OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1589, 7 October 1920, Page 37

OPERA HOUSE.

All-vaudeville reigns once again at the Opera House, an excellent programme marking the occasionAmongst the new arrivals on Monday was Kenneth Maclaine (late Major of the 15th King’s Hussars), whose immaculate attire created a favourable impression directly he stepped on the stage. His budget of popular songs included “Not the Same Old Bill” (a character number) and “What was the Tale the Colonel Told the Adjutant,” Mr. Maclaine persuasively inducing the audience to join in the chorus of the latter catchy ditty. Ernie Brinkman and the Steele Sisters made their first appearance in a bright and breezy act on novel lines and with special settings that enabled them to make the most of their musical sketches. Mr. Brinkman as postman and clubman gave amusing studies, and he was pleasingly supported in humour by his amiable and substantial partners. The Creightons ranked high with their exceptionally clever juggling and tumbling turn in which they introduce several unex

peeled features. Guest and Newlya again had the audience in a simmer of merriment with their “How d’ye do” sketch. They know they have a sure laugh in this act. The Smithconians, dressed as tramps, made a decided hit with their singing, the baritone opening with “The Vagabond.” The tenor surprised everyone with the range of his voice, which he demonstrated in the widely-diverse songs “Drinking” and “Let Me Like a Soldier Fall.” Both men harmonised so effectively in “Bubbles” that they were twice encored. Hal Raie sang a couple of lively ditties at the piano and gave a monologue, “The Waster.” Fuller’s Nine Wonders, in their whirlwind acrobatic act, were a delight to behold, and they came in for a special ovation. Kitchie and Kliftie were an amusing pair of somersaulting comedians, and Flaneur’s dogs gave an extra spice of variety to the bill. Miss Helen Charles, an English society entertainer, was too ill to appear, but she will be heard in the course of a couple of days or so.