THEATRE ROYAL

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2387, 10 November 1880, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL

A most enjoyable entertainment took place at the Theatre Royal last evening - , when a number of amateur artistes, piloted by one who is by no means an amateur (Mr T. J. Kennedy), exerted themselves for the benefit of the funds of the Timaru Athletic Club. There was a crowded house, the various items being - for the most part re-demanded. The programme opened with some musical selections (pianoforte) from “ H.M.S. Pinafore,” by ALr C. Baton. Mr T. J. Kennedy then sang “ The Englishman ” in a way that won deserved applause, and in response to an encore gave the “ Dear Little Shamrock.” .Mrs Thurlow, who is the possessor of a nice voice, rendered “ Come Back to Erin” in a very pleasing manner, and as an encore, “ Who will Buy my Pretty Flowers.” Miss Kate Anderson then sang “ Pin Leaving thee Mother Dear,” and as an encore repeated the last verse. Mr Whitley, who was down on the programme for a song, failed to put in an appearance, and Mr Stone, who was also to have rendered assistance was prevented by illness from attending. Mr T. J. Kennedy, however, is a host in himself, and he supplied the comic element in way that could hardly be surpassed. “Courting in the kitchen,” one of his Irish songs, literally brought down the house, and in response he sang another Irish song “ Broth of a Boy,” which was also exceedingly well received. Mr P. Foster sang “Goodbye Sweetheart,” in a very pleasing manner, and as an encore obliged with “ Happy be thy Dreams.” Mr W. B. Hawkins, whose make-up was grotesque in the extreme then sang a song in character, “ Just look at Him.” Owing to the singer wearing a mask, however, his words were not quite so audible as they should have been, and this detracted from the effect of his song. The distribution of prizes won at the Sports’ meeting followed, and the wdnners of the various prizes were loudly cheered as one by one they stepped upon the platform to receive the prizes from the President of the Club, Mr W. F. Newberry. The prizetakers were as follows : —J. O’Connor, £1 10s; A. T. Smith, £10; D. Hyland, £5 5s ; J. Lawry, £4 ; .(. Dalgleish, £4 ; T. McAulilfe, £S.

Wo must not omit to mention that Professor Snodgrass, an athlete of considerable ability, performed on the horizontal bar, going through the most difficult feats in a way that showed his thorough familiarity with the exercise. The performance concluded with poor old Buckstone’s well-known comedietta, “ Nan. the Good for Nothing.” Miss Kate Anderson appeared as Nan, and gave a natural and pleasing pourtvayal of the character. Not only had Miss Anderson succeeded in thoroughly grasping (he character, but she also exhibited a thorough acquaintance with the business of the part. Mr T. AY. Anderson appeared as “ Harry Collier,” the railway lircman.and Mr J. Shappere as“ Young Mr Simpson.” Mr A. Holmes appeared to some advantage as “Charlie, the young carpenter,” but Mr T. J. Kennedy, as Tom Dibbles, the goodhearted but quick-tempered gardener, was undoubtedly the life and soul of the piece. His make-up might possibly have been improved upon, but his acting was really first-rate, and made one reget that we do not more frequently see Mr Kennedy behind the footlights.