“MIXED DOUBLES” IS STAGED AT NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18469, 22 May 1928, Page 7

“MIXED DOUBLES” IS STAGED AT NEW OPERA HOUSE.

Gayle Wyer surpassed himself last evening at Fuller's New Opera House. ITis newest production was “ Mixed Doubles,’’ and the show scintillated with high lights through the second half of the programme. To say that the show is one of the best that has been seen at the Opera House is no exaggeration. The funny men, Charlie Norman and Sam Ward, were full of “ pep ” and new jokes, "the singers were in good voice, and were bright and vivacious,' while the Six Syncopated Steppers surpassed themselves in their daintiness and their clever dancing. " Mixed Doubles ” is a revue with a plot, and \the plot winds round the mixing up of a baby and a puppy. It is really clever, to say the least, and, with Gayle Wyer behind the scenes directing the production, and Charlie Norman before the footlights simply convulsing the audience with his humour, the whole show went with a wonderful swing.

Charlie Norman, the dancing com-, edian, was the revue. His work was outstanding. As the husband who hated dogs, he found many opportunities for making the best of complicated situations. Sam Ward as Hiram Puckerbrush, the rejuvenated uncle who was the villain in the story, was an excellent foil for Norman. Vera Henson took the part of the wife who wanted a dog. and her singing was very enjoyable. Elsa Scott, as Mollie. the housekeeper, was responsible for all the trouble. It was her baby that was mixed up with the inoffensive little -puppy. As usual, she was vivacious. Ena Gordon played the part of the maiden aunt of fifty rummers smitten by the advances of the crafty old Hiram. Her singing was a feature. Heather Jones was a very petite cousin. She had little to do, but always rose to the occasion, and her singing of the finale “ Rosie O'Ryan ” caused the lads to whi.stle the tune all the way back into town.

“ Mixed Doubles ’* was' a credit to Gayle Wyer and should attract crowded audiences for the rest of the week. The first half of the programme was taken up. with sketches and vaudeville numbers. Heather Jones set the ball rolling with a pretty number. “ I’ll Be Here When You Come Back.” Charlie Norman as a postman waiting for the evening mail was just Charlie Norman and that explains everything. With Heather Jones in “There 'Aint No Fun in That,” he showed himself to be a persuasive male flirt. Gus Dawson would make a first-class dancing master. His high kicking proved popular. Norman appeared again with Elsa Scott and made a hit of “ Henry’s Made a Lady Out of Lizzie.” Eva Gordon sang “ Little White House ” in a pleasing manner, and Vera Benson scored a success in “ Blue Danube,” assisted by a very cleverly arranged