OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 937, 20 February 1908, Page 16

OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S ENTERTAINERS

An attractive programme is being presented nightly at the Opera House before large audiences, and, judging by the hearty applause which greets the various artists as they in turn appear, the entertainment is held in high favour. It would indeed be hard to imagine anything more funny than the comedy entitled “ Packing Up,” which the ever-popular

pair, Mr Fred H. Graham and Miss Nellie Dent are producing this week with such apparent success. The piece is chock-full of humour from start to finish, and contains the most amusing situations. A married couple propose taking a holiday trip, and not until the time of departure is a mos. upon them, are packing up operations commenced. The husband in a hasty preparation of his toilet, cuts his face whilst shaving, has eidless trouble with his collar, and finally loses his stud. Getting down on his knees he gropes about amongst the litter and confusion, and manages to bring his head in contact with the sharp turner of the dressing table. This, together with the constant wagging of his wife’s tongue, does not have the effect of improving his tem-

per, and there follows a bandying of words. The stud is at last found on the dressing table, when the appearance on the scene of a coup e of men for th? luggage makes things doubly humorous. The husband, who it must be mentioned is attired in his pyjama suit, gathers up everything w’thin reach and throws them into the portmanteau, which is at once closed and taken away by the expressmen. The close of the comedy sees the husband arrayed in full dress for the journey, except for the fact that he is wearing his pyjama trousers, a point which he has overlooked in h’s fev~ri c h haste and confusion. Finding this out he rushes round the room in search of a pair of suitable trousers, only to find that they have been taken away packed up in the

portmanteau. Mr Graham and Miss Dent carry out their respective parts in their usual talented style, and are able to make every point tell in their favour. One of the best turns ever given at the Opera House is that of Lesso and Rexo, two exceedingly clever comedy jugglers. Some of the feats which they accomplish earn for them a perfect furore of applause, and they cannot fail to have a successful stay in Auck and. Mr A’lan Shaw still continues to mystify audiences with his sleight of hand tricks with coins and cards, which are performed Tn a remarkable manner. Mr Rud Peterson’s vocal items are all of a high order, and the popular baritone is more than favourably received. The Twin Sisters Lucas, make a great hit with their singing of “ Diabolo,” while their dancing is decidedly creditab e. Master Rupert Christie’s boyish voice finds much favour with Opera House patrons who are not found lacking in appreciation. The two Pr’ces (Viola and Lilian) are seen in a school-day’s sketch, and their efforts evoke a good deal of applause. Miss Gertie McLeod’s songs this week are hardly up to the usual standard, but nevertheless the charming young comedienne is accorded a hearty reception. Mr Tod Cal’away has a budget of original comic songs, which he sings in an accomplished style- and is recalled several times. Watts (Joe) and Lucas (Madge) appear in an Irish specialty entitled “ The O’Hagans ” in which 'they introduce their scarcecrow dance, and are responsible for keeping the fun at fever heat. The biograph pictures include several first-rate films, that of “ A Desperate Footpad ” being a particularly interesting one.

On Saturday night. Hugh Lloyd, billed as the world’s marvel on the bounding rope, will make his first appearance.