THE VICTORIA LOFTUS TROUPE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1744, 22 September 1879, Page 3

THE VICTORIA LOFTUS TROUPE.

The Gaiety Theatre wag crowded to its fullest . capacity on Saturday evening, when the Loftus Troupe made their first appearance, and numbers were unable to obtain admission. When this is compared with the sparse attendance during the short season of the Ohaplin- • Osborne Company, it is easy to see that the taste of the Christchurch play-goers is decidedly in favor of variety business. Prob- . ably the telegrams which have been sent from Wellington had the effect of causing the large audience to assemble, but whatever was the cause, the company drew one of the largest audiences seen in the Gaiety for many a day. The first item introduced Mr Harry Le Clair, whose specialty is lady characters, and who is by far the best in this line who has been here. There was an absence of over effeminacy, at the same time the five characters he assumed were excellently sustained. The two best were the French lady and German girl. Mr Atkins, who took part in this -sketch, evinced much comedy talent. Messrs Watters and Kelly introduced a novelty even in the well-worn double song and dance, now so familiar to play-goers, and their dancing was excellent. Miaa Le Fovre and Miss Leslie sang tome ballads very nicely, and Miss Victoria Loftus and Miss Esmond danced a pretty double dance with grace. Mr Sarony'B saltatory performances are really wonderful, reminding one strongly of the Guards. He dances with grace and| ease, and his walk round the stage on the points of his toes was really a wonderful piece of ballet dancing. Messrs LeClair and Watters in this sketch rendered valuable assistance. A sketch entitled "The Rehearsal" introduced Messrs McCarthy and Biokey, who are the Hibernian impersonators of the company. In make up, brogue, and acting they were alike perfect, and the sketch evoked roars of laughter. Miss Esmond danced a clog dance very nicely, and during the evening Little Katie also gave a sand jig well. The performance concluded with the burlesque of " Atalanta," about whioh little need be said, except that the dresses were exceedingly pretty. Encores and applause were frequent and hearty, nearly all the principal performers being recalled over and over again. To-night the same bill will be repeated, and Mr Davis has made arrangements for the erection of extra ticket boxes, so that the crash of Saturday evening will be avoided.