MR F. CATES’S BENEFIT.

Evening Star, Issue 7471, 15 March 1888, Page 2

MR F. CATES’S BENEFIT.

The well known actor, Mr Frank Cates, took a well-deserved benefit at the Princess’s Theatre last evening, when, notwithstanding counter attractions, there was a very fair house. , The programme was made up of recitations and vocal selections, and a very pleasant evening’s entertainment was afforded those who attended. Mr Cates is an elocutionist of greater merit than was hitherto generally known, and his powers of mimicry being strongly developed, all classes of recitations come alike to him. That this is so last night’s performance proved beyond dispute, for Mr Cates was set down for no less than nine pieces, and these ranged from Shakespeare downwards through Dickens, Tom flood, Albert Smith, and Calverley, to the Australian poet Lindsay Gordon. It will readily be understood that the subjects were of a very varied nature, but every one of them was treated in a highly praiseworthy manner ; and that they were appreciated by the audience was evidenced by the hearty applause that rewarded Mr Cates’s every effort. Mr H. Norman contributed a recitation ‘ Coeur de Lion at the bier of his father’ (by Mrs Hemans) in excellent style, while some capital part songs were given by a number of our leading vocalists. Mrs Angus sang ‘ True to the Last ’ exceedingly well, and gained an encore for it; and Mr J. Jago received a similar compliment for a fine rendering of Hobson’s popular barcarole ‘ Here upon my vessel’s deck.’ Other songs were well given, by Messrs XX. B. Smith, F, F. M‘Carthy, C, Umbers, and F. L. Jones. Daring the evening Mr Cates made a short speech thanking those who had assisted him in the entertainment, and also those of the public who had patronised it. In conclusion he said that he hoped to return here some day with a dramatic company under his own management, an announcement which was received with much applause.