A MUSICAL FEAST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 330, 4 March 1910, Page 5

A MUSICAL FEAST.

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS. Nothing so delightfully artistic, relined, and enjoyable has been submitted to New Plymouth theatre-goers in the line of music as the fresh, piquant programme introduced by the ".Scarlet Troubadours" last evening at the opening performance of their second return m'iimiii. Before eight o'clock there was a crowded, expectant throng of people in the Theatre The memory of the last visit of tiie Troubadours was still fresh They expected something of exceptional me.-t, and there was not a man or won,.in who did not leave tiie building lirnny convinced that they had hcc:i given of the best, and were more than satisfied. Tlm» programme as set out was a long one, but as each item was absolutely a "star'' number an encore was demanded and heartily given. Many of the items received double recalls, and even then the audience, like Oliver Twist, wanted more, making the programme of nearly three hours' duration. The prominent feature of the Troubadours is their artistic finish.. They give the gems of the music world, many of them old. but still unrivalled for beauty and charm. Their concerted numbers are a treat, of harmonious blending and artistic delight. Last night each solo was almost" an entertainment of itself. "The Last Flagon" and "Old Squire Hob" were splendidly giv. n bv Mr Ford Waitimro, whose rich, impressive bass voice was •it its .best. "lhe Devout Lover," sting with great feeling by .Mr Alfred Cunningham, had a line reception, and in his encore number, -'The Toreador." he was even more successful. The jester of the company, Mr. Edgar Warwick, was wonderfully quaint in his numbers' •particularly in '-The Countryman's Visit to London." j\[r. Sidney Mannermg interpreted with true art "Drink to Me Only" anil other excellent numbers. Mr. Claude Leplastrier executed s-omu wonderfully clever chalk and ciavon lightning sketches, including a view of the New Plymouth Recreation (Wounds, "Pelorns Jack," and "Before and After the Races." "A May Morning sung by Miss Madge Nicholson, was a very pleasing 'number. Miss Maud Fane's rendering of "The Bee's Wedding" was' imparted with a fairy lightness and cuarm that was essential to the song. Miss Gertrude Parker received unstinted applause for her num. beis, and her delightfully crisp vocalism found sparking!y humorous expression m ''She Didn't Know Enough about the Game 1 ' and Meanie." I n the latter she was recalled three times. The concerted numbers included "Sleep Little Pickaniny," "On the Banks of Allan Water," and the exceedingly laughable "Village Pump." The accompanist, Mr. Leonard Griffiths, is an ideal artist. To-night is the last of the season. An entire change of programme will be given Our advice to our readers- is. 'Go." '