LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 2988, 22 January 1881, Page 3

LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE.

The above troupe arrived hy the Ringarooma this morning, and will open at tho Theatre Royal on Monday evening in " Kobinson Crusoe." A Christchurch contemporary reporting on the piece has tho following:—" The opening piece was Colville's Musical Extravaganza, entitled " Robinson Crusoe, or the Pirate of Palm Bay," produced for the first time in Christchurch, and we must congratulate the management on having hit the public taste so well, judging from the applause with which the piece was received. It opens with Jem Cooks (Mr George Leopold), who is one of tho heat low comedians we hare ice«

in Christchurch, his make-up and dancing being much admired, and ho must he very pleased at tho hearty applause with which he was received. Miss Lydia Howardo as Robinson Crusoe, was greeted with a perfect shower of bouquets, and it was some little time before the applause with which she was welcomed back subsided. Shedressed nicely, sang sweetly, and treated tho audience to some first cla33 acting throughout tho evening. Miss Lolo de Glorian took the part of Angelica, the beloved of Jem Cooks, and sang "So naughty" nicely, for which she wa9 encored. She also took her part Well. Wo arc then introduced to the pirate, Will Atkins (Mr F. W. Fisher),and his confederate Gig (Miss Blanch Leopold.) Will Atkins looks a bloodthirsty villain, and plays his part very carefully. Gig is a very coquettish-looking confederate, and also takes her part well. Polly Hopkins, the beloved of Crusoe, is taken by Miss Andrews, who is also loved by the Pirate, and renders her part excellently when she bids farewell to Crusoe, and when she is being cross-questioned by the Pirate. Wo believe that, in time, she will make a very good actress. Ylang Zlang, the Indian Queen, is taken by Miss Minnie Murielle ; and we must congratulate that young lady on her impersonation of the character, which was life-like. She acted without affectation, and was perfectly natural, her dress and appearance being perfect. Mr Harry Power took the part of Friday, and played it well ; both he and Miss Howarde, in the island scene, acting excellently. The scenery was splendid, especially the waterfall and the singing of the birds, for which the artist Mr Williams, was called before the curtain, a compliment which he well merited. The other characters, especially the Indians, were fairly filled. There were some very good local hits by Miss Howarde and Harry Power, amongst which were several touching our two candidates for the Mayoralty, which were received with uproarious applause."