FULLERS’ VAUDEVILLE PRESENTS EXCELLENT SONG AND DANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18614, 16 November 1928, Page 7

FULLERS’ VAUDEVILLE PRESENTS EXCELLENT SONG AND DANCE.

The standard of the shows presented by Fullers at the New Opera House seems to be getting higher and higher, Many companies lately have reached heights that filled the vaudeville-goers with a sense that things were too good to last, but each goes from good to better, and last night, with the opening of the London Revue Company’s Christchurch season, it seems that the apex has been reached. They arrived after a sea journey, and had little time in which to rehearse and assemble their properties, but, nevertheless, they put on an entertainment that left one a little bewildered, so excellent was it in every department. In its description, one can use superlatives with a clear conscience.

Frank O’Brien, “Mrs O’Brien’s boy,” is the comedian, producer and leading fight generally. His quaint presence and unfailing wit are irresistible, and last evening he scored one of the greatest and most natural successes possible. His work had originality and freshness, it never faltered, never became monotonous, and on top of that this comedian has a freedom from the general ruck that makes his work most acceptable. His supporters are artists all, each with a specialty highly developed, and their efforts are backed by those of a very highly trained and ornamental ballet.

Frank O’Brien evidently prefers the crescendo type of show, for the opening number was quiet and pretty, introducing a dainty soprano in Marie Ward, who proved later in the evening that she can dance as gracefully as she can sing melodiously. Also in the picture were Joe Hudson, Gordon Norville and Bert Lee, bright lads who did much to help tired business men forget their worries. What few worries were left disappeared entirely when Janice Hart, a rather startling contralto, sang “Home Again” with much verve and spirit. Miss Hart looks after the ballets and the ensembles, and her work in that line is excellent. After a very decorative ballet had given "Keep Smiling,” Frank O’Brien got his first real chance in a little picture of a sailor’s life, and he made sides ache with laughter. Following him, a very dainty little lady, Audrey Lewis, sang “Sweep the Cobwebs Off the Moon” in a manner that won her much applause, and Gordon Norville in “Sweetie and the Radio” an intensely funny little sketch, , ‘A i Wireless Episode,” which would suggest something to 3YA. A brilliant bit of work was three different presentations of "Who Did It?” a melodrama which the company turned into a pantomime and then a revue with startling and enlightening effect. Items came with speed and accuracy, each being well placed and getting a wonderful reception from the audience. The company are well at home in those clever skits which are an invaluable adjunct to a vaudeville show, and the wealth of individual talent assured the success of the musical and dance numbers. The jazz band was up-to-date and master of the art of syncopation, and gave numbers which evoked prolonged applause. Frank O’Brien was a tower of strength. A number could not fail if he was one of the artists participating. Bert Lee, Gordon Norville, Marie Ward and Audrey Lewis supported him to the best of their proved ability. Working as they under difficulties, the company gave a performance that atigurs well for the box office receipts at the Opera House during the season.