaude and Verne. Perhaps their best song was “Fifty,Years Ago,” which was responsible for hearty laughter. The Darraghs were in big demand for their songs, “Morning Glories,” “Trail to Home,” and “Friends,” and their'witty patter. Hurd, the juggler, displayed great skill in tho dexterous tossing of halls, billiard cues and miscellaneous other articles. Mr Eddy Martyn’s songs and agile dancing won well-merit-ed recalls. The acrobatic display and feats of oontortionism by Fredo and Son were neatly accomplished. The programme will be repeated this evening.