AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13226, 21 September 1908, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

THE SCARLET TROUBADOURS. Mr Edward Bransoombe's new company, The Scarlet Troubadours, who made their debut on Saturday night, in addition to giving an exceedingly enjoyable entertainment, possess musical ability of a very high order. Tbfc» was noticeable not only in the more humorous portions of the programme, but in ''The Soldier's Farewell," «.' quartette which is well known to us here. There was a fine balance of voices, added to a musicianly harmonising, which made this number one of the gems of an exceedingly attractive programme. The only regret was that? it was the only representative of itclass. The Troubadours add to their high standard as singers clever acting, and—what is, perhaps, one of the most satisfactory points —the major portion of the music is new, and the effects introduced aro very cleverly workt-d out. On Saturday night the items on tho programme were mainly in lighter vein. Miss May Glenn, who has ai pleasant mezzo soprano voice, aang tastefully "My Tiny Firefly," and th« light effects representing the fireflies* added considerably to tho general completeness of the number. Miss Glenn also took part in tho concerted items) with success. Miss Maud Fane sang artistically a pretty lullaby, and was 'also heard to considerable advantage in the duet "Our Canadian Canoe," a charming composition. Mr Ford Waltham, the baeso of the company, has* a full, round voice of considerable quality and power. His opening number, ''The Song of the Anvil/ afforded him an opportunity to display his» undoubted ability as a vocalist to considerable advantage. Mr Waltham was remarkably good in one of his encore numbers, "'ln Cellar Cool," which he» sang splendidly and with much effect. In the second part Mr Waltham gave "The Jolly Sailor," and sang it well. Mr Sydney Mannering, the tenor of the company, in addition to possessing a melodious voice of fine rango and! power, sings very artistically. He was heard to great advantage in the duet with Miss Fane; and also in "Hem Bowling," in which the humming accompaniment by the chorus had a fine effect. One of the most notable items of the programme was the singing by Mr Alfred Cuningham, a very fine baritone, of "The Song of the Toreador 5 ' from "Carmen." Not only did) Mr Cuningham sing the song brilliant-, ly, but ho acted tho phases of it w -• great success. Mr Cuningham adminis-tered-a reproof to some members of the audience. Whilst singing his encore number, "The Devout Lover," which ho, sang finely, ho was interrupted by ' conversation. The enthusiastic applause which followed his rebuke showed he had we audience with him. Mr Edgar Warwick is a clever comedian, and, what is more, his humour is refined and witty. He sings well, and was particularly good m what was described' on the programme as "A Shakespearian Coon Song" and "Old Pilot Jim" in theeocond part. Mr Carlton, whojbad to ta.ke the place of Mr Percival Mackenzie, who was indisposed, has a very good voice, which was heard to advantage in tho concerted numbers, and' he was also good in bis monolojgue, some of the points being exceedingly amusing. As has been, said, tbo concerted 'work—particularly that of tho male voices—was excellent throughout.' One number, "Nursery Rhymes." especially took the fancy of ence, and it was encored several times. Mr Sydney Griffiths acted as accompanist with a great deal of effectiveness. An addition to the company, Miss Gertrude Parker, a soubrotte and dancer, will join during the week. Tonight tho same programme will g be given, the first change being made on Wednesday evening.