AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 723, 13 October 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

LYDIA HOWARDE BURLESQUE

TROUPE.

There was a splendid programme presented at the Music Hall last night, consisting of a concert and the burlesque of '' Fra Diavolo." In the former Miss Howarde was exceedingly good in her rendering of Bishop's grand song " Bid me discourse," which was sung in fine voice and execution, and well deserved the encore with which it was honored. Misses Nye and Howarde contri buted the pleasing and expressive duet, "The sailor sighs," in a most charming and finished manner, and were loudly applauded, whilst the latter lady received an enthusiastic encore for that pretty little ditty " The Alpine home," which was beautifully given. Miss Navaro, who was somewhat indisposed, sang with much fervour and feeling, '' When night is darkest," and received a warm and genuine recognition from the audience, responding to the call by a repetition of the latter portion of the song. The duet " Once again" was well rendered by Miss Navaro and Mr Towle, and well received; whilst the sestette by the cohipany went well. Messrs Towle, Gary,

and Alexander also contributed several songs most efficiently, Mr Cary giving' in fine style, that grand descriptive song "The slave ship," which was loudly greeted, whilst Mr Towle, in " My heart's darling," and Mr Alexander in " The guard ship," did full justice to their respective songs. Mr Poore was also very successful in his operatic selections on the flute, which were loudly applauded. We cannot congratulate Herr Schott on the style and manner in which he accompanied the various singers throughout the concert, there appearing to be a great want of attention and care in following each artiste, as well as an almost entire absence of time during some of the songs. We are rather surprised at this, as this gentleman's playing, as a rule, is unexceptionable as an accompanist. The burlesque of " Fra Diavolo," with Miss Navaro as the dashing, daring, captain of the brigands, terminated the entertainment most successfully. To-night Mr Towle will take his first and only benefit, when the programme will consist of the operetta of " The Blind Beggars," followed by a concert, in which Mr Wallace has kindly consented to appear; Herr Schott and Mr Poore will contribute oboe and whistle solos, and Miss Lydia Howarde the celebrated "jewel song;" whilst other members of the company will also take part in the same. The entertainment will conclude with the two last acts of " Chilperic." With such a tempting programme, and the high estimation in which Mr Towle is held by his numerous friends in Christchurch, we anticipate a crowded house. " Transported for Life" will be produced on Monday next, when Mr and Mrs Darrell will make their re-appearance, in conjunction with Messrs Harry Stoneham, Starke, and the Lydia Howarde Company.