OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1539, 23 October 1919, Page 36

OPERA HOUSE.

Barry Lupino is the special draw at the Opera House this week, the famous pantomime comedian making his first vaudeville appearance in New Zealand on Saturday before crowded audiences. That old friends remembered him was evident by the rousing reception he met with from those in front, and during the halfhour or so that he holds the boards he has the audience in uproarious laughter. In one of his favourite impersonations as a dame of doubtful persuasion, he invites hilarity from the start-off, which increases spontaneously as he launches out into details of his numerous husbands and confidentially gives the private history of his “lady” friends. Mr. Lupino has another powerful asset in his dancing, and the acrobatic stepping with which he winds 'up his act is loudly applauded. Messrs. Carr and Manley were newcomers on /Monday night’s bill, their feats of ■ strength and dexterity attracting much attention. Weights of 2501 b. were lifted with incredible ease, while a little matter of walking on his hands across the stage carrying a huge weight in his teeth was’ performed without-effort by one of these Herculean artists. A turn full of variety was provided by Campbell and Mayo

—a bright faced girl who pirouetted gracefully and a man with plenty of novel tricks up his sleeve. Signor and Signora Molinari gave a song scena of high musical calibre, the Italian excerpts being particularly in favour. Mr. Walter George’s Sunshine Players proved their worth in a merry musipal offering entitled “In Venice;,” •’ the atmosphere being well sustained in dressing and scenery. Miss Hylda Shannon’s solo “Columbine” was charmingly sung, and another vocal feature of the production was “Nights of Gladness,” in which participated Misses Shannon and Geary, Messrs. Walter George, Reg. Hawthorne, Haining, Hitchings, and Vivian. Miss Polly McLaren was piquantly in evidence as solo dancer, and also in the specialty “Playma,tes” with Miss Georgie Martin. Mr. George Storey was the. harbinger of fun as usual, his quips and jests being heartily enjoyed. Miss Dulcie Milner had a smart little part that suited her daintiness, and choruses and ballets gave colour to the performance.