THEATRE ROYAL

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXII, Issue 3074, 31 January 1894, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL

Stray Leaves Company and Voss's Mahbionettes.

The holding capacity of the Theatre Royal was fully tested on Monday evening when standing room only was obtainable even before 8 o'clock. The large holiday audience had gone there to enjoy themselves and were sot disappointed as the unanimous verdict was, 'A capital entertainment,' Every item on the long programme was fully a^pireciatetl and encores were the order of the evening. The majority of the.audleiice hdd gone there to witness the first . appearance of Mr Chas. Voss's f Mamonettes t and this gentleman is to be congratulated on the successful debut of his clever troupe of pttppeW A storm of applause greeted him as the raising of the curtain discovered a complete circle of life sized mechanical figures. Mr Voss himself was in the centre, on his left side were an elderly latfy, a Quaker and a corner man with a tambourine in his hand ; on the .right were a soldier, a /^Clunfianani and another corner man with the orthodox bones. In front of Mr. Voss was a little girl, prettily featured and nicely dressed. The corner men manipulated their different instruments in a ! manner that would shame a great many corner men that we have seen. Each member contributed a song and each song was encored. The jokes and funny sayings of 'Bones' and * Tambo ' were fully appreciated, and th© laughter was- spontaneous and hearty. The figures worked like clockwork, their various actions causing much amusement and the entertainment was undoubtedly ah unbounded success. Mr Voss worked the whole circle himself, each voice was different the various changes from one to another being marvellous, and his great powers of mimiqry Stood him in great stead* on this occasion. At. the falling of the curtain Mr Voss was greeted with a perfect* showed of genuine and rapturous applause which was kept up until he bowed, his acknowledgments. Mr H. Riley was also veiy successful in his several songs, his make up and bye-play were exceedingly clever and artistic, he has a pleasing voice, and can use it well ; his songs, * The Hooligans' and * Dance upon your grave,' : especially were highly diverting and he had to respond to encores. * Miss Bell Hindes, and Messrs McEwart, Parker// and Armour were very successful in their endeavours to please the audience. Mr Chas. Hill officiated at the piano and greatly assisted the various performers. A dance followed whiolv was well attended.