The Payne Family

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 12, 13 July 1889, Page 2

The Payne Family

On Thursday night this talented familj were greeted by a crowded house. In fact the auditorium of the theatre was packed to the doors. Punctually at eight o'clock the performance was commenced by the company singing "The Bells," this was given in excellent style, and put the performers and the audience at once on good terms with each other. Mr Balph Steele followed with "Queen of the Earth," which was well received, but he showed greater power to interest and amuse the audience in " Sobbing," " Pro phundo Basso," " Singing," "Yawning," and the " Cats." In the latter Jie was assisted by Mr W. J. Payne, and probably the Feilding people never before witnessed such a wonderful performance While the duett represented to the life the vocal sounds produced by two angry but amorous torn cats, yet the musical harmony was.complete in every respect. It was excruciatingly funny and the laughter of the audience testified to their appreciation of the faithfulness of the {sketch. The young ladies in cheir several performances were particularly good. Miss Maude played "The Blue Bells of Scotland," with variations, and- Miss Lizzie "The Last Bose of Summer," also with variations, on the violin, with consummate skill and brilliancy of execution. Miss Lizzie also sang '" Waiting" with great taste anil feeling. " The Cuckoo," sang by Miss Nellie, went very well, and was applauded. The "Three Little Maids from School" by Misses- Lizzie, Nellie, and Maude was well rendered, and earned an encore. " Steel away to Jesus" by the company reminded us favorably of the Jubilee Singers, but was not quite up to the latter. " Sobbing," " The Old Year Dying," " Sneezing" and "Call John" were all good and were well appreciated.' Mr W. J. Payne sang "I'll take you Home KathI leen," assisted by the company. Several other pieces, vocal and instrumental, were sung and played, and in each case succeeded in winning well deserved applause. In this connection we may say that almost every item was encored, and had the performers responded to each invitation the programme, which: was already a liberal oae, would have been doubled. In concluding this notice wo desire to congratulate Mr Payne on his punctuality. His company is the first which has* ever kept strict faith with the audience in "ringing up" sharp at the advertised time. We are glad to know this talented family will ' again visit Feilding shortly.