OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1322, 26 August 1915, Page 29

OPERA HOUSE.

Paul Stanhope and his merry burlesque company are still proving of magnetic drawing power and are following up their success of last week at the Opera House. “This is the Life,” the revue they popularised on a former visit, is this week’s attraction, and is going bigger than ever with its tuneful jingle, sparkling dances, ballad numbers, and, above all, its profusion of comedy, which Mr. Stanhope dispenses in his own particular style. Mr. Les Bates gives valuable assistance to Mr. Stanhope in getting the laughs, and the pair would constitute an entertainment in themselves. Miss Fritzee De Guy’s artistic ability is evidenced in the arrangement of the ballets, and the

’Frisco Male Quartette are again heavy scorers. A couple of good new acts marked the first half of the programme. The Girards made a first appearance on Monday in an acrobatic act, in which the three performers executed some outstandingly neat feats and evoked vociferous applause. Lew. Hoffman gained instant goodwill with his novel juggling capabilities, h’s work being as original as it was dexterous. Billy Wells and the Eclair Twins give another highly approved turn, in which they exploit their terps’chorean ability. Mr. Frank Herberte in his capacity as entertainer, Mr. Ernest Pitcher with new jokes and “business” and the three small acrobatic Ruddles bring the bill up to a worthy standard.

“So long as tire managers can find so many things cheaper than talent with which to produce plays,” Lill.ian Kingsbury comments, “just so long will the stage need improving.”