AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 650, 19 July 1876, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THE LYDIA HOWARDS TROUPE.

At the Music Hall last night the extravaganza of “ La Sylphide” was produced for the first time, and, taking all things into consideration, was a great success. It must, indeed, have been a heavy tax on all concerned, with the limited stage at command, to have placed a piece of such magnitude before the public in so short a time, and any little defects, for there were many, will no doubt be overcome by its repetition. Miss Howarde, as Donald, both looked and acted well; whilst her singing of “ Whistle, and I’ll come to you my lad,” and “ The spell is broken,” were both splendidly rendered, and drew forth thunders of applause. In the duct, “ Banks and Braes,” the voices did not appear to blend nicely together, a very unusual thing for the two ladies who rendered it—there being a want of harmony existing. Miss Nyc, as the Mountain Sylph, looked like the fairy creature she was endeavouring to pourtray, and by her graceful dancing throughout the piece secured loud plaudits from her admirers. She sang that beautiful gem, “The Echo,” with much taste and feeling, and was deservedly encored, Mr. Poore playing the obligato accompaniment very nicely, thereby making the song a great success. Miss Navaro had very little to do in the character of Christie, but that little was done efficiently. In rendering the ballads “ Only for thee” and “ Mary of Argyle” she was most successful, and received a well-merited encore. The part was one that suited her physique and acting very much indeed, and was well carried out. Miss Ashton also played and looked charmingly both as Jessie and the Queen of the Sylphs, and we are glad to notice a marked improvement in this young lady’s style of acting. A trio, “ This magic-wove scarf,” was beautifully given by Miss Howard, Miss Nye, and Mr Cary, and was warmly received. We wish we could say the same of the music from “Macbeth.” This showed at once the want of a properly appointed leader, who should have a thorough control of the voices, and so prevent that inclination which seems to prevail amongst singers of eachjjone singing in whatever time they choose. We are not complaining, but simply throwing out a suggestion in good faith.

The trio by Messrs Cary, Alexander, and Smythe, “Willie brewed a peck o’maut,” was rather overdone, and might very judiciously be toned down. Mr Walter Hill, the Scotch nobleman, was exceedingly funny, and his local hits caused great merriment. Messrs Cary, Power, Alexander, and Herberte were very efficient in their respective parts, and done much towards the success of the performance, Mr Briggs had a most enthusiastic call before the curtain for the very artistic and splendid scenery incidental to the piece. The house was crowded in every part, and the audience most enthusiastic in their applause. The same programme will be produced this evening.