THE GOURLAYS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 144, 7 March 1874, Page 2

THE GOURLAYS.

Another capital house greeted these excellent performers on Thursday lust when the “ Loves of Dumbiedikes and Jeanie Deans” from the“ Heart of Midlothian,” and the laughable little trifle the “ Rights of Woman ” were performed. A “ Musical Olio ” and the “Scotch Dwarf” concluded an attractive bill of fare. The first part of the evening’s selection did not seem to take so well as the “ Levee ”, a reproduction of which instill looked for with animation. Mrs. Gourlay sang as sweetly ; and Miss Gourlay likewise charmed her audience, but Mr. Gourlay’s continued absence from the stage, during the first part created a flatness which even the joint efforts of the the ladies could not. remove. ’ There was no enthusiasm, and “ the Gourlays ” without it is is a thing seldom heard of. The programme was very attractive in its way, but more was expected from the “Heart of Midlothian, a strong muster of “Nationals” having come from fur and near to witness selections from the great bard. Wo feel convinced that Mrs. Gourlay possestei histrionic powers of a high order, and if (as we have seen it done by others) it is within the scope of that lady’s powers to double the character of the two sisters, a further selection, including the grave scene with Effie, would be a very great treat. By the bye, could not something be done, in the way of augmentation of forces, in conjunction with some of the members of the Gisborne Dramatic Club ? “We hope we don’t intrude” our opinion, for it is recorded with the greatest deference to the feelings of all concerned. But to proceed. The musical olio comprised songs and duets of all shades of music, “ from grave to gay,” all of which were artistically and gracefully rendered. Mrs. Gourlay met with a contretemps in that beautiful song “The Lover and the Bird,” through which she had to leave the stage, it arose from a stifling sensation iu the throat, caused by the hot atmosphere in the Hall, but it was well understood from subsequent events to be no fault of the singer’s Miss Gourlay’s “ I’m glad to see you, boy " and “ Military Style,” were among this young , lady’s happiest efforts. The “ Rights of Woman,” gave opportunity for Mr. Gourlay to delight his audience with some of his amusing characteristics us an anti-marrying crusty old Scotch woman hater, and made up in a great measure for his previous absence. It is a highly amusing little sketch, the droll situations of which put every one in a good humor. The queer little Scotch Dwarf, a clever mechanical contrivance, — concluded the entertainment. To-night Mrs. McGregor’s Levee will doubtless draw a crowded house.