THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1122, 12 October 1911, Page 16

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FINE VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT. The change of programme at the Opera House this week is a particularly bright one. In the first part there are a number of new faces and their numbers are all well received- “ Our Host” (Sam La. Mert) is making a big hit with his whistling selections. From time to time Auckland has been visited by a large number of clever whistlers, but Sam La Mert is the peer of them all. His items this week are very pleasing and nightly assure for him several encores. Norman Mudford is a youth with a soft and tuneful voice. His rendering of “The Song I hear in my Dreams” is full of sympathy and makes a strong appeal to the audience. The most popular “turn” in the first half is Will Gilbert’s. His gawky antics arouse shrieks of laughter and ensure him numerous recalls. The Willis Sisters, who also make their first appearance in Auckland, are a sprightly pair of grotesque dancers and balladists. Lily Vockler sings “The Boy that looks after his Mother” feelingly. The old favourites, Jim Gaffney, Tim Howard and Jessie Lee, each render new numbers which are well received.

A NOVEL AND SUCCESSFUL TURN. The “H.M.S. New Zealand” is the title of a naval sketch of quite a novel character, cleverly done by Era Delavale and Will Gilbert, who are making their first appearance here this week. It is well staged with the aid of biograph views illustrating the Pacific squadron, and is fill of good humour. The sketch deserves the popularity it has gainedThe Tossing Testros are back again, after a successful season in the South Sea Islands. Their extraordinary and clever balancing feats nightly receive hearty applause. A smart character sketch by the Willis Sisters is another number that has won appreciation, while the vocal items of Harry Rochfort and Lily Vockler are pleasingly rendered. The “Hot Scotch” sketch of Emerald and Dupre is a turn of unique originality and keeps the audience in the merriest mood.