AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 673, 16 August 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THE LYDIA HOWARDS TROUPE.

The burlesque of “ Ivanhoe ” was produced last night at the Music Hall for the first time, and drew together a large audience, indeed the same might always be said when this talented company introduce anything in the shape of novelty, therefore last night was no exception to the rule. Our readers will remember the tale of “ Ivanhoe ” by Sir Walter Scott, and will at once perceive what scope and material the work itself contains adaptable for the purpose to which Mr Byron has so very cleverly worked out in order to render it one of the best extravaganzas hitherto placed upon the stage; although some of the witticisms and puns are very far-fetched, but at the same time, not altogether upintelligble to a mixed audience; whilst to counterbalance this defect the scenery and gorgeous dresses introduced, tend to make up for any deficiencies in that particular. The burlesque was certainly placed upon the stage, and played better throughout, than on the first representation of any other play of a similar nature since the present company have been catering for our amuse-

ment, and great praise is due to the management for the efforts made by them to suit each particular play-going palate. The overtures to “ Fia Diavolo ” and “ Zampa ” were splendidly given by the orchestra during the evening, and the singing as a whole was fairly rendered, although the chorusses given from the wing were anything but steady, owing to the very uneven manner in keeping time—a fact often noticeable when wing-chorusses are introduced. With this slight defect the music throughout was successful, and met with loud and enthusiastic applause from the audience. Miss Howarde played the part of the haughty Templar in a free and dashing manner, and looked extremely well in the part, her dress being most appropriate and handsome, which made her look even better than we have seen her before in characters of a similar nature. Her singing in “Turn on old time,” in which she sang the soprano, and in the vocal waltz ” All che Assorta ” was ably rendered, if we accept the slight defect in the latter, owing no doubt to want of practice, and she heartily deserved the plaudits bestowed upon her. Miss Navaro, as Lady Eowena, both looked and acted most charmingly and sang her music with great effect, especially that little gem “ Waiting,” which was deservedly encored. Miss Nye, as Wilfred, was quite at home in her part, and enacted the same in splendid form, whilst her singing of “ Joyous life,” and “ Slowly the day is dying,” secured for her a most rapturous encore, as also did her clever jig dancing in the tournament scene. Womba, the jester, fell to the lot of Miss Ashton who, although the part is not suited to her sex, was very successful in it, and looked very nicely. Mr Power, as Eebecca, both in-make up and conception of the part was intensely funny, although the point of several puns given by him were entirely lost. His singing in the duett was rapturously applauded. Of Mr Walter Hill, as Isaac, we cannot speak too highly ; his thorough idea of the part, and his ability to carry it out, were duly approved of by the audience, who were very prolific in their enthusiasm, Mr Cary, as Cedric, the Saxon, played with great care and assuidity, and his fine baritone voice was heard to great advantage in the concerted pieces, whilst Messrs Towle, Srnythe, Alexander, and others contributed their portion in their ablest manner. As usual, Mr Briggs came before the audience during the performance of the burlesque, and bowed his acknowledgements in answer to a call from the audience. The same programme will be repeated this evening, and as the piece is rather longer than the usual run of burlesques, we would advise the management to commence punctually at the advertised hour, as the time was unnecessarily extended last evening.