Rickards, Vaudeville Co.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 238, 12 October 1904, Page 2

Rickards, Vaudeville Co.

If there be any virtue in the adage "laugh and grow tot," there will be an increase of weight In New I'lymouth this morning, lor tho audience which assembled at tlie theatre Royal laal evening'to witness the performance of Rickards' Vaudeville Company have, no doubt, not laughed so long and heartily for many u day. Every one of the nuns is full of merit, the whole being what it is claimed, bright and sparkling, wiith no vulgarity. Some of tho artistes- are old favourites, and these showid no failure of talent or diminution of popularity. In the Smith sisters, the company possesses duettists and dancers of no> mean order, and eadii appearance gained them enthusiastic encores, tine last item ljeing novel club swinging whilst dancing a clog dance. Tlie prettiest item was the spectacular dance by Miss Ada Delroy, the effect being one of the linest seen in the town. In passing it may lie stated tli.it evi>rj . in on the programme was encored, l. .■ public showing keen appreciation of i'.;v vAcellent catering for their taste. Miss Maggie Frasor, the serio-comic vocalist and dancer, giavo some coon songs in a maimer which quickly established her a favourite. Mr Edward Ford was inimitable in his facial and character Studies, introducing several novelties, while Mr Jim Hell, in the Sonegiaimbian oddities gave the audience some distinctly characteristic conceptions. Goorge Bentley, us comedian, was so good that a double encore was demanded. The com-' bination, Fond and Bentley, proved irresistible, and the maimer in which the former induced his fellow artiste to " lay an ogig " created roars of laughter. The Medley Melange by M.ss Delroy and Air Jim Hell was followed by a very clever duet on the bells, which were affixed in such a mnnnor as to remind one forcibly of the " Lady 0 f Dambury Cross." Tho animated pictures were undoubtedly among the best seen here for some time, especially those depicting "Canadian Salmon Fishing," " A Trip Up the Thames," ami " The Daylight Burglary." The conclud|ii'i«| piece was a comedietta "Tho Locket," the extravagant situations pro voking one continuous scream oil laughter, and sending everyone home in excellent spirits. Tho parts were :—Lottie Him (an .actress), Miss Ada Delroy; Mrs Piper, Moss Maggie Fraser; Mormaduka, Mr Edward Ford ; Timothy Piper, Mr Jim Bell. Mr H. Hennlngham was accompanist. For two hours' honest fun and hearty laughter no surer prescription can bo given than Rickards'.

Last evening tt telegram wus received from Auckland stating that Mr Will Van Allen. Mr J. W. Winton, ami Miss Maud Beatty had sailed per Rotoiti, and will consequently be in New Plymouth this morning. Mr Will Van A!le n comes with a great European reputation as & high-class musician, and there is not an instrument yet invented of which Mr Allen i,s not master. His enter- , tamiucnt this evening will be par-, ticulariy amusing as well as instructive to all lovers of musk. Miss Maud Beatty is too well-known' to require any Introduction. Tonight will mark her first appearance ■n this colony since her return from Ixmdon, where aho was specially selected in last year's Drury Lane, pantomimo for the role of principal boy. Of Mr J. W. Winton and his friend "McGln'ty," of ventriloquial fame, little need tie said. As a ventriloquist Mr Winton has held his own against all "imported stars" during his Australian career, and with (a budget of novelties, selected by him during hiisf last visit to England, Mr Winton'd contribution to the programme to-night should prove one, of its most interestiimg items. Mr nicknrds' company terminate their visit to New Plymouth this evening, and as all arrangements are complete for months to come there