Theatre Royal.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7939, 30 September 1905, Page 2

Theatre Royal.

NATION* MILLS QUINTETTE PARTY. The warmth of the reception accorded to Mr Watkin- Mills 'and his celebrated concert party, on their appearance at Xew Plymouth 011 Friday evening, nasi most marked, the large auhience tieing one of 'the most enthusiastic ever witnessed in the Theatre Iloyal Mr Mills iwasaccorded a great reception, for tile audience had kindly and most appreciative recollections of his previous visit, and that his selection of highclass vocalists at Home to accompany him on his world's lour is admirable was shown' by the splendid reception each member of the company was given, The prograimme was a superb; musical treat from, start to finish, such- as the public can inly hope to he.u:;ut very rare intervals. Though a lengthy programme was put forward it was considerably extended 'by a 'delighted audience rapturously encoring every item, and insisting 011 recalling the vocalists -to an almost 'inconsiderate degree. Mr Watkin Mills' ability as a great artist is too woli | knewn to need recapitulation. His magnificent voice was' heaixl in a number of selections, which drew forth rounds of applause, the audii ence being loth to part with him. "She Alcna Chflrmcth My Sad-

ness", was sung 'in his host style, and in the New SScalaml song "Tangi" (a Maori lamentj specially dedicated to the famous basso by Mr Fred Hill, Mr Mills reached the ideal. The, song is a. remarkably fine one, and his interpretation was a flno win —weird, dramatic, and declaratory, the truo Maori expression. The battle cry effect is one not 60011 forgotten' Miss Gertrude Lonsdale showed 'herself to lxi the possessor of a rich cultured contralto voice of great range and power, and save her various numbers with charming effect, her enunciation being perfect, and her expression artistic. She was forth rounds of •applause,' the audience. The soprano, Miss Edith Ivirkwood, has a sweet, flexible voice of great purity and delightful 111 tin high register. Iler initial song "Caro Nome," from "Higoletto,"

was an operatic £en\ rendered with brilliancy ami fueling, as indeed ; wero all ht-r songs. A pure tenor _yoiee is always very attractive, and in Mt Harold Wilde th« audience'heard a vocal isi of considerable artistic ability. The solo "<J rail , Song, or Lohengrin's Narration" was an exacting number, but the execution and declamatory effects left nothing to be desired. In the lighter songs he was equally at homo, with graceful ami easy vocalisation, The second part of the programme was the soivg cycle "The T>ai-si Chain." which recalled childish days, youthful aspirations, ami pretty sentiments, in twelve songs ami quartettes. The concerted numbers during the evening were greatly appreciated, aird strikingly showed what perfection part singing'has attained. Air Edouard VarlovKz, a pianist of some note, greatly pleased the audience with his solo pieces. It will be welcome news to all lovers of music to learn tlmt Mr Watkin mills ami his company will return to Xew Plymouth on Wednesday evening, Oct. 2.">, when a complete change of programme will 1)0 given, including the exquisite song cycle "Flora's Holiday," which is full of merriment all through.

"THE MAGIC KETTLE." A very novdattractien is the "Magic Kettle" which- Professor IVmlrews, is to introduce to New Plymouth audiences in connection wi 1 h Mr Geo. Stephenson's' new company of entertviners, who -are to appear at the Theatre Royal oil Tuesday and Wednesday next. Willi his kettle Mr Andrews perforins 11 number of most aston sliingf'-ats, which really must Ije seen to b« believed. All the effects are produced by the. action of liquid air—that most mysterious fluid, the possibilities of,which are incalculable, l-'or. the purpose of r amifncturing his liquid air Mr Andrews has brought with him from London a special plant in charge of an experienced engineer. A second novelty is Alma, the magician's new and startling illusion. entitled ''lda —Goddess of tho Air." The company includes the famous' Pierrot entertainers, Trinity Hoys' Choir, Miss Eisa Dwycr, Mr N. J. Gehde. Miss Kls-io 11. Peerless, Jlr 1". H. Stokes and others. The plan of reserved seats is 011 view at Mr I>. Mckiiiuou Bain's.