WEBB’S ROYAL MARIONETTES

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 242, 23 September 1884, Page 2

WEBB’S ROYAL MARIONETTES

Tins talented company opened last night in Parnell & Boylan’s Hall, to a house both large and appreciative. Before the curtain rose Mr. C. B. Foster played a transcription of his own on the air “ The old folks at Home,” in which he showed that his powers of manipulation over the key-board were far beyond ordinary players—even professionals. The Female Blondin then made her appearance, and went through an astonishing permance on the tightrope. Next in order came the stilt clown, the animated skeleton, the Turkish juggler, and the magic Turk, each in his turn receiving round upon round of applause. Then followed the wonderful little minature minstrels, five in number, who gave an entertainment complete in itself. The “ minstrels ” opened their programme with an overture, played in a spirited manner, the instruments used being bones, tambourine, violin, banjo, and piano, (the latter by an elaborately dressed young lady. Johnson sang “ Wait till the clouds roll by,” Tambo gave “ Out on the tiles.” The young lady’s contribution was “Only to see her face,” followed by “ We’re only bones,” by the gentleman who shook the ivory. The usual eccentricities incidental to burnt cork and a capital wind-up chorus brought this part to a finale. After an interval, which was noteable for its shortness, the curtain again rose to the gorgeous and beautiful fairy pantomime, “ The Beauty and the Beast,”

the principal scenes represented being, the haunt of the Fairy Queen Amaryllis. House of Mr. Pump, a ruined merchant. Nocturnal adventure in the forest. The enchanted garden, or home of the Beast, changing into the Harlequinade. A noted feature was the singing by Beauty of the song “ Give back my heart.” The harlequinade was perfect in every part and the antics of Clown and Pantaloon made both young and old fairly scream with delight. The curtain then descended for a few minutes, and Mr. Harband coming to the footlights sang with great taste and effect the song “ The dying child,” for which he narrowly escaped an encore. The concluding act was the transformation scene entitled the “ Palace of dew drops in the grotto of Stalacta,” with limelight effects. To try and describe this scene with pen and ink would be to attempt the impossible. It must be seen to be realised, as indeed must the whole performance. Mr. C. B. Foster’s playing throughout the evening calls for a word of praise, and all lovers of music should make a point of hearing it, as they will experience a pleasure which seldom comes within their reach.

To-nipht the same programme will be produced except that the Fantoccini will be changed. To-morrow afternoon there will be a matinee, commencing at 2 o’clock, to which children will be admitted for the small charge of one shilling to the front and sixpence to other parts of the house. As the Company will only play till Thursday night intending patrons should avail themselves of the opportunity of witnessing the most unique entertainment in existence, and one of the greatest wonders of the age.