CONCERT AND BOUGH DIAMOND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1349, 11 December 1885, Page 2

CONCERT AND BOUGH DIAMOND

The entertainment, organised by Mr ■ sdney Wolf, in the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening, was hardly so successful, in any respect, as we anticipated. The audience was not a large one, and the performances possessed no exceptional merit. The orchestra was a thoroughly good one, and the overtures were well received. Mr Branson sang “Across the far blue hills ’’ with all his weli-toned expression and taste, and Miss K. Henry secured an encore by her rendering of “ The dear little Shamrock.” Miss Henry has a powerful voice, and her tuneful singing and clear enunciation compensate for some lack of finish. Mr Simpson was successful with his singing of “ Good cempany.” Mrs vi ere wether and Miss Kidd each contributed Items the former lady’s “ Good bye ” being sung with pathatio expression Captain Cotton’s contribution, of course, won an encore, which was good-naturedly! responded to by the popular sportsman. After a prolonged interval the orchestra performed an overtnre, and Buckstone’s pretty little comedy “ Rough Diamond ” was introduced. Mrs Sidney Wolf impersonated Margery too well— she had not all the support her vivacious and clever interpretation deserved. One or two of the other performers would do well to copy, as fat as they can, Mrs Wolf’s disloot utterances. The lady filling the part of Lady Plato acted the part well, and exhibited considerable dramatic power, but her speaking of the dialogue was marred by nervousness. Miss Moss looked a charming “ Lucy,” and was required to do little more. Mr E. J. O. Cox made a fairly good “Cousin Joe,” giving a natural and intelligent representation of the part, if it ware possible for this young gentleman to temporarily forget bis own individuality hejrould make a great success of the part. Mr E. Foots had a difficult part m Sir William Evergreen, and although letter perfect, hardly comprehended the character. Mr Moore was not highly successful as Captain Blenheim, and gave very indifferent support to Mr S'ooks. Mr Moss played the sensible Lord P.ato with dignity, but he had not accurately ganged the acoustic properties of the hall, Mr Wolf played the accompaniments in his usual finished style. To night a change in the first part of the programme is announced, and ve hope to see a full house.