THE ENGLISH PIERROTS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 252, 19 July 1920, Page 3

THE ENGLISH PIERROTS

. RETURN: OF 'A POPULAE COMPANY • A After;an abeence of two years,- the ■English Pierrots, who hold all kinds of ' records: for long and successful seasons ; here' and elsewhere, returned to the Concert Chamber on Saturday evening to charm, (i pt'tked'house with their-cheer-ful In: : some respects .the Pierrots have changed the Manner of- their show;'' They Have broadened its basia, musically and in style, and whilst the simple white Pierrot costume 3 are- only now seen in . glimpses, which many, may regret, the: mixieniising of'the costuming, and the inclusion of a, ladies' orchestra, will doubtless please the Pierrots many patrons. The persannel of the company is' the .aaftio as! formerly, as far as-the men-are concern- , ed. but the brilliant El?a Langley, Billie • .Wilson, and-Eima Youn ? have left the stage for, the domestic sphere, and their places:hnve been filled with others. The 'performance on Saturday evening was delightfully brisk,. clever, and amusing, ine ladies instrumental quartet is distinctly gifted. Qn entering, the Pierrots were given a very hearty recention, and ]olly . concerted items 'as "Mirth," The, Farmyard," and "Bound to Win" soon established good - feeling in the big / •audience. The merry comicality "Ma- " "I'demoiselle; from Armentieres" was humorously diverted' away from ita original with character impersonations. Mr. David Lyle and Mr. Hoy Cooko attuned their rich voices to the-mellow delights' • °f 'The Garden of My Heart," and the pretty pastorale "Where,the Priiurcse" was sung with real artistry. Miss Thelma Redgrave, a 6oubrette, whose songs .lean towards, the- voluptuous, sank "Somebody's Baby." Her encore .'lumber, Youd be .Surprised," was. oven, more bo. Mr. Ix&Iio Austin, . light comedian and a graceful dancer, succeeded in rehabilitating himself as a prime favourite in 'Wonderful -Girl 9," 1 in which some of •. them assisted. Mr. David Lylo is a tenor of sterling merit. T His ringing voice is not'-only strong find finely-tim-bred, but the einger_ uses head andheart, and each of his songs; is an artistic gem. On Saturday Mr. Lyle sang im C ' u ' re Have Taught Me," and Eoses of-Picardy". in- a. manner that should 'be a le s eon to all stragglers along the vocal way. Mies Maxine M'Kenzie became immediately a favourite. : Her youthful manner, . engaging personality, and appearance were quite effective in 'Four Attentive Men." Misis Eiia Gor-don-has an extremely beautiful soprano voice, full. of music and radiant with that quality which at once interests. Her , range -is , not gieat, but every note 6lio 6ings is'a vocal jewel. She *.aiig "Grandfather's Girl" and "An Old-fashioned Town" delightfully, and was also' the soloist in the Japanese "Wistaria" finale . to the first part, prior to which Mr. W. P. -Turner aang "The Irish Orchestra" and gagged about literary mannerisms. The second part opened with Chaniinade's "Pas de Echartes," by the instruihental quartet, very nicely played. Mr. Roy Cooke's rich baritone voice has deepened if anything, and his notes come full and round to the oudience, but he lieglects to uso his lips, and his enunciation is thereby impaired. He sang' "Blue Boipets" and;" The Company SergeantMajor;" Mr. Charles Lawrcnce, who broke in all-over the place, has a dry humour that powders the palate pleasingly. He was excellent in his "Bridegroom"-, sketch, and always amusing in . the wheezy that cement the programme together. ( Jfiss Joy Bolls, a very graceful and agile dancer,, with Mf. Leslie Austin, made a-decided hit in a modem dance interlude, and Mim .Lillian Colenzo's broad comedy-iii "Mother Hung th©,Wa.shing on the Line" was immense- . ly appreciated. Miss Vera Jurs, a gifted violinist, .with, fine technical facility, played most ably Miisin's "Mazuka de Concert," and a ballad. The programme concluded with the. comedietta "Uncle's Conversion." The accompanist, Miss MTycod, deserves all the high praise the audience .gave her work. Owing to the Concert Chamber having been commandeered by the City Council for a lecture, the Pierrots' will not be able to perform this evening, .but, the season will resume to-morrow' evening, and a. complete change will be made on Saturday next.