OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 935, 6 February 1908, Page 16

OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S ENTERTAINERS. So long as the entertainment provided at the Opera House is kept up co its present standard, Messrs Fuller cannot do other than draw good houses nightly. The popular favourites, Mr Fred H. Graham and Miss Nellie Dent, are in no sma 1 degree responsible for the large audiences that have been filing the well-knowr place of amusement during the past week or so, and their one-act comedy entitled, “ The Lady Sport,” is about the most

amusing of its kind ever produced in Auck and. As the individual who affects a clerical get-up, Mr Graham has a part which suits him admirably, and he leaves nothing undone in making the turn as ful’ of genuine humour as possib’e. Miss Nellie Dent undertakes the role of owner of a arge stud of racehorses in a decidedly clever manner her charming style quite captivating the audience. As is generally the case, the '.a enttd pair concluded the turn by in.reducing a musical number, which was sung with their accustomed brightness and vigouMaster Ruper: Christie, the New South Wa’es bay soprano meets with a great recentim nightly his voca i.ems being a treat to I’s ten to. His rendering of “When I was a Boy at School ” is a most ac-ompl’sh'd effort, and is foTowed by loud appaluse. Melvin and Frawley appear in the sketch •‘ Odds and Ends,” and cause no end merriment with their witticisms and orm:nal fun. Mr Me vin makes a good hit with “ Have vnu the Paner ToDay.” while Miss Violet Frawley i«

heard in a .aking number. Ziska, a model of female beauty, is seen in a number of charming and artistic poses, while various flags and designs are reflected by means of a bioscope on to her we 1-model - 'd figure. Mr Will James has established great popularity with his banjo p aying, and a short selection from the Spanish Opera ‘‘Carmen.” in which the ; : e!ightfu “ Song of the Toreador ” is introduced fairly brings down .he house. Mr James a so plays Sousa’s “ Invincible Eagle March ” in a most capable manner. This week Mr John Fuller, the head of the popu ar vaudevi le company, is making his last appearance before leaving on a tour of ;he world, where he wi 1 keep a look-ou: for new talent. Mr Fu ler sings “ Sally in our Alley ” in excellent style, after which his rich tenor voice is heard in “ The Minstre' Boy,” both songs b’ing fol'owed by prolonged applause. The two Prices (Viola and Li’ian) present their bright litt’e sketch “ The Middy and the Jap.” and their clever efforts wel

deserve .he hearty appreciation lavished upon the dainty artistes. Their sword dance is another creditable piece of work, and is carried out with much grace and expertness. The success of .he Vantells has been remarkable, and .heir performance on the triple bar is d. cided.y praisewor hy. The turning of tom rsaul. frem the end horizonta ba- to the other end bar, a distance of eighteen feet, is indeed a performance of no mean merit. Miss Gertie McLeod, the charming Scottish serio and dancer, sings a couple of attractive songs, and "s en .husiastically encored. The talented musicians, Stewart and Lorraine, are reappearing at the Opera House, and their playing of a’uminium organ, chimes and other novel instrumen s are most favourab y received. Miss Malvena Moore has a coup e of pretty songs, which she renders in her usual winning way. The biograph p'rture' shown this week are of a particularly novel character, the film ■‘ When the Devil Drives” possessing some really -ensa ional features. -'.’-Ft CFridav) a nrize of

two guineas is to be given to the best uma eur comic s-i ger the au.hnce .0 act as judge, the occasion being the last appearance of Mr John Fu er, prior to his trip round the world. On Saturday evening, Allan Shaw, ,h. Emperor of Coins, will presen; for the first time, his famous creation of modern coin manipulation. The Twin Sisters Lucas wi . also make heir appearance, whip- Wa.ts and Lucas (Joe and Madge) are billed to appear.