OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1383, 26 October 1916, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

A great holiday house greeted the change of programme at the Opera House on Monday, and gave gratifying indication of its appreciation of the fare offered by Messrs. Fuller. Prominent in favour were the SteelePayne Family, who revived pleasurable memories of days gone by with their delightful entertainment on the bells. Sweet music was enticed from all tones arid sizes of bells, , and the selections ranged from operatic to ragtime airs—from the “Barcarolle” to “Get Out and Get Under.” The quartette proved themselves as versatile as they were expert in their manipulation, and by way of variety one of the members sang “I’ve Come Up From Somerset” with much acceptance. Miss Jessie Barlee made an excellent impression with her graceful method of enlisting attention, and both as a vocalist and a coster impersonator received well-merited applause. Miss Dora Oberman, a new comer with an exceptionally fine soprano voice, made an instantaneous appeal with her expressive singing. Lennon and Jill were a pair of fresh artists who presented studies of shadows and sunshine, Mr. Lennon striking a dramatic note in his impersonation of a miser and also in a sketch with his dainty partner depicting a scene between a burglar and his faithless wife. The Wee McColls made a big hit with their Scotch songs and jokes, the juveniles proving they knew how to get a point home, and in response to insistent applause they wound up with a sword dance. Two favourites, Mr. Athol Tier and Miss Peggy Ross, had an enthusiastic reception, Mr. Tier. for his inimitable comedy song; “ShSil Us? Yes, Let’s,” and Miss Ross for her coquettish rendering of “Her Beautiful Eggs.” In an eccentric dance they finished up a distinctly welcome offering. Clarke and Wallace evoked hearty merriment with theii’ smartlydelivered patter. The classical acrobatics of the Flemings, the piquant turn of the Tomboy Girls, and the effective singing of Mr. Harry Little rounded off a-thoroughly enjoyable programme.