Academy of Music.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2835, 16 March 1878, Page 2

Academy of Music.

An amateur variety performance in aid of the funds of the Hibernian Band came o J at the Academy of Music last evening. The house was a pretty fair one so far as the gallery and front seats were concerned, but the,pit was not well patronised. Before the opening of the programme the Hibernian Band played some selections in very good style, on the portico, and sub* sequently performed several overtures. The.first item was a performance on the horizontal bar by the well known amateur gymnasts Messrs Anderson and Eeddy, who were deservedly applauded by.the audience. Mr Airey, in his usual good style, sang "The Minstrel Boy," after which Mr J. Winchcombe appeared, and introduced a jockey hornpipe. The dancer was attired, in full jockey costume,

and the audience vociferously testified their approval of Iho performance. Miss Hunter was beard to great advantage in the singing of ' Shylie Bawn," and in response to an encore she sang " Norah O'-Noil," in which she exceeded her previous .effort.''-' Some high trapeze business by Messrs Anderson and Jleddy—very good in its Way — followed, the more daring feats being loudly applauded. The first part of the entertainment concluded with a laughable negro sketch, " M-t by Chance," by Messrs Hay. and George, in which the former displayed a fair amount of ability for the negro business. After a short interval, Mr K. Kodgers, whose first nppearancebefore a Thames audience it was, went through some difficult feats on the single high trapeze. His performance was wel! received-by the audience. Mrs Bruce sang " O steer my baric," and, notwithstanding that she appeared a little nervous, it-was very fairly rendered A double song and dance by Messrs Eay and George and a song by Mr Airey followed, and were also well received. Messrs Anderson and Keddy then introduced their wonderful serial flights, which certainly appeared a most dangerous performance. The programme was concluded by the performance of a sketch called " Scenes in a Chemist's Shop." . This was really first-rate, and kept the audience in roars of laughter, Mr Say, as Billy Grattan, greatly contributing to. the 'amusement. There was a dance after the ! performance at which a large number were present, the music being supplied by the Hibernian band. In conclusion we mast say that the whole performance reflects the greatest credit on the performers, and it is no wonder that professional variety troupes here will not draw while we have i amateurs such as performed last night.