ST. ANDREWS LADIES EVENING.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 58, 31 July 1896, Page 5

ST. ANDREWS LADIES EVENING.

That a band of lady amateurs could draw such a large audience to Thomas's Hall in such weather as last night's, and keep that audience amused for two hours, augurs well for the time when the mere man will hand over to the conquering sex the last remnants of his dominion. The entertainment last night, which was given in aid of the St. Andrew's Church Dorcas Socibty, was cleverly constructed and as cleverly carried *• out. The first part of the programme consisted of a comedietta entitled " The Lady Help," written by one of the ladies who acted therein. This was a happily-conceived skit upon the servant girl question, and, though, weak in the "curtain," it contained much that was amusing. The part of the Chinese cook, Quong Soh, played by a well-known lady amateur, must be singled out for its humour and absurdity. The other characters were all capably played. After an interval the curtain rose upon "Butterfly Land," and disclosed a group of the inhabitants, presided over by their Queen. A smartly-written and up-to-date libretto, by Mr. H. B. Bridge, served to introduce a number of appropriate songs, dances, and choruses, interspersed with numerous witty criticisms of local institutions. Three of the vocal items were from Gilbert and Sullivan's opera "Utopia, Limited," which was recently produced in England. The solo in the opening chorus, "In Lazy Languor," was well given by Miss Phceba Parsons. A duet from the same work, "Although of Native Maids the Cream," was charmingly sung by Misses A. K. Parsons and Watson, and was encored. The chorus " Quaff the Nectar" was well sung. Miss Eva Burnett sang " Oh, Foolish Fay" (" lolanthe "). One of the prettiest numbers was the solo " Lazily, Drowsily," from "Christopher Columbus," sung by Miss Nellie Parsons, and accompanied by a humming chorus. Miss A. K. Parsons' clear voice was well suited to her solo,, " Where the Bee Sucks." Miss Queenie Letham, in the song "I Don't Want to Play in Tour Yard," scored a great success, and had to repeat a verse. Miss Lun Watson, besides making a very charming Queen of Butterfly Land, gave a recitation with much histrionic and elocutionary ability, which she surpassed, however, in her encore selection. A graceful dance by six Butterflies, though oramped by the smallness of the stage, was well received. The solo and chorus " The Country Butterfly," a burlesque of the song " Her Golden Hair," was sung with much zest by Miss Watson and the chorus. The ladies organising the entertainment are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts, and we may express the hope that the public will be given another opportunity, in mon favourable weather, of hearing a performance of such merit.