Radcliff-Rita.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 28, 1 July 1885, Page 2

Radcliff-Rita.

Our readers will notice by advertise menfc that the Rtidcliff- Rita Company appear at tho Theatre Royal to-morrow evening for a season of two nights, when a musical treat such as is seldom obtainable in these parts ot the globe will be produced for the enjoyment of those who are fortunate enough to find room in the Hall on that occasion. The company has just travelled through Australia, and is now " doing " New Zealand, and has secured bumper houses whefeeverlt has appeared, and .judging from the 14 opinions of the press," it is surprising that such overflowing houses have always greeted these artists. The Sydney Bulletin thus conclude a most eulogistic critique. ***.* * . * * But to get back to Eadcliff. He showsyou an instrument, tells you more about it than you ever knew before, and winds up by playing on it. He is a wonder. There was no rising in the pit to bom- 1 bard the performers, jL oute'ciu contraire, such clapping of hands aud general abandon have not been heard or seen in the Masonic fur many a day. We were among tho pounders, especially when we heard tho perfected instrument and the voice of Rita carrying on a sonorous flirtation enough to make a milestonejdemonstrative. Then we borrowed from a bald-headed old chap next to us a stick with a ferule as big as a soupplate, and rapped away till the policeman at the door appeared to .be coming our way. The fact is, we have heard the best Australian players in their best days, but never heard the flute before, ! Arid" who are these people who have come amongst us ? Well, Eadcliff is the acknowledged flutist of the world, £aiid, until some months ago, belonged to the orchestra of the Royal Italian Opera, London. His wife, Madame Bita, is a soprano who has won a foremost place at Charles Halle's concert, and '• in various other places. She comes with credentials from the best Continental schools, and possesses a sweet sympathetic voice of great range and culture. The concert is to be repeated, and we have no doubt oNhe result. ,