Academy of Music.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3694, 27 October 1880, Page 2

Academy of Music.

There was a large and appreciative audience at the above place of amusement on the occasion of the benefit to MissE. Mason, tendered by the members of the Thames Cricketers Amateur Dramatic Club, assisted by the fair berieficiare and Misses Ensor and Harris. The piece selected was Craven's amusing comedy, " Broken Vows," and though one or two of the gentlemen were not over well acquainted with their parts, the performance was exceedingly creditable. Miss Mason's representation of the thoughtless though warm-hearted Meg Crow was a masterpiece of comic acting, and in it she exceeded all her previous efforts before the footlights. Miss Ensor, whose deb&t it was, made a charming Cornelia, and spoke in a clear, distinct voice not by any means common with lady debutants. A word of praise is also due to Miss Harris, another debutante, who had a splendid conception of her part of the widow, Mrs Netwell. Of the gentlemen, Mdssrs Grey, as the soft-headed Jasper Fidgeon, and Mr F. Burgess, in the role of the simpletons' polished brother, were undoubtedly the best, both gentlemen fully realising what was required of them. Mr Turner's Farmer Crow was a slightly labored representation, though his excellent make up and Devonshire accent made amends for his other faults. Mr Mr Cloonan's Lawyer Eytem was exceedingly amusing, more especially as he had " made up" in imitation of a certain well known local legal gentleman. The likeness was strikingly apparent, and "took " immensely. Mr George A. Burgess in the role of Squire Merton played fairly, but without, sufficient vim. Taking the performance on the whole it is much above whit is usually expected from amateurs. The situations were exceedingly effective, and the points of the comedy well brought out. The performance concluded with a dance, to which a good number remained, the music being supplied by Mr K. A. E. Owen. Prior to the commencement of the performance the fine . band of the Scottish battalion played several selections from the balcony of the Academy.