"LITTLE NELL" AT THE MASONIC HALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 143, 5 October 1876, Page 2

"LITTLE NELL" AT THE MASONIC HALL.

"The Califomian Diamond" made her bow to an Oamaru audience last night, the building being crammed in every part. This, no doubt, was attributable to the very high terms in which her performances have been spoken of by the Press and public throughout the Colonies. We are aware, however, there has been one solitary exception, and that during her appearance in Dunedin "Little Nell" was made the subject of an attack, the truth or falsity of which, those present last night had ample opportunity of judging. For our own parts we have no hesitation in saying that if " Funny Folks" be a specimen of what the hypercritical censor felt called upon to denounce, the attack was as cowardly as it was uncalled for. If real genuine applause be a test, then " Little Nell" may rest satisfied that the people of Oamaru failed to see the vulgarity which wounded the sensitive feelings of the Dunedin critic. We have been informed that we have been charged by an obscure paper in Dunedin with, a breach cf journalistic etiquette in referring to its strictures on the " Calif omian Diamond." Of course, we are placed somewhat at a disadvantage in framing our reply, not having seen the journal in question ; but this we can say, that we should be sorry indeed, from the unenviable notoriety which the paper has secured, to take it as our model, or accept lessons in journalistic or any other etiquette from a member of its staff. We are not above receiving advice from those in the profession older than ourselves ; but when we do avail ourselves of such experience it will be from those whose careers have won the respect of its members, and whose conduct has been calculated to reflect credit upon the Fourth Estate. We happen to know this literary Ishmaelite, and we have just as great a contempt for any "slating" we can receive from such a source, as we have disgust for conduct which happily has but few representatives on the New Zealand Press outside the choice circle in which that writer pre-eminently shines. "Funny Folks" has been written specially for " Little Nell" and Mr. George Giddens, and although it is rather a hard matter for two persons, unaided by stage accessories and scenic effects, to thoroughly enchain the attention of an audience for a couple of hours, never allowing the interest to flag for a moment, that such was the case last night cannot be denied. T;:e entertainment allows ample scope for both " The Diamond " and Mr. Giddens, the former appearing in the various characters of a " London Soubrette," "Bridget M'Noggerfcy," "Ike Towers," a cheeky youth, and "Mrs. Dumphy," a lady of volubility. In the last-named personation, the make-up and bye-play were inimitable, and it was almost a matter beyond belief that the aged party, bristling with ills and complaints—a perfect female counterpai-t of poor Joe Small's never-to-be-forgotten " Unhappy Man " was identical with the precious specimen of American precocity as depicted in "Ike Towers." "Little Nell" possesses a wonderful versatility, and her capabilities of sustaining personations of a widely-different character is really astonishing. Whether as the Irish Bridget or the Dutch Johanna, you see before you a perfect type of the nation and character represented. The ureat charm in " The Diamond," however, Ts that she appears so heartily to enter into and enjoy the eccentricities which she portrays, that her merrim.nt becomes infectious, and her audiences are forced to laugh both with and at her. She possesses a powerful, yet sweet and pleasing voice, great facial play, and a most wonderful command over her right optic. In the character of "Ike Towers," with banjo accompaniment, the transition from grave to gay was so irresistible; and at one particular portion in which that organ is exercised, the effect was so cessively comical, that the audience fairly roared with laughter, and vociferously demanded an encore. As "Mrs. Dumphy," a woman of a few v.oi-ds, she showed what a lady can do with the weapon of the sex when once fairly started. The Second Part opens with "Little Nell" as Miss Bella Dashaway, ' in which she gives a solo on the guitar. Of this instrument, as of the banjo, she is a perfect mistress, and although, as we have said, the house was literally packed, during its performance almost breathless silence was maintained. The gem, however, of the whole entertainment was the duett with Mr. Giddens, in which imitations were given of a sleigh ride. The music was most difficult, yet inspiriting, and at its conclusion was greeted with rapturous applause, and an encore loudly demanded. In addition to her other manifold qualifications, " the Diamond" might lay claim to the title of Champion Clog Dancer, her break-down song and dance being a perfect gem in its line. It must be admitted, however, that a great measure of the success of the entertainment is attributable to the valuable aid accorded by Mr. George Giddens. Under other circumstances, that gentleman might fairly lay claim to be considered a " Comique Star," bul : , as might be expected, he becomes of lesser magnitude when placed in company with " Little Nell." In the first part of the entertainment his character sketches of the eccentric " Tim Flaherty " and " Bobby Bricktop," a Yorkshire dumplin, were true to life. As "Marmaduke Muttenhead," a perfect type of Samuel Warren's " Tittle-bat-Titmouse " —tiie vulgar parvenu, who imagines money can purchase everything, even to the renovation of a broken heart — he was excessively amusing, and his ejacu-

lation, "I do, by Jingo; I do, by the living Jingo !" was uttered with a serious earnestness,which acted as a signal to the audience for uproarious hilarity. The personationof " Hans Dinkelspiel," with a tedious story of a cold, might have well been omitted for two reasons. First, that another gentleman of the profession, but a few weeks since, on the same stage, related the same melancholy experiences ; and, secondly, as far as our judgment lies, there is little in it at any time. We are given to understand, however, that this evening, among other changes, its withdrawal from the programme will take place, and an attractive substitution made. Taken as a whole, the entertainment was one of the most enjoyable which we have witnessed in Oamaru, and we expect to again see a crowded house on this the last appearance of "Little Nell."