THE LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1351, 26 February 1881, Page 2

THE LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE.

This company appeared for the third time in Hamilton on Thursday night in Gilbert and Sullivan's world-famed and popular comic opera " H.M.S. Pinafore.' 1 Tbe Hall was comfoitably filled by a very appreciative audience. The Hamilto Amateur Band kindly volunteered their services and played a number of selections in fiont of the Hall before the performance commenced. The performance even to tho&e who had seen the company on tbe two previous nights was a surprise. In the acting, singing, and get up of the impersonators and in the st ige arrangements the peice was a deoided success. Except in two or three t articulais it may unhesitatingly be said that the performance was superior to the version given by the Biccardi troupe. With any other "Sir Joseph*' the latter company would not bear comparison with the former. The leal merit of the piece as played at the Oddf How's Hall on Thursday was its evprraess, all the characters beinsr apparently fully imbued with a determination to do the best. Hence, although there were undoubtedly faults.the choruses were in all c.isos suag with spirit and force. Miss Lydia How.irde sustained the part of Josephine with her characteristic ability and grace, the impersonation being thoroughly pleasing. Her singing of the various pictty arias alloted to her, was nuiked by care, and a thorough conception of their significance. In the ducts and trios, her fine voice was also heard to advantage. In particular we admired "Sorry her lot," and "Refrain audacious Tar." Mr Power acted, as he always does,witli scrupulous care, as Captain Corcoran. His voice was somewhat husky, from a seveie cold, but otherwise his singing, moie especially in the duets with Dick Deadeye and Buttercup was admirable, and was fully appreciated by the audience. Mi TVTawry made a very good Sir Joseph, though his acting was better than hi-* singing. He has a fair voice, and with more practice, would fill his part with credit. Mr Hayes, wlu sustained the role of Ralph Eackstraw, is the possessor of an exceptionally fine tenor voice, though unfortunately, like Mr Power, he was obviously buffering from a cold. Nev«u thele^s, he acquitted himself with credit. In the second Act, a new feature was introdufoil, Mr Hiyes singing, with much effect, "The Tar's farewell," and Mr Leopold, the Bo's'n, dancing an amusing hornpipe. The last named gentleman constituted much of the life and &oul of the piece, nnd fully maintained the reputation earned in the othercolonies. MrStarke made the most of the disagreeable and difficult part of Deacleyo, and the parts of Hebe and the sisters and cousins were well taken by Miss Leopold, ilcllle Rose Andrews, and Maud Finceufc respectively. Not the least in importance however, was the •'Buttercup" of Mdlle. De Glorian. Nothing could well be better than his impersonation of the little buui-boaj; woman. * othing of the archness and vivacity pioperly belonging to this part is omitted. The musical arrangements were undet the direction of Mr Walter Hycleb, who contributed innoslightdegree to the success of the perform ince. ' ' Pinafore " will be presented at the Public Hall, Cambridge, on Monrlaay night, when there is certain to be a bumper house. Last night the troupe performed at Cambridge in " Robinson Crusoe," and to-night they will appear m the amusing burlesque " Ivanhoo."