OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1158, 20 June 1912, Page 16

OPERA HOUSE.

With a lengthy list cf top-line numbers following in quick succession, this week’s programme at the Opera House is without the supplementary

“circle.” A big drawing card is WongToy Sun, the Chinese conjuror, who amuses and mystifies his audience with his clever legerdemain feats. Some of the tricks we have seen before, but that does not detract frontheir fascination, so dexterously are they manipulated. He materialises coffee from dried peas, and hands it to the audience, too, who pronounce it par excellence. From an ordinary Kettle drum he produces enough toys to stock a Christmas tree, as well as ' thousands of coloured-papered discs, which seem to fill the stage. “The charmed cage,” “the bewitched oranges” (whose bona fides is tested by the audience), “the mystic sunshade,” “a Chinese incantation,”

are a few of some clever illusions. Perhaps the most bewildering was the turn in which a big empty cabinet is shown, and then sealed. A funnel is placed on the top, water poured down, and, hey presto, from the interior is produced a veritable farm-yard, from a pigeon to a pig, net to mention the artist’s dainty lady assistant, who also steps out to everyone’s bewilderment. Wong Toy Sun is a silent worker, and has two equalll noiseless assistants, while the spirit of the East is conveyed in the artistic and Oriental mounting of the

stage. Miss Beaumont Collins and her London company are causing convulsions of laughter in their farcical comedy, “Bedfellows,” Mr David Baird sharing the honours with Miss Collins for mever acting. Miss Collins re-opens at the Coliseum, London’ in this sketch on her return to England. Another star turn is that given by Hanley, Marguerite and Hanley, athletic acrobats. They perform some startling feats, the attractive lady member being not the least among them for skill and strength in the art of balancing. It is a turn well worth seeing. Laurence Barclay further establishes his popularity as a comedian, his characteristic policeman and curate sketches fair-

ly bringing down the hone. Miss Leggy koma is a new arrival with a pleasing voice and charming person" aiity that ’catches on’" straigntway, wuije another piquant newcomer is ivnss Manne Ellis, whose song and dance also claim an imperative encore. Miss Beryl Nicholis receives a nattering reception on her re-ap-pearance in irisn songs, while the rest or the bill is capitally supplied by Miss Hettie Peei, Mr Harry Simms, Mr Maurice Chenoweth, the harmonious King’s College quintette and the Chrissies in fresh items.