THE COMBINATION TROUPE.

Evening Star, Issue 3596, 1 September 1874, Page 2

THE COMBINATION TROUPE.

Last Mr Smith’s Combination Troupe opened a season at the Princess Theatre, and, owing to the reputation which the members of it bang with th .m, there was a crowded house in every part but the dress circle. The poor attendance in the latter portion was caused by some misunderstanding as to the admission charge, the advertised price (3s, and, we think, sufficiently high) having been altered only yesterday. There was consequently a good deal of grumbling on the part of those who were asked for an extra shilling, and a large number of people elected to “ have a shilling’s worth” in the pit in preference. The programme was commenced with a scene batween Mr bt Vincent and Mdlle Montebello, comic duet lists. This was entitled “ Love Making v. Heart Breaking,” and was gone through with great spit it and vivacity, both performers showing proficiency in this class of entestaiiunent. On being encored, the gentleman said the duet had been a trying one, and he would therefore give a solo ouiy, in response. The song chosan was one of Mr St. Vincent’s own composition, the subject being Mr Pox’s celebrated “ barmaid” clause in the Licensing Act, whereby the great anti-pub-licaniat sought to have it enforced that no barmaids under thiity years of age should be employed in hotels. The theme might have been made more of, but si ill the composer was heartily applauded. Young England and Alberto, aged nine and five years respectively, followed in their performance on the high trapeze, consisting of feats somewhat similar to those of the brothers Frank and Victor all of which were executed in a very neat and nimble manner, almost every motion being greeted with loud applause from the am dience. A ext, Professor Saunders gave one of his excellent selections on the harp, which was favorably received ; and then the great novelty Val Vose, the ventriloquist, appeared. This gentleman is decidedly clever in his amusing scenes between Johnny Trotter, old Mrs Brown, and other imaginary characters ; the illusion being heightened by the use of lay figures, the features aud limbs of which more in accordance with the meaning of the words they apparently ultir. Johnny Trotter especially is very comical, and particularly so when he recognises an acquaintance in the pit. Val Vose also showed his powers by carrying on conversations with supposititious . persons on the top of the bouse and under the stage, in which his voice was again well managed. The first part of the entertainment was concluded by feats on the aerial rings by the gymnast A. de Castro, his sons Young England and Alberto, and his little girl Annette, aged seven years. All of them performed with great ease, and the youngest of the family created much amusement by his antics. After a short intermission, Airec, the “Kifig of the Air,” introduced au on.

tirely new kind of performance in the shape of some daring exercises on a swinging trapeze. While it was in full swing he stood upon the bar with both feet or with one fost, knelt on it or lay at full length across it, all without the slightest assistance from his hands. Airec s portion of tho entertainment 18 . most startling, but he does everything with such graceful ease that bat little alarm is felt. Mr ht. Vincent sang two more songs, one a parody on “Castles in the air,” the other, which was rather lengthy, entitled “Behind the scorns " The whole wound up with another appearance of the de Castro family, Madame de Castro this time assisting, and all their tricks and evolutions we p e given with the same precision as was observable in their previous feats, the little fellows being again very comical The first appearance of this troupe may be considered a great success, and not a greater one than is deserved, for Mr Smith appears te have obtained and combined tha best talent in every department, all being good, and there being something in the entertainment to please every taste.