Mr Thomas Bracken at the Academy of Music.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4934, 1 November 1884, Page 2

Mr Thomas Bracken at the Academy of Music.

Mr Thos. Bracken- must be complimented od the success which has attended his first appearance before a Thames audience. The enthusiasm which he created last evening was genuine, and the general opinion expressed by those present was one of thorough satisfaction. Without following Mr Bracken through his carefully selected and well chosea programme, we may state that the following pieces pleased us best: —" Barbara EYeitchie," " What's your Religion," that inimitable satire on a certain school of preaching. " The Modern Sermon " ; that incomparable piece of drollery, " Father Phil's Subscription List"; and last,! but by no means least, Mr Bracken's lowa productions, " Not Understood," " Old Bendigo,'' and " Passing through the Gate." The last named piece was given with great feeling and tenderness. Me Bracken, though an extremely clever exponent of passion and pathos, is, to our mind, more at home in humor, and the style in which he gave Lover's side-split-ting sketches of Irish life demonstrated, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he thoroughly understands the droll traits and humorous proclivities of the Hibernian character. It is almost needless to observe that the audience left the Academy perfectly satisfied with the literary treat which had been provided for them by Mr Bracken. This evening " The poets of Ireland " will form the subject of Mr Bracken's lecture, and no man in the Colony is batter qualified to deal with the bards of the Green Isle. The lecture will be illustrated by readings from the works of Moore, Lover, Banim, Keegau, Wolfe, Goldsmith, Griffin, Davis, Waller, and a host of other Irish minstrels. Lefann's popular sketch of the Irish Rebellion, " Shamus O'Brien," is to be recited, and Keegan's " Caoch the Piper " is also to be rendered. The programme embraces over 20 selections, and the humorous and pathetic pieces are so well interwoven that a great literary treat is promised. We feel confident that Mr Bracken's efforts to instruct and amuse will be rewarded this evening by a crowded house.