HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 965, 3 September 1908, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“ THE MERRYMAKERS.” Messrs. G. P. Huntley and H. Clayton’s English Company, who aptly call themselves “ The Merrymakers,” and who have been touring the Dominion under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, opened for a short season at His Majesty’s on Monday, before a full house. The entertainment, which in reality consists of refined vaudeville, was of a very bright character, the only flaw, so far as the programme was concerned, being that too many of the items had been heard many times before. Unfortunately, on Monday night, a few hoodlums, who laboured under the entirely mistaken idea that they were being funny, interrupted the performance, and generally made themselves a source of annoyance to the audience. “ The Merrymakers,” who were brightly arrayed as pierrots and pierrettes, introduced themselves in an amusing concerted number. Miss Doris Lind sang brightly “ Looking for a Needle in a Haystack,” with chorus. Mr. Gavin Wood’s song, “ Sandy McClusky,” had been given so often when the Brescians were here that it lacked novelty, although the chorus effect was humorous enough. His other vocal contribution, “ Drinking,” has also been done to death. Miss Elsie Williams sang with good effect the comic song, “ Mr. Schneider,” and later on “ Flies Round the Honeypot,” with buzzing chorus. Mr. Sam Walsh’s few remarks on “ Music ” were of a highly diverting character, and he also proved to be a pianist of considerable ability. His amusing monologue during the second half of the programme was unfortunately marred by the discreditable actions of some of the gallery patrons above referred to. On returning he was greeted with salvos of applause. “ There’s a Sun Still Shining ” was Eric Blore’s contribution. Mr. J. M. Campbell introduced “ Mrs. Wizzen,” a Dickensonian character, with a weakness for old port, whose tribula-

tions, as told to her friend, Mrs. Cooper, caused general hilarity. Mr. Campbell also contributed an imitation of the famous Scotch comedian, Harry Lauder, giving some highly amusing anecdotes, some of which were fresh and others were antiques, although funny enough. Miss Betty Ohls, who possesses a very sweet voice, proved very successful in a French chansonette. Another very dainty item by her was “ Two Dirty Little Hands,” and as an encore the quaint “ The Goblin’ll Get You,” both being warmly applauded. Other items introduced by “ The Merrymakers ” were “ Soothing Stimulants,” “ Lonely Girls,” an amusing rendering of “ The Baby on the Shore,” “ The Farmyard,” and “ Hark! The Tea Bell.” The evening’s entertainment provided by “ The Merrymakers” was bright without any semblance of vulgarity, and as such is entitled to a full measure of praise. THE FRANK THORNTON COMPANY The last three nights of the Frank Thornton Company were given up to a revival of that prince of laughter makers, ‘ The Private Secretary.” Despite the fact that Mr. Thornton has played the role of the milk and water Curate many times before when in Auckland on previous visits, it went just as well as of yore, there being packed houses each night during the production, the season thus coming to a very successful finish. Mr. Thornton has now said good-bye to New Zealand audiences, and it is improbable that we shall ever see him again. It will be many a long year before his creations of ‘ Charley’s Aunt ” and “ The Private Secretary ” are forgotten, for of a truth nothing funnier has ever been seen on the stage.