THE COURT CARDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 285, 11 May 1915, Page 8

THE COURT CARDS.

During the past few years New Plymouth has been visited by various costame comedy companies, all of whom have been warmly welcomed and have fully sustained their reputation iby the performance given. Consequently, when a costume company: is announced New Plymouth theatre-goers look forward to something good. This was the ca;e last night., when Edward Warwick's Costume Concert Company, "The Court Cards," were greeted iby a good -house 011 the opening of their two nights' season. The audience was delighted by the bill of fare presented by the members of thin brilliant and versatile combination. Sparkling items followed one another in rapid succession, there not being oni dull moment. Practically the entire performance scintillated with gaiety, in which the drolleries of the joker's absurdities were delivered so quaintly that they never failed to draw, Each member of the company is a specialist, and is the possessor of a fine voice, which is msed to advantage both in solo and concerted work. Seldom has a more gifted soprano graced tli.i stage than Miss Maud Fane. She possesses a pleasing, flexible voice, and her clear enunciation at once made 'tor a favorite. Sin was doubly recalled for her rendering ol "Blue-Eyed Baby," and gave '"Jane of Maiden Lane" and "My Young Man." Mr. Sydney; Mannering's l>->JI-liKo tenor was especially good in "Somewhere a ■voice is calling," with invisible violin obligato. The encore number was "The Trumpeter." -Mr. Graystone delighted with las powerful deep bass. He had to respond to three recalls with "Keep tho Home Fires Burning," "Up from Somersetshire,'' and "Drinking." Mr. Edgar Warwick's light comedy was very mirthprovoking, ihis business being particularly good, whilst his patter was all original. He brought down tue house with "Languages," to which he gave a double encore. Mr. George Tichener kept the audience in roars of laughter, his sketch with Miss Fane, "Stuttering Jim," being his masterpiece, whilst his monologues, "Proposals," "Far Away," etc., were great mirth producers. In the numerous concerted numbers the voices •blended harmoniously, and all the incidental by-play added to the effect. The second half showed a scene in Holland. -Mr. Sydney Mannering rendered "Dreamboat," and had to submit to an insistent encore. Mr. George Tichoncr delighted with his Mince Pie stories. Miss Winifred Mitchell gave two selections on the violin, proving herself to he an artiste of rare skill. Miss Maud Fane again held the audience spellbound with "I Want You," and she was not allowed to depart until she had twice responded; The musical sketches, "Hagtime Shopping" and "Jack and Jill," that concluded each section of the programme, were full of fun and frolic. The pianoforte playing of ; Mr. Albert Keats added considerably to the success of the even-

To-night .the ''Court Cards" will ftgain appear. There will, however, be another shuffle of the pack, as an entire change of programme will be submitted, including a new scena.