FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18362, 21 April 1925, Page 13

FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

BRIGHT, NEW PROGRAMME.

CLEVER FEMALE IMPERSONATOR

Tho change of programme last night at the Opera House vro3 responsible for two entirely new turns, each being a decided acquisition to tho bill. The star turn was providffd by Maxwell Carcw, a female impersonator, who made an impression from tho first moment of his appearance. Singing "Alinnetonka," he appeared first Inl the guise of a favourite of the harem, riclily apparelled in the brilliant colours favoured. by tho East, but his voice was a too obvioii3 falsetto and his face, to put it politely, would never have been mistaken for ihat ot a Kirehner girl. A lamp which cast shadows on his features made him Jook tho wotbb, and some of the audience could not help laughing at him and wondering how he came to bo billed as a aTUr. This was all part of his artistry, howevor, and when ho commenced to spcax in a mas- - r.uline voice, which contrasted strangely with liiß make-up, it became clear to tho pre viously bewildered, audionce that he had been "putting it across" them, his turn being a clever burlesque. From that moment he had wou the admiration of tho house. For his second offering he made a partial chango on the stago, completing it alter a moment's absence behind the curtain. Ho concluded with an impersonation of a Dutch flower at the same timo introducing some clever yodelling, tho reception of which was full of enthusiasm. The Alton Sisters wero seen on the silver wire, where they present»d a turn consisting of graceful evolutions, carried out in a daring manner. They performed eingly and in unison, and among their most impressive work was jumping over a chair and eubsequently chair and a laden table, ihc girl who did this portion of tho turn being so Burc-footed that she' never for a moment appeared in danger of overbalancing when she landed: sa7ely over those hurdles. ■ Victor Burke irnade a hit with his singing of "Tho Floral. Dance" and "Little Town in County Down," and the Aldors, novelty acrobats, repeated their act on tho trapezo "and rings. The ventriloquist, Carlton Mai, with his pal "Jerry," raised many laughs at his jokes, and the Mullaney i Bros, were also successful in their comedy j act.

"A Night Club" was the piece chosen by Mr George Storey, to be played by hiß Eevuo Company in the second half of the programme. Written by Mr' Storey himself, it proved to bo one of tho brightest offerings yet presentod by this popular company during their frequent visits to Christckurch, and the songs, ballets, frocking, and comedy work were well above the average of such productions. The fun centred round the adventures of a young; woman to find an unkissod man, a task which proved a difficult one, and "which led her into a number of un looked-for situations before it was ended. Mr Storey as "Beauty," and Mr F»nk Haining- as Nelson, a butler, had the lion s share of the funmaking, and did the work thoroughly,- keeping the houso in a state of merriment all the time they were in_view. Mr Storey's and Miss Mabelle Morgan 3 "mother and son" dialogue from tho stage and the dress circlo was a novel piece of business that went down well. Tho same lady's singing of "The Piper of Love" was one of tho brightest patches of the revue. Miss Dulcie Milner was as engaging as ever, and the other members of the company, including "The Delectable Six" ballet, were quite at the too of their form. Mr Albert Bidgood and his orchestra gavo every satisfaction with their playing.