THE GAIETY COMPANY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8479, 10 May 1893, Page 5

THE GAIETY COMPANY.

A TALK WITH MR W. HUGHES. Mr Hughes, who comes here in advance of the London Gaiety Company in the in. terests of Messrs Williamßon and Musgrove, who have had the enterprise to transfer the Gaiety Company to New Zealand, is well known to all. He first made acquaintance with New Zealand in "The Fun on the Bristol," then "The Private Secretary,*' followed by Williamson, Garner and Musgrove's Opera Company ; the Royal Comedy Company, who produced "Jim the Penman, See. ; Williamson's Opera Company, second visit; Charles Warner, "Bridget O'Brien," and Gondoliers Company. To* day he comes with the world-renowned London Gaiety Company. The company was engaged by Mr Geo. Musgrove in London after two visits of tho same Com. pany, headed by Miss Nellie Farren and Mr Fred Leslie, The Company arrived in Melbourne about April, 1892, and for the firat twenty weeks in Australia wereengaged by Mt Harry Musgrove until the reorganisation of the firm of Williamson and Musgrove. Thi company played at the Opera House, TAeb bourne, and also in Sydney, Adelaide, and Brisbane. They played a return season In Melbourne, aud then the pautomime season being on the Company was divided, one-half playing in tho pautomime in Sydney and the" other half in Melbourne. At the close of the pantomime season tho Company reorganised, and under the management of Messrs Williamsou and Musgrove com* menced a season of burlesque in Sydney for four week.. At the couolusion ol this tour the Company started for Auckland, openiug there on April 13th. " What do 1 know about the Company!" said Mr Hughes after the usual exchange of mutual regards and consideration. " Well, I have seen their performance in Mel* bourne, and don't you forget it, they aro a dandy crowd." Here let it be noted that "dandy" in American colloquialism means that whatever ia referred to is extra good. " Havo yon heard 'Ballyhool'oy' and 'KiUaloe,'" said Mr Hughes, with that indescribable wink which those who know him will appreciate. " Well, he's the boy who made the souga. He is the creator of tho parts iv ' Faust up to Date,' 'Esmeralda,*' &c.,and ia a hard worker. From the time he comes on until the curtain drops he works hard. In ' Faust up to Date' he sings the coster songs, which you will I know appreciate. He sings ' The Future Mrs 'Awkins,' and he is a really wonderful comedian. Mr Lonnen on tho stage is lull of fun, and keeps his audience amused all tho time. Mr Courtuoidgo is a comedian of the quiotly humorous turn, and he ably assists Mr Lonnen* Mr Haslem is what is technically called 'the old man' 'of the company and has a good baritone voioj*, which is heard to advantage in the various numbers of the operatic burlesques we play." Hero Mr Hughes paused for a few moments, apparently overcome by tho emotions induced by tho next few words. "Now," said he, "I como to Miss Addia Conyeis. You have seen her picture, but she is ono of the best actresses and singers we have had here. She has been one of the principals of the Gaiety Company for some years, and I can tell Jou she will bo a big favourite in Christchurch." As to Miss Alice Lethbridge Mr Hughes was moat enthusiastic. "She is the most beautiful dancer you ever saw in the country. She has inado the greatest succosa In Australia. Sylvia Grey or any of them, has never come near her in the fin de titcU style of dancing, that known as skirt dancing. In * Faust up to Date' she will give you an idea of her powers, but don'b you forget it. Even I stand at the back and look at her with admiration. Mlv Alice Learner is the rival of Lottie Collins in th.c fascinating Ta-ra-ra-boom-do-ay, From her picture you will see that she ia not at all unlike Miss Violet Varley, who was so great a favourite here some little time ago with ' The Gondoliers.' Miss Learner ia one of the best song and dance artistes you have had here for a while. In her acting sho is piquante, and there is a great amount of dash about her. Miss Leila Roz* is a good burlesque artiste, both singing and dancing well. Miss Aggie Kelton, who will be remembered with pleasure by theatregoers here, is also very good. Miss Cora Tinnie and Miaa Flora Ksdailo are also very capable members of the company. As to the orchestra, Mr Lovell Phillips is in charge of the orchestra and chorus, and it is really first class." At this point Mr Hughes became very serious. "We have," said he, " about forty in the chorus and ballet. I always see tho ballot from the front, and the whole of thispaj-tof the work of the company is under the supervision of Mr W. Rayuham. The orchestra comprises fifteen, all of whom travel with un. The repertoire includes four operas, viz., 'Miss Esmeralda,' 'Faust up to date,' 'Carmen up to data,' and "Joan of Arc.' We open on Tuesday night with * Faust.' "