SATURDAY POPULAR CONCERTS.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 95, 23 April 1894, Page 2

SATURDAY POPULAR CONCERTS.

The first of a series of popular conoerts which it is proposed to give weekly took place in the Opera House on Saturday night, and was a. pronounced snecess. Mr. K. P. Johnson (manage) and those who took part in the entertainment are to be congratulated upon the result of their efforts to provide a pleasant evening's amusement at a-'ifiinimnm charge. The dress circle and stalls wore filled to overflowing, whilst the remaining portions of the house were well patronised. Encores were the rule, and this had the effect of prolonging the lengthy programme. Madame Sheath sang with great expression Arditi's waltz-song " II Bacio" in the first part, and the ever - acceptable "Kathleen Mavourneen" in the second portion of tho concert, and was recalled in both instances. Miss Coltman sang '.' Dear Heart," which was encored. She was evidently suffering from nervousness. Mr. R. B. Williams' street and sympathetic voice was heard to great advantage in Sullivan's beautiful song:, " Once Again," which he had to repeat. He contributed " The Palms " later in the evening. Mr. W. J. Haybittle sang " The Village Blacksmith 'fcwith good effect, and recited " The Ticket of Leave," and in each, instance he had the advantage of some capital limelight illustrations. The remaining performers were Messrs. J. H. Helliwell (who gave a sketoh, " The Morning Call"),*W. D. Lyon (in comic songs), and R. P. Johnson, <who sang with taste "In Shelter'd Vale." Mr. Helliwell was highly successful in eho wing some excellent views of English and Continental scenery. Mrs. Matthews played an effective pianoforte solo, and accompaniments.