THE GAIETY VARIETY TROUPE

Kumara Times, Issue 1046, 7 February 1880, Page 2

THE GAIETY VARIETY TROUPE

The reception that the Gaiety Variety Troupe met with at the Theatre Royal last evening on their first appearance before a Kumara audience was, on the whole, a most satisfactory one, as not only was the house well filled, but the audience without being over demonstrative repeatedly marked their appreciation of the various items of the programme in a manner that was flattering to the recipients. The entertainment opened with a well-played overture on the piano, by Miss Potter, who, also as the pianist and accompanist throughout, contributed greatly to the success of the various items on the programme. “ Wrecked and Saved” was then given by Mr Frank Brown (who possesses a good baritone voice) in capital style ; his comic song, however, in the second part of “ Dada” fairly convulsed the audience. The “ Sand Jig,” as also the “ Skipping Rope Dance,” by Miss Irwin were most tastefully executed, both fairly entitling her to the hearty applause she received at the hands of the audience. The costume of this young lady was thoroughly in character with the dances, and of a nature that the most sensitive could not complain of as objectionable. A well rendered ballad by Miss Potter was followed by Mr Gill, who, as a delineator of Irish character is particularly humourous, his song of “ Poor Paddy” elictiug a unanimous encore and necessitating his re-appearance. Miss A; Milner, in conjunction with Mr Brown in a Serio-comic Sketch of “ My Wife’s Troubles,” gave evident proof from her bye-play that she was well up in stage business. The item of the evening, however, and one which was evidently awaited with more than ordinary expectation was the “ Dance of All Nations,” by Miss Sallie Lloyd, as no sooner had the dancer taken the. stage than an expectant silence reigned throughout the house. A caohuca, jig, red, and hornpipe, followed one another in quick succession, the whole being tripped in the most light and graceful manner, her termination being the signal for

the most vociferous applause. The drum accompaniment of Mr Hayes, to “ Hark tbd Drum,” iu the first portion and also bis Dutch character song and dance were both well received, his handling of the drum sticks especially coming in for approbation,. A laughable farce, entitled “ jTam” concluded art briteiHdhiment in which the chief merit is contained in the variety, of its programme and the constant diversity of characters, this making it abound with amusement. The same programme will be repeated this evening when those .who Hive riot .already witnessed it should avail themselvts ot this opportunity prior to the alterations that Will be made therein ori. Monday next.