AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 322, 23 February 1910, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

A DELIGHTFUL ATTRACTION. In our amusement columns to-day a notice appears announcing the advent of a novel and attractive character, which has been sent from London by Mr. Edward Branscombe. This is the return visit of the famous Scarlet Troubadours Comedy Costume Company, which appears at the Theatre Royal on Thursday and Friday, March 3rd and 4ta. As in the case of Mr. Branscombe's Westminster Glee Party, who visited these colonies some four years ago, the singing is made a distinctive feature, but in place of serious music we are promised that, whilst the musical excellence is still maintained, the programme will for the most part contain humorous numbers given in character and costume. The Troubadous number eight vocalists, six gentlemen and two ladies, amongst them being two iate members of the | famous London Meister Glee Singers. [The fact that they are under the direction of Mr. Edward Branscombe is' sull'i-

cient " hall mark" that their perform- j ance will be most artistic and refined, and worthy of patronage. From ac- i counts to hand we note the company have been performing to crowded and delighted houses in Australia, in consequence of which their visits to some of the larger cities have had to be prolonged. The title adopted by these vocalists (which refers to the costumes in which they first introduce themselves) is somewhat misleading, and might perhaps lead patrons to suppose that their performances were of the vaudeville type, whereas such is' not the case. The class of entertainment they give, although novel to this part of the world, is popular and fashionable in England, and consists of musical numbers, both solo and part-singing, given hi costume, in many case* grouped together to constitute shont scenes, into which are introduced clever witticisms and smart patter. Al- j ready intense interest is being evinced, | and therefore the accommodation at the | Theatre Royal will doubtless be taxed j to its' utmost capacity. The box plans ■ for reserved seats will be opened at, Collier and Co.'s next Saturday morn- i ing at 9 o'clock. The management announce that an entirely new and com- I plete change of programme will be presented each night. Country patrons can : reserve by forwarding money order or ] postal note. | " MISS HOOK OF HOLLAND." "Miss Hook of Holland" is a new thing in musical comedies, so new, indeed, that it can scarcely be called a j musical comedy, if some of the latest arc !to be accepted as comedy and musical. One critic says there has been nothing else so original and good since "The Belle of New Fork." The music is quaint, delightful, s.nd catchy, whilst the book is bright, and wholesome. It has been described as- "the plensantcst musical play of a decade." It makes a catholic appeal, and leaves the pit as happy as the boxes. "Miss Hook" is said to possess the faculty of making everybody about her blithe and glad. She trips: through life with a heart that sings aloud, and the glitter and trappings of the stage do not mar the sweetness 1 of the music. It is further claimed: to be the cleanest play of its kind that has touched New Zealand for a long time. The management promise that the staging and dressing will be worthy of the piece.