OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1485, 10 October 1918, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

The heavy rain did not deter the vaudeville devotees from frequenting their favourite haunt on Monday night. In fact, they found the Opera House a snug retreat from the uninviting conditions outside. The third instalment of the minstrel show went with commendable swing under Mr. Ernie Delavale’s direction, and though the latter was unable to give his usual contributions owing to a severe cold, he linked up the performance in capable style. A smartly-dressed newcomer was Miss Ruby Kennedy, remembered on former visits for her well-trained soprano voice. She sang a couple of good numbers with expression, and had a gratifying reception. Miss Marjorie Alwyn, who has become very popular with Auckland audiences, made one of her biggest hits in “My Ain Folk,” and complied to an encore with “Turn Back the Universe.” Miss Gwen Hasto had a great hearing for her high-kicking, and was obliged to repeat her exhibition. Miss Lily Vockler put plenty of Vim into her song “Somewhere in Blighty,” and had* to take a double recall. A similar penalty was meted out to Mr. Charlie Delavale for his ingenuity in eccentric stepping. Burns and Le Clerc danced with unflagging energy, the audience never tiring of this nimble couple’s work. The man’s imitations of different walks — a man going to his club and coming home, an old-age pensioner, the German army in advance and. retreat—are cleverly synchronised. Miss Winnie Lumley is a sprightly little artist who keeps well in the public eye. The corner men, Messrs. Ward Lear, C. Delavale, Warwick Lumley and Walter Emerson, filled the bill in the way of quips and jests. The second half of the entertainment is headed by that fine singer, Mr. Wallace Brownlow, whose quality of voice and power of dramatic expression make his items a rare treat, and his artistry was recognised from every part of the house. Mr. Hughie Ogilvie was another top-liner, and he gained his usual outburst of laughter and applause for his Scotch songs and humorosities. Mr. Syd. Jones and Miss Agnes Raines, survivors from the Wimmera, made their first appearance in Auckland since the disaster, and their reception plainly showed what a warm spot they hold in the ' public affections. They provided a very pleasing interlude at the piano and scored genuine laughs with their repartee. Mr. Emerson and Miss Hasto were responsible for a very amusing telephone skit, and a farce, in which the irrepressible Ward Lear took prominence, assisted by Miss Lily Vockler and Mr. Charlie Delavale, kept the audience to the last minute in continuous laughter.