MORE “STOREYETTES” AT OPERA HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18045, 4 January 1927, Page 7

MORE “STOREYETTES” AT OPERA HOUSE.

GOOD PROGRAMME HAS MANY LAUGHS. A packed house at Fuller’s Opera ; House last night had many laughs when George Storey and his well-balanced company submitted the sixth volume of his “ Stox*yettes,” a volume of eighteen chapters, all of which were enjoyable : and some particularly good. It is a . concoction of fun. sketches, dancing, clowning ajid “ straight singing,” and ! could be classed as one of the best ; “ books ” so far offered during tho sea--1 son. The opening was par tic u lari y effective, practically all the company appearing in two spirited songs, “ Live For To-day ” and “ Keep Moving,” the singers being 1n white and black, white ] even to the wigs. The first sketch was “ Great Hopes,” in which Len Rich had I lhe principal part, that of a young , stockbroker endeavouring to Impress his prospective father-in-law by fictitious business on a bilr scale done by telephone and dictation, but he is aghast when he finds his caller is none other than the income-tax man. “Vaude- ’ ville Days,” a hilarious burlesque on knife throwing, trick shooting, juggling, rope walking, etc., by George Storey and , Ern Paulasto in weird garb, kept the J spectators convulsed. George Storey ! and Mabs Ilowarth were associated in ' a. clever absurdity, “ Public 'Wirclt ss,” in which all parts of the world were called up and produets of each were handed out. It was quite original and the pair made the most of it. “Painted ' Babies,” which opened the second part of the volume, was also novel and tuneful as well, a turn in which ten took I shiny frock's” of \heir partners B “'wearlier or Whether,” by Lydia Carne and Fred Paulasto. was the story of a very Jove-sicTc couple which had a startling and amusing ending. “The Murder Bureau,” where murders could be arranged on a. of charges, Mabs Hivnarth good opportunities for laugh-making, and they seized them fully. Mabs Howarth and George Storejr combine sentiment, song and humour in “Rose of ltack- ; ety Row.” Len Rich is the excellent principal in “ Raffles,” in which the famous burglar narrowly es- ' capes capture. 'This sketch also ends j

(humorously. The last one has a topical interest in that it shows a game of cricket, first in fast time (Storey with the hat), and the scene Is then repeated as by slow motion kineinatography—a really cleverly executed piece of work, and deliciously funny. There arc other good features in this sketch, which brightly ends the show. In Nellie Kemp the company lias a very fine soprano singer, and her items wero all warmly applauded. In addition to taking part in some of the sketches, she charmingly sang “The Dance on the Lawn ” and “ Annie Laurie.” She Wias associated with Robert Raymond in a pleasing item, “ Ballads.” the pair taking it in turns to sing well-known ballads and national and sentimental songs, the effect of which was heightened by living illustrations towards the back of the stage. “ You Ought to Know' ” was sung by Mabs Howarth satisfactorily, and in “ The Straight Road ” (a tramp’s song) Robert Raymond was pleasing, though his voice was a trifle husky. Tom Arnold sang “Just Around the Corner,” but not very well. Duleie Milner and Ern Paulasto were amusing in an interlude in which there was some bright “gagging” by both, and the latter also appeared as a senlryman with Fred Paulasto in “ Reminiscences,” a sketch dealing with the period just after the war, and full of merry moments. “Keep Dancing,” by Lydia Carne and Len Rich, was light and pleasing, the dancing at the end being exceptionally neat and rhythmical. The programme opened with an interesting topical picture and Mr A. Bidgood's orchestra, as usual, played up to